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Cadillac EscaladeModel year report

2009 Cadillac Escalade Problems

Compared with other Cadillac Escalade years

Typical for this model

49/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2011

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
58filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
100,000miles, 34 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
15 mpgcombined, 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel RWD · 12 city / 19 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe airbag recall repairs that were delayed because replacement parts were not available, and some mention hot climates. Other recurring reports include engine stalls and misfires, airbag warning lights, electrical glitches, and power steering loss, with mileage spanning a wide range.

  1. Air bags

    Airbag recall repair delayed by missing parts

    • 17 complaints (29%)
    • median 100,000 mi at 11.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2015–2021

    Owners report that a recall repair for an airbag inflator could not be completed because the dealer did not have replacement parts. Some complaints say the dealer could not schedule the repair, and others say the manufacturer could not confirm when parts would arrive. Some describe waiting a long time since the recall was announced. Most complaints do not list mileage; where listed, it ranges from 60,000 to 110,000 miles, and the complaints were filed between 2017 and 2021.

    Recall 21V052000Recall 21V050000

    What to check: Look up the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the dealer whether the airbag recall repair is complete. If it is still open, ask for the parts status in writing.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Takata recall general motors has not provided the replacement part to the dealerships. I cannot get my car repaired, the service departments say there's nothing they can do. If there is no replacement I'd rather have the airbag removed than to run the risk of explosion. I live in a hot and humid climate, which is especially vulnerable. There must be an urgent repair initiative.”

    NHTSA complaint #11076510, filed 2018-03

    “Parts are never available. Every time I go to may dealership (ken bachalor Cadillac, san antonio, tx) they always tell me they never have the part(s) to make the repair. This has been going on for going on 2 years.”

    NHTSA complaint #11089310, filed 2018-04
  2. Engine

    Engine stalls, misfires, or loses power while driving

    • 10 complaints (17%)
    • median 117,000 mi at 8.7 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2025

    Owners describe the engine stalling without warning, misfiring, or entering limp mode, sometimes with the check engine light on. Some report the vehicle would not start after an episode, and a complaint describes the vehicle seizing at a stop light. According to complaints, independent shops found a faulty camshaft sensor and a failed fuel system control module, and in some cases the vehicle was not repaired. Where listed, mileage ranges from 3,200 to 209,000 miles, so these complaints are not limited to high-mileage vehicles.

    Recall 09V1540002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for a scan of stored trouble codes and watch the engine at idle during a test drive. Ask whether the fuel system control module recall and the bulletin on intermittent no-start concerns were addressed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Car shut off on me twice while driving. The car has a loud squeaking, squealing, rough noise. When that happens my rpms lock up and won't take it out of gear. Transmission slips at various speeds, it is said to believe at an up/down shift and a down/up shift. Suspension and other parts under vehicle are leaking.”

    NHTSA complaint #10514869, filed 2013-06, 3,200 miles

    “While driving the vehicle it stalled and would not go. I had to turn it off and start it again I was about to pull out in major traffic and this could have been bad. Then again it happened while driving I was able to turn off and start again. It also had electrical issues that gave error codes. I brought it in the Cadillac dealership with 30000 miles on it but was told it was not covered under warranty or under a recall. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10721313, filed 2015-05, 34,000 miles
  3. Air bags

    Airbag warning light and unexpected deployment

    • 8 complaints (14%)
    • median 110,000 mi at 7.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2016–2023

    Owners report an airbag warning light or airbag service message that comes and goes or stays on. Some noticed the light was already on when they bought the vehicle. Other complaints describe a side or passenger airbag deploying while driving with no impact, and a complaint describes a crash that followed. Where listed, mileage falls between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, and a complaint noticed the warning light when the vehicle was bought.

    Recall 21V052000Recall 21V050000

    What to check: Confirm the airbag light turns off after startup, and ask a shop to read any stored airbag codes. Ask whether the vehicle has any open airbag recall before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Takata recall. My wife drives this vehicle daily with our two children. The airbag light has randomly come on and off for the past 2 years. Now it is permittedly on, with the 'service airbag' also on the information center. As a safety issue we fill this needs to be addressed immediately, which I'm sure has been expressed by many others who have this problem.”

    NHTSA complaint #11104660, filed 2018-06, 101,000 miles

    “Observed information on dashboard stating service Air Bag...it was told that my car has a Takarta brand air bag ..is there a recall for this airbag ? If so can I be sent a notification..”

    NHTSA complaint #11523952, filed 2023-05
  4. Electrical system

    Electrical glitches and warning lights

    • 12 complaints (21%)
    • median 100,000 mi at 8.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2015–2025

    Owners describe electrical faults while driving, such as stability or traction warning lights that stay on, a radio that cuts out, and door locks that lock and unlock by themselves. Other complaints describe cruise control that stops working, power windows that move without input, and wipers that shut off after a single sweep. Where listed, mileage falls between 56,000 and 100,000 miles, and symptoms often appear while driving.

    What to check: On a test drive, check for stability or traction warning lights, and test the wipers, cruise control, power windows and radio. Ask the dealer to scan the vehicle for stored electrical and stability codes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My wife was going to a doctor's appointment with our 1 year old child. When she arrives she noticed the power-assisted step did not unfold when she opened her door, as it normally does. When she returned from her appointment and got in the car it the power-assisted step opened normally. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10692143, filed 2015-03, 56,000 miles

    “My vehicle stopped unexpectedly on the freeway while driving. I had my wife and 3. Kids in the car. I drifted then put the car in park while moving and restarted it. My windshield wipers do not stay on they wipe once then shut off.”

    NHTSA complaint #11024930, filed 2017-09, 80,000 miles
  5. Steering

    Power steering loss or stiff steering

    Mentioned in 4 of 51 sampled complaints

    Owners report that power steering suddenly stopped assisting, or that the steering wheel became hard to turn, including while parked. A complaint describes the wheel locking briefly on an off-ramp, after which the driver lost control. Another describes a power steering fluid leak found under a parked vehicle, and according to complaints, a dealer found a gateway module needed replacement but the part had been discontinued. Where listed, mileage falls between 93,600 and 160,000 miles, and a complaint describes stiff steering while the vehicle was in park.

    What to check: Test the steering at low speed and while parked, and look under the vehicle for power steering fluid. Ask the dealer to scan for stored steering-related codes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Lost all power steering while driving without any warning from the error code system. Could have been a fatality or caused one.I was driving on a two lane road at approximately 35 MPH. This vehicle has electronic power steering. I have the repair invoice and that unit was corroded.”

    NHTSA complaint #11191090, filed 2019-03, 93,600 miles

    “The truck was stationary and oil and power stering fluids was on my carport. I have checked for problems on the internet and more than a few is having the same problems with the same SUV.”

    NHTSA complaint #11307946, filed 2020-02, 120,000 miles

Buying note. Buyers considering this model year may want to confirm with the VIN whether any airbag recall repair has been completed. Engine stall and misfire complaints span a wide mileage range, so a pre-purchase inspection that includes a stored-code scan is a practical step.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 51 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 58 consumer complaints for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade. 34 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 100,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, 10 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,309 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Cadillac Escalade model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 49 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Suspension (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Brakes (2), Tires (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Lane departure (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “We have been receiving letters about the takata airbag recall & I also have the carfax app that states the recall & also the airbag light came on. We took the car to the local dealer after they took our appointment to repair the airbag then they kept the car all day to get a call that there is no fix for the airbag therefore they can't turn the airbag light off either. We really need to sell this car as we have a high payment & we need to reduce our monthly payments. This is hard to do when the airbag light is on. …”

NHTSA complaint #11104441, filed 2018-06, 110,000 miles

Electrical system: “The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the battery was drained. The contact called AAA, who had installed the battery incorrectly. The battery was replaced. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started to shake. The vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the system needed to be reset, and the vehicle was working as designed. The failure persisted. …”

NHTSA complaint #11696026, filed 2025-10, 180,000 miles

Engine: “Lifter failure resulting in a bent pushrod, camshaft, and piston damage. The engine was very dirty like the oil changes were neglected. I always changed the oil in 5,000 mile increments or less depending on driving conditions. The owners manual and oil filler specifies Mobil 1 5W30 oil. When I was working I always had the shop next door change the oil with Mobil 1. After I retired in 2019, I had the nearby GM dealer change the oil. I was unaware that they were substituting DEXOS oil which is not what the owners manual or fill cap specifies for this vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11638601, filed 2025-01

Exterior lighting: “Headlight installed height on taller vehicles such as category 1 and 2 trucks (commonly called SUV, crossover, van, pickup truck, etc.) is of such a design that it commonly (perhaps unavoidably) ends up blinding drivers in passenger cars at lower heights by directing the 'hot spot' of headlight low beams directly into the eyes of passenger car drivers. In addition, bumper height on these same vehicles is not designed to meet bumpers on other vehicles, resulting in higher than necessary injury and fatality rates. …”

NHTSA complaint #10277190, filed 2009-07, 1 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

18% of the 34 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 138,000 miles.

9%0–100%10–259%25–5012%50–7515%75–10035%100–15021%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (34 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 100,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’10’13’15’1711’19’21’23’25
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Escalade · sedan RWD/AWDnot rated5 / 5——3 · 22.8% risk

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2009 Cadillac Escalade version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Escalade 2WD6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic121915$4,450
Escalade AWD6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic121914$4,800

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,309 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,309 bulletins →

Other model years of the Cadillac Escalade

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026397,0003517Too new to compareToo new
20252112,0001517—Too new
20245217,5002416Too new to compareToo new
202314330,0004416100 · MoreToo new
20228637,600441671 · MoreRising
20217842,500941740 · TypicalRising
20201455,5712—17—Not enough data
20192541,0000—170 · FewerRising
20182242,1161417—Rising
20175129,000241750 · TypicalRising
20168938,0004—1786 · MoreStable
20159861,0009—1790 · MoreStable
20142040,5002416—Falling
20131981,7504416—Falling
20122066,0003416—Falling
201149104,76264169 · FewerFalling
20103882,0003—1610 · FewerFalling
200958100,0005—1549 · TypicalStable
200813698,0004—1461 · TypicalFalling
200723089,0004—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20061988,0002—14—Stable
20054389,0532—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20046984,2442—14Not compared (before 2008)Rising
20038171,0004—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200211578,7801—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20007180,9431—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199939112,0002—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Cadillac Escalade model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Cadillac Escalade?

Owners of this model year most often describe airbag recall repairs that were delayed because replacement parts were not available, and some mention hot climates. The issues reported most often: Airbag recall repair delayed by missing parts; Engine stalls, misfires, or loses power while driving; Airbag warning light and unexpected deployment.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Cadillac Escalade have?

NHTSA recorded 58 consumer complaints for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 24 complaints (41% of the total), followed by electrical system with 14.

Has the 2009 Cadillac Escalade been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Cadillac Escalade get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Cadillac Escalade (Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel) at 15 mpg combined, 12 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Cadillac Escalade reported?

Among the 34 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 100,000 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 138,000 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.