VehicleVerdict

2001 Cadillac Escalade problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2001 Cadillac Escalade — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Escalade years?

Escalade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted317 complaints1999: 46 complaints2000: 96 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 164 complaints2003: 111 complaints2004: 99 complaints2005: 63 complaints2006: 26 complaints2007: 317 complaints2008: 180 complaints2009: 89 complaints2010: 47 complaints2011: 53 complaints2012: 32 complaints2013: 23 complaints2014: 29 complaints2015: 141 complaints2016: 120 complaints2017: 76 complaints2018: 29 complaints2019: 28 complaints2020: 15 complaints2021: 85 complaints2022: 98 complaints2023: 176 complaints2024: 58 complaints2025: 24 complaints2026: 16 complaints
Escalade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escalade years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Cadillac Escalade problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes133%
Fuel System133%
Seats133%

Does the 2001 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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.

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.

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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT. CONSUMER STATED THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED THREE TIMES EARLIER. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · February 9, 2004 · fire

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LEAKS GASOLINE AT A SLOW RATE. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. UPON INSPECTION UNDER THE HOOD, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE LEAK WAS NEAR SOME WIRES. THE VEHICLE LEAKED APPROXIMATELY 1/2 LITER OF GASOLINE BEFORE IT WAS TAKEN TO A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 12, 2006

“BRAKE LINES CORROSION. CAUSED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE PRESENT AT STOP LIGHT WE RAN. THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS SITUATION I'VE EVER ENCOUNTERED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 11, 2015

2001 Cadillac Escalade — common questions

Is the 2001 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Cadillac Escalade. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Cadillac Escalade under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Cadillac Escalade years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escalade years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2023, 2002, 2015, 2016, 2003, 2004, 2022, 2000, 2009, 2021, 2024, 2011, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2013. The cleanest record among Escalade years belongs to 2001.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.