NHTSA vehicle safety data

1999 Cadillac Escalade Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1999 Cadillac Escalade has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 39 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Cadillac dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1999 Cadillac Escalade, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1999 Cadillac Escalade owner complaints

Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Cadillac Escalade, describing incidents dated March 1, 1999 to December 30, 2015.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 8 complaints
Suspension 6 complaints
Seats 5 complaints
Tires 4 complaints
Electrical System 3 complaints
Engine 3 complaints

Of the 39 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 39 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10819190 · Filed January 10, 2016
I THINK THAT SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH MY FRONT STEERING, I CAN'T KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD. IT KEEPS DARTING TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT.I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED TWO TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. I THINK THAT CADILLAC SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED.
ODI #10639046 · Filed September 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
ODI #10372620 · Filed December 27, 2010
THE FIRST TWO OCCASIONS OF SPEED CONTROL FAILURE OCCURRED TODAY. WHILE TRAVELING WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SET TO ABOUT 65MPH, THE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE FIRST TIME. UPON BRAKING A SECOND TIME, IT DID DISENGAGE. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE CONTROL WAS SET TO ABOUT 55MPH…

Read all 39 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1999 Cadillac Escalade in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE05-020: UNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATION
Closed September 13, 2005
- Recall 05V-379
Engineering Analysis EA02-015: THROTTLE STICKING CLOSED
Closed January 12, 2004
Engineering Analysis EA01-018: SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION
Closed December 9, 2002
Preliminary Evaluation PE02-021: THROTTLE STICKING
Closed August 1, 2002

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

OIL FILTER/OIL LEAK/POSSIBLE FIRE

NHTSA #07E088000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported October 24, 2007 · HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Potentially affected: 121,680 vehicles

Owners notified November 8, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS/FUEL LEAK

NHTSA #06E043000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported May 19, 2006 · HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Potentially affected: 88,303 vehicles

Owners notified October 18, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS

NHTSA #06E026000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 2006 · PRO-A MOTORS, INC.

Potentially affected: 61,944 vehicles

Owners notified April 3, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Safety consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO PRO-A MOTORS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

GM/FMVSS 301/ENTERTAINMENT CENTER INSTALLATION

NHTSA #00V153000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported June 7, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 4,300 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 00052 · Owners notified July 13, 2000 · Vehicles built April 1, 1999 – May 31, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR MOUNTED ROSEN VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." DUE TO THE METHOD OF INSTALLATION OF THE VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT CENTER BY THE INSTALLED, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT MEET THE FUEL SPILLAGE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Safety consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

IF THE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER IS INSTALLED ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE), NO CORRECTION IS REQUIRED. IF THE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER IS INSTALLED ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE (DRIVER SIDE), THE DEALER WILL REMOVE AND REINSTALL THE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER WITH A REVISED ATTACHMENT BRACKET. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN LINE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 13, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT1-800-458-8006.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/FMVSS 208/NECK EXTENSION

NHTSA #00V122000 · Seat Belts — Front — Webbing · NHTSA notice

Reported April 27, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 279,132 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 00044 · Owners notified December 29, 2000 · Vehicles built September 1, 1998 – May 31, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS MAY NOT MEET THE NECK EXTENSION REQUIREMENTS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TRAY INSERT ON THE TOP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE TRAY INSERT CORRECTS THE NONCOMPLIANCE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 29, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, AND GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

1999 Cadillac Escalade 4x4

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

4 investigations

39 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Cadillac Escalade.

Steering

ODI #10819190

Incident: December 30, 2015 · Filed: January 10, 2016

I THINK THAT SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH MY FRONT STEERING, I CAN'T KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD. IT KEEPS DARTING TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT.I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED TWO TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. I THINK THAT CADILLAC SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED.

Seats

ODI #10639046

Crash

Incident: September 2, 2014 · Filed: September 25, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,409.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #10372620

Incident: December 27, 2010 · Filed: December 27, 2010

THE FIRST TWO OCCASIONS OF SPEED CONTROL FAILURE OCCURRED TODAY. WHILE TRAVELING WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SET TO ABOUT 65MPH, THE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE FIRST TIME. UPON BRAKING A SECOND TIME, IT DID DISENGAGE. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE CONTROL WAS SET TO ABOUT 55MPH AND WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AFTER REPEATED BRAKING EFFORTS. IT WAS DISENGAGED MANUALLY AND NOT USED SINCE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10349202

Crash

Incident: August 13, 2010 · Filed: August 13, 2010

I HAVE 1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE WITH ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS, THIS IS DUE TO CORROSION BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND WHEEL HUB HOUSING. GM REPLACED MANY OF THESE AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMERS IN CANADA. WELL I LIVE IN MINNESOTA, WITH SALTED ROADS. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WENT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND ASKED THEM TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST, AND THEIR ANSWER WAS NO. NOW I HAVE HIT MY GARAGE DOOR TWICE, AND THE BACK OF MY GARAGE WALL ONCE. MY FATHER HAS A 2000 YUKON DENALI WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO REAL, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM... *TR

Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes, Electric

ODI #10321840

Incident: March 24, 2010 · Filed: March 24, 2010

I OWN A 1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE. IT HAS 110,000 APPROXIMATE MILES. FOR THE LAST FEW HUNDRED MILES, I'VE HAD TROUBLE WITH STOPPING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED. NEARLY RUNNING INTO MY GARAGE, AND OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTINGLY, THEN GOES OFF. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY FRIENDS/ RELATIVES THAT THERE WHERE PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS, AND PROBLEMS WITH THE GM BRAKING SYSTEM. I'VE SPOKEN WITH THE SEVICE MANAGER AT DAVID TAYLOR CADILLAC. ON 03/24/2010. HE SAID THAT THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON OR FOR MY VEHICLE.

Seats

ODI #10298973

1 injury

Incident: December 20, 2009 · Filed: January 11, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WARMER MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER. SHE ALSO WAS BURNED ON THE BACK OF HER LEGS. SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND GET OUT THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT WARMER MELTED THE LEATHER SEATS. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 207,000. UPDATED 2/17/10 *CN UPDATED 02/22/10.*JB

Structure

ODI #10247372

Incident: October 15, 1999 · Filed: October 31, 2008

THE HOOD FLUTTERS TERRIBLY BEGINNING AROUND 40MPH AND GETS INCREASING WORSE AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES FURTHER. I NOTICED THIS SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WASN'T A PROBLEM BUT JUST THE NATURE OF THAT YEARS MODEL 1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE, WHICH I STILL HAVE AND IT STILL FLUTTERS AND WOBBLES AS THOUGH ITS GETTING READY TO FLY OFF ITS HINGES!!! *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10153334

Incident: March 21, 2006 · Filed: March 21, 2006

I OWN A 1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE, I HAVE HAD MANY NEAR CRASHES DUE TO THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM NOT WORKING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. I WAS TOLD BY MY LOCAL DEALER THERE IS A SELECTIVE RECALL 05V329000 THIS RECALL IS FOR SALT STATES AND ONLY CERTAIN MODELS. HE TOLD ME MY CADILLAC WAS NOT ONE OF THE MODELS, AND DID NOT KNOW IF PENNA WAS ON THE LIST. I SEE THIS AS A DIRECT SAFETY ISSUE, AND DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY CADILLAC ESCALADE SUV IS NOT LISTED WITH OTHER SUV'S AND I DEFINITELY LIVE IN A SALT STATE. *JB

Service Brakes, Air

ODI #10140202

Incident: September 20, 2005 · Filed: October 19, 2005

DT: 1999 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATES THE ABS IS MAKING HORRIBLE NOISES AND PULSATSE WHEN DRIVING UNDER 15 MPH. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN WORKED ON 5 TIMES ALREADY SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR. THE LAST TIME HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER THEY TOLD HIM IF HE COULD WAIT AWHILE THERE MIGHT BE A RECALL FOR THE ABS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP STATED IT SHOUL B E APROBLEM DRIVING THE VEHICLE LIKE THIS. WHEN HE DROVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS NOT MAKING ANY NOISE. THAT WAS A MONTH AND A HALF AGO, BUT THE NOISE CAME BACK. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10121224

Incident: March 2, 2005 · Filed: May 17, 2005

DT CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE BRAKES ARE PRESSED THE ABS GOES OFF AT ABOUT 5 MPH. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DEALER DID NOT INFORM THE CONSUMER WHY THE ABS WAS DOING THIS. *JB CONTACT STATES WHEN GOING AROUND A CURVE THE STEERING COLLAPSED, AFTER THE WHEELS ARE STRAIGHTENED THE STEERING IS NORMAL. THE SERVICE DEALER STATES THEY CAN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING.

Other Cadillac Escalade model years

Check your 1999 Cadillac Escalade VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Cadillac Escalade at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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