2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT Luxury
3GYT4MEF5BG385621
Vehicle history report for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT Luxury (VIN 3GYT4MEF5BG385621). —, sport utility truck [sut], 6.2L 8-cyl, flexible fuel vehicle (ffv). 75,276 mi reported. Registered in Pa. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![Stock photo of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT Luxury, —, Sport Utility Truck [SUT] — not the actual vehicle with VIN 3GYT4MEF5BG385621](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/2011_Cadillac_Escalade_EXT%2C_Front_Left%2C_09-26-2021.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=original)
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 4 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report air bags trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $34,201 (typical range $25,000–$40,000). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 3GYT4MEF5BG385621, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 4 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT data →
Safety & driver-assistance equipment
Equipment the manufacturer reported to NHTSA for this VIN.
"Optional" means the feature was offered on this model but the VIN alone can't confirm it was fitted. Source: NHTSA vPIC.
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT worth?
What comparable 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT.
Rollover risk: 21.2% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($34,201) with the same model 5 model-years older ($11,842), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open
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. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deploymen…
NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 1582
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 1582.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
Bulletin PIP6104 · Mar 2026This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902V · Mar 2026This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
Bulletin PIT6400A · Jan 2026This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902U · Jan 2026This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General M…
Bulletin PIT5214G · Nov 2025New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Bulletin 13598 · Sep 2025This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902T · Aug 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060,…
Bulletin PIC5650M · Aug 2025Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ESCALADE EXT AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 5
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage t…
Transport Canada #2021028 · Feb 2021Airbag
Issue: Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly…
Transport Canada #2020591 · Dec 2020Airbag
This Safety Improvement Program was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-591. General Motors Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving passenger airbag inflators in vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain areas of the United States that experience high or moderate levels of heat and humidity, and that were subsequentl…
Transport Canada #2016307 · Jun 2016Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition lock cylinder could cause the key to stick in the "start" position if the vehicle interior temperature is sufficiently high. If the vehicle is operated in this condition and the interior temperature cools or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event, the key could move out of the "start" position, rotate…
Transport Canada #2015002 · Dec 2014Suspension
On certain vehicles, the rear axle cross pin was improperly heat treated (during the manufacturing process) and could fracture and become displaced within the rear differential. As a result the driver may hear a banging noise emanating from the rear axle. Also, if the pin shifts out of position it could create an interference and cause the rear axle to lock. This could cause a…
Transport Canada #2010454 · Dec 2010Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Cadillac Escalade EXT
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed by Cadillac as its first major entry into the SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to an influx of new luxury SUVs during the late 1990s, including the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Range Rover, Lexus LX, and Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built at Arlington Assembly in Arlington, Texas.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 4
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 the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, …
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. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notificatio
NHTSA Campaign #21V050000 · manufacturer #N212328760 · 05/02/2021AIR 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 A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Es…
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. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notificatio
NHTSA Campaign #21V054000 · manufacturer #N212328800 · 05/02/2021ELECTRICAL 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. 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.
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. 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 r
NHTSA Campaign #14V827000 · manufacturer #14696 and 14912 · 30/12/2014SUSPENSION: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. 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 …
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 OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
NHTSA Campaign #11V007000 · manufacturer #10426A · 06/01/2011These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
🔍 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.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 52
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT.
POWER TRAIN
The Transmission , the vehicle came to a sudden stop while driving, confirmed by a mechanic, no it has not been inspected by insurance or others accident was avoided, no warnings lights, transmission began to jump in gear like a lunge forward. Double checked it and it would not go forward then it would let you reverse only and then it will not go forward or …
NHTSA ODI #11649775POWER TRAIN
The whole transmission kept jerking and finally went totally out. I only have 189,000
NHTSA ODI #11648933SUSPENSION
Swaybar mount is ripped from the frame. Only on the passenger side
NHTSA ODI #11480393ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
-Driver seat would not heat or cool. -When troubleshooting, discovered a melted wire and burnt plug. Could have caused fire. Various others online had the exact issue. There should be a recall. -Not reproduced or confirmed by dealer. The damage is visible, not necessary to take in. -Not inspected, see photos. -No warning lights.
NHTSA ODI #11456840UNKNOWN OR OTHER
the top of the dash cover cracked. There was no reason, it just cracked.
NHTSA ODI #11429053AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED DEVAN LOWE INC CADILLAC GMC LINCOLN (AL-77 & STEELE STATION RD, ATTALLA, AL 35954, (256) 344-4832) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS…
NHTSA ODI #11405449AIR BAGS
NOTHING HAS HAPPENED OTHER THAN THERE IS A CURRENT AIRBAG RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. MANY OTHER MAKES AND MODELS ALSO HAVE THIS TAKATA AIRBAG ISSUE AND THEY HAVE BEEN FIXED/OR REPLACED AND THE RECALL IS LIFTED. YET CADILLAC/GM IS STILL REFUSING TO HAVE THIS DONE SO I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A VEHICLE WHICH THE NHTSA SAYS IT NOT SAFE YET CADILLAC SAYS IT IS AND NO …
NHTSA ODI #11364671UNKNOWN OR OTHER
JUST CHECKED VIN # AND SAID 0 UNREPAIRED RECALLS. DOES THIS MEAN THEY MEED TO BE FIX OR THAT MY VEHICLE ISNT AFFECTED AND IS IT IS AFFCETED WHERE OR WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT.
NHTSA ODI #11360038+ 44 more complaints on record.
Recently searched vehicles
2016 Hyundai veloster
KMHTC6AD1GU296962
2015 GMC Terrain
2GKFLWEKXF6111559
2017 Mercedes-benz E-Class
WDDZF4JB6HA277485
2008 Bentley Continental GTC
SCBDR33W58C052620
2014 Land Rover Range Rover
SALGS3TF3EA155307
2007 Hyundai Elantra
KMHDU46D37U085552
2013 Scion tC
JTKJF5C75D3055825
2005 Lexus ES 330
JTHBA30GX55091193