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EnginePart report

2005 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
12%of 43 total for the year
Median mileage
85,750miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Cadillac Escalade, 12% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,750 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have two cracked exhaust manifold bolts. I have read that thousands of similar vehicles have this same condition. I have an intermittent check engine light that it won't pass emissions. I am also worried of where it is located, that it may cause a fire. I would think GM should have an obligation to fix this defect due to the epa violation & safety risk that it posses.”

NHTSA complaint #10552744, filed 2013-11, 95,000 miles

“Failure of exhaust manifold bolts, dealer says not covered under extended warranty....this is a dangerous situation, obviously this is a design defect and should be looked into....after researching on the internet this is a big problem that GM is ignoring.”

NHTSA complaint #10519415, filed 2013-06, 76,500 miles

“Two exhaust manifold bolts have sheared off causing an exhaust leak on both sides of the engine where the exhaust manifold meets the engine. This will possibly lead to emissions failure and high repair cost for me the owner. It will also harm the environment by the exhaust exiting prior to going through the catalytic converter or muffler. Internet research shows this is a widespread problem and needs to be addressed. This should be a recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10531666, filed 2013-07, 143,000 miles

“From parked position placed key in ignition and started car. All warning light (traction control, emergency brake, service stability, etc) remained illuminated and did not go off. Attempted to turn off car and ignition was stuck in on position. Could not turn car off or remove key from ignition. Vehicle had full power and was able to get home even though warning lights activated. Once home, had to try numerous attempts to get vehicle to turn off. Finally, had to unhook battery, pull fuel pump relay, and pull wires out of computer in order to get engine to stop running. …”

NHTSA complaint #10551722, filed 2013-11, 55,000 miles

“I purchased my car used from a dealership in 2009 and I now have the following problems with it. A check engine light that will not go out, the error states the fuel cap is not tight and no matter how much I tightened it never goes away. When fueling the car fuel will overflow if not paying attention. Also the the shift lever position is no longer illuminated so I am not sure which position the car is in most of the time I have to listen and gauge it before trying to put it in gear. …”

NHTSA complaint #11032027, filed 2017-10

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20263695%
20251260%
20243669%
202311077%
20226879%
20214659%
2020643%
20191768%
20181045%
20172243%
20163135%
20152728%
2014315%
2013316%
2012315%
201038%
2009916%
20081310%
20073314%
2006316%
2005512%
200434%
200345%
200233%

Other parts of the 2005 Cadillac Escalade

Electrical system
11 complaints
Air bags
10 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
2 complaints
Suspension
2 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology