I've had plenty of Cadillac in the bay over the years, and the body and structural complaints on these don't surprise me. 166 on the NHTSA record across 24 model-year entries (2005–2021) is not a fluke. The 2007 Cadillac Escalade leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 24 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Repair exposure averages $1,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 59 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 70,644 miles. For trucks especially, get under it with a flashlight. Frame rust on rust-belt vehicles tells you everything you need to know about how it was kept.
ProblemsByVin CADILLAC / BODY
24 model-year entries · 2005–2021
Cadillac body problems
166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Cadillac vehicles for body issues. 1 active recall campaign. See body across all makes →
Complaints
166
Recalls
1
Year-models
24
Avg fix
$1,500
11crashes
1fire
24injuries
Worst-affected Cadillac model-years for body Top 24 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
2007 Cadillac Escalade
22 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2011 Cadillac SRX
15 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2010 Cadillac SRX
15 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2012 Cadillac SRX
14 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2008 Cadillac CTS
12 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2005 Cadillac XLR
12 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2011 Cadillac Escalade
7 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2009 Cadillac CTS
6 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2007 Cadillac CTS
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,500 severe
2021 Cadillac CT5
5 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2015 Cadillac SRX
5 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2013 Cadillac SRX
5 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2005 Cadillac STS
5 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2020 Cadillac CT5
4 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2011 Cadillac CTS
4 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2007 Cadillac SRX
4 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2005 Cadillac CTS
4 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2015 Cadillac Escalade
3 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2012 Cadillac CTS
3 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2008 Cadillac Escalade
3 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2008 Cadillac SRX
3 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2008 Cadillac DTS
3 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2007 Cadillac DTS
3 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2006 Cadillac DTS
3 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
Active recalls — Cadillac body 2 on file
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no
This standard specifies requirements for power operated window, partition, and roof panel systems to minimize the likelihood of death or injury from their accidental operation.
Fix: Dealers will install a wire harness. The recall began on may 29, 2008. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Cadillac XT4 vehicles
A passenger-side air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel upper cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2024. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is A242476151.
Common questions
How many Cadillac body complaints are on file with NHTSA?
166 complaints across 24 model-year entries from 2005 to 2021. 1 active recall campaigns cover body issues across the Cadillac lineup.
Which Cadillac model has the most body complaints?
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade leads with 22 complaints in this category. Next: 2011 SRX (15) and 2010 SRX (15).
What does it cost to fix Cadillac body problems?
Independent shops average $1,500 for body repairs across the Cadillac lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Cadillac body recalls?
Yes — 2 active recall campaigns cover body on Cadillac vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Cadillac.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.