Model year guide

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 41 on record.

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints57
Combined13 mpg
Typical price$8,367

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls 1

Power Train:manual Transmission:shift Pattern Indicator NHTSA Campaign #05V055000 · 14/02/2005

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDI…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg
City12 mpg
Highway16 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,850

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV worth?

Low
$4,200
Typical price
$8,367
High
$12,800

From 41 comparable 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$29,250
Fuel only$29,250
Per mile$0.39

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · ESV
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles on record

Other Cadillac Escalade ESV model years

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Based on 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV at about 13 mpg combined (12 city / 16 highway).

How much is a 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV worth?

Comparable 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV listings run roughly $4,200–$12,800, typically around $8,367 (from 41 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.