2011 Cadillac Escalade

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Cadillac Escalade
Pictured: 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Photo: BuickCentury04, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, Esv 4dr SUV AWD, Ext P/U Ext Cab S/Box AWD, Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, FFV
MPG (best)
21 combined · 20 city / 23 hwy
Length
202.4–222.8 in
Curb weight
5,690–6,016 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (6.0L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 202 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,690 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 23 highway), 0% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2011

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Escalade — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Escalade →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD202.4 in78.7 in74.4 in116.1 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,690 lb50/50
Esv 4dr SUV AWD222.8 in79.1 in74.4 in129.9 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,942 lb52/48
Ext P/U Ext Cab S/Box AWD218.1 in79.1 in74.4 in129.9 in68.5 / 67.7 in5,990 lb52/48
Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD202.4 in79.1 in74.4 in116.1 in68.5 / 67.3 in6,016 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escalade Hybrid 2WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 210%$3,200423
Escalade Hybrid 4WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+11%$3,200423
Escalade 2WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-23%$4,200555
Escalade ESV 2WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-23%$4,200555
Escalade AWD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-21%$4,450592
Escalade ESV AWD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 14-26%$4,800635
Escalade Ext AWD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 14-26%$4,800635
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2011 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade.

Similar 2011 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Cadillac Escalade (this car)21 MPGNot rated6
2011 Land Rover Range Rover15 MPGNot rated5
2011 Audi Q720 MPGNot rated4
2011 Lexus LX14 MPGNot rated3
2011 Lincoln Navigator16 MPGNot rated0
2011 BMW X619 MPGNot rated13
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class15 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (6)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V050000 · 2,641,272 vehicles

Problem
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 the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
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. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 1,778,128 vehicles

Problem
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 A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
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. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Electrical System › Ignition · Dec 30, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V827000 · 84,192 vehicles

Problem
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. 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.
Risk
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Fix
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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
Steering › Linkages · Jun 28, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V339000 · 739 vehicles

Problem
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. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ATTACHING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
Risk
THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle · Jan 6, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V007000 · 30,566 vehicles

Problem
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. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Risk
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix
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 OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle · Dec 17, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V643000 · 1,262 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Risk
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix
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 OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Cadillac Escalade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

60Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
107,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags42
Unknown Or Other5
Electrical System4
Seats2
Service Brakes2
Suspension2
Structure › Body › Door2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/12: 118/01: 318/03: 218/04: 318/05: 118/06: 118/10: 119/03: 119/06: 119/08: 319/09: 219/10: 120/01: 120/02: 220/04: 120/06: 120/09: 120/10: 121/03: 121/08: 122/03: 122/08: 124/06: 125/03: 217/1218/0418/1019/0820/0120/0621/0322/08max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Cadillac Escalade buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 42 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Seats — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 107,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Escalade years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Escalade17228.3 inNot rated00
2026 Escalade17227.2 inNot rated454
2025 Escalade17227.2 in★★★★★139
2024 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★274
2023 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★4234
2022 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★4143
2021 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★12169
2020 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated236
2019 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated159
2018 Escalade17203.9 in★★★★★237
2017 Escalade17203.9 in★★★★★289
2016 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated4104

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →