The Lemon Index
200920123rd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: body structure
Fewest complaints of its generation (3rd generation).
5 owner complaints, first 3 years 14–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2011 Lincoln Navigator2011 Volvo XC90 282011 Lincoln MKX 69
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V054000 (airbags), 21V050000 (airbags) and 14V827000 (electrical) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- NHTSA has an open investigation into desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Has this car had that problem?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Do all the headlights, taillights and turn signals work?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1616 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Water may enter the passenger area because of a leak in the hvac air inlet”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 5 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1616 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Water may enter the passenger area because of a leak in the hvac air inlet
- The third row seat is difficult to remove and install because of various floor latch situations
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Show all 6 recalls
- Steering · recall issued 2011
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES.
- Suspension · recall issued 2011
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VE…
- Suspension · recall issued 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Cadillac Escalade recall, all years · All Cadillac recalls
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$4,300 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac Escalade year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2011 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-escalade/?y=2011" title="Cadillac Escalade reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="652" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-escalade/2011/">Lemon Index</a> (2011 Cadillac Escalade reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2011 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a fifth as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 16; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2011 Cadillac Escalade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (80%), equipment & accessories (40%) and lights (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade get?
14 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 Cadillac Escalade safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $4,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade have?
6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Is there a better Cadillac Escalade year than the 2011?
Not nearby: the 2011 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Cadillac Escalade years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works