Most common 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems
Share of the 3 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Escalade EXT complaints by model year
Best Escalade EXT years: 2010, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2002. Compare all years →
2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls (4)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.
Electrical system › Ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
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 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT owners say
Air bags
I contacted my dealer when I got the original recall notice several months ago. At the time they told me that they did not have a solution to switch out the airbags. I received the card from tk holdings this week. I have again contacted my dealer today to be told that they, sewell Cadillac of houston, do not have a fix yet or replacement bags from GM. I am scared to drive this vehicle since the original contact regarding the faulty airbags. My stress level when I get into my vehicle to drive it goes way up!!! What happens if someone collides with me?
Takata recall - my vehicle is listed as having the Takata airbag installed and recalled - GM recall # 2049151 - NHTSA # 16V381. When I called GM they said the recall was on hold and I could not get my car serviced under the recall. These air bags have been proven to be deadly and I do not understand why GM is holding back form allowing me to keep my family safe and perform the recall on my vehicle.
2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 13 / 18 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT a good car?
Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Escalade EXT rates few complaints: 23% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Escalade EXT at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
The air bags — 3 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT, the most recent from February 5, 2021 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Escalade EXT?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002. See the full Cadillac Escalade EXT years comparison.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.