SUV, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jan 5, 2016 to Aug 15, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19V-645 | Sep 6, 2019 | Amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time | Brakes | 3,456,719 | Software update |
| 17V-437 | Jul 10, 2017 | While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy… | Airbags | 40,683 | Software update |
| 16V-651 | Sep 8, 2016 | In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test | Airbags | 3,640,162 | Software update |
| 16V-256 | Apr 28, 2016 | Front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushingDo not drive | Suspension | 3,738 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
89 complaints on file, page 1 of 5.
The transmission has experienced ongoing shifting problems, including extremely hard shifts at low speeds and difficulty shifting properly at higher/highway speeds. The hard shifting could cause the vehicle to jerk unexpectedly, and the difficulty shifting at higher speeds caused concern about the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and maintain predictable power while driving. Because of the ongoing shifting problems, we paid to have the vehicle tuned in an attempt to improve the shifting, but the transmission problems continued. More recently, after routine transmission fluid service, the transmission became significantly worse and the vehicle would not properly move in either Drive or Reverse. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired by a dealership. The transmission is currently being inspected and repaired privately, and components can be retained if needed. The shifting problems were present before the recent transmission fluid service.
NHTSA complaint 11757087At highway speed, the engine lifters associated with the Active Fuel Management system failed and caused catastrophic damage throughout the engine. The sudden loss of power on the highway almost caused vehicles traveling behind me to collide.
NHTSA complaint 11752185The first engine failure occurred while my vehicle remained under warranty. While driving with my children and a couple of her teammates to an AAU tournament in [XXX], the vehicle just began emitting white smoke. We pulled to a gas station and were stranded until we could arrange transportation for the 7 of us. It was a good thing that we left a day early or the girls would not have made it to their game. Upon towing the vehicle back to the shop in [XXX], I was informed that one of the cylinders in the engine had malfunctioned and the only repair option was replacement. The repairs were performed by Ross Downing Cadillac, the same dealership from which I previously purchased a GM vehicle. Although the engine replacement itself was covered under warranty, I was deprived of the use of my vehicle for approximately four months because replacement parts were unavailable and the dealership had no loaner vehicles available. This was in July of 2022. My Escalade has now required a second engine replacement due to the camshaft and lifter defect. The current repair is being performed by Hammer Down Garage, and the vehicle presently has approximately 180,000 miles. While attempting to exit the interstate, the vehicle just shut off. The traffic was horrendous, and it was so hot outside. I was on the way to pick up my graduating daughter's cap and gown from the school so you can imagine the frustration. After impeding traffic for about 30 minutes, the local police department pushed the vehicle to the side of the road so traffic could flow again. The engine light did come on when the vehicle stopped. Both incidents put me, my family, and other people's children at risk of harm. Even though my particular vehicle is not on the recall list, after researching, these are common problems that people have been experiencing with this vehicle. The vehicle is now at the shop requiring yet another engine replacement, and I have no choice because I need transportation for my family. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR
NHTSA complaint 11749913While driving my 2016 Cadillac Escalade, the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure associated with the engine and charging system. Upon failure, the vehicle displayed warning indicators including a “low battery” warning and emitted a burnt smell. The engine subsequently failed completely. Diagnostic findings stated: engine would not crank, oil contained metal contamination, crankshaft seized, complete engine replacement required. The estimated repair cost is approximately $14,000–$18,000. This failure occurred despite regular maintenance, including an oil change completed on January 18, 2026. This sudden failure created a major safety concern because the vehicle lost reliability while being operated on public roads. A sudden engine This sudden failure created a major safety concern because the vehicle lost reliability while being driven the vehicle it completely quit and shut down in rush hour traffic causing an unsafe situation for me and my family. This sudden failure created a major safety concern because the vehicle lost reliability while being operated on public roads. A sudden engine or charging-system failure at driving speeds could have caused a crash, loss of steering assistance, loss of power, or stranded occupants in traffic. I contacted GM/Cadillac seeking assistance through the goodwill process, but assistance was declined despite the catastrophic nature of the failure. I am filing this complaint because I believe there may be a broader defect involving the engine, crankshaft failure, lubrication system, or charging system components in this vehicle platform. I request investigation into similar failures affecting Cadillac Escalade vehicles with the 6.2L engine.
NHTSA complaint 11736660While driving in rush hour traffic, engine completely stopped. We were stranded in traffic for 2 hours until the police came to help push us out of the street. It was 20 degrees and we sat for 4 hours to get towed. After much ado, the dealership stated the following; "Checked and found engine wouldn't crank over, towed vehicle into the shop. Removed inspection cover to access torque convertor bolts, removed bolts engine still will not turn over. Checked oil in engine full of metal. Engine crank seized will need engine replacement." Upon further investigation, the recall for this vehicle only covers 2021-2025 however this is the same problem that is happening under the recalled years.
NHTSA complaint 11729944Experienced loss of electric power steering while driving at 60 MPH on interstate. Had 6 passengers in vehicle at the time and could have crashed if another vehicle was in other lane next to us during steering loss. Steering available for inspection. Have taken vehicle to dealer to fix issue. They diagnosed and replaced Negative and Positive wiring harness to battery; however, vehicle steering loss occurred again right after picking up and is back at dealership now. Sent dealer article about other owners of 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade experiencing same issue to help explain steering issue. Also sent video of steering glitching while driving back to dealership. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior, during, or after failure known.
NHTSA complaint 11722231Suspension failed at 50,000 miles. At 56,000 miles one of the valve components inside the engine (a lifter) has collapsed. This part controls the opening of the engine valve, and because it is no longer moving, that cylinder cannot build compression and is causing the misfire. This is an internal mechanical failure inside the engine and cannot be caused by body work, fuel quality, or anything external.
NHTSA complaint 11720984The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded like it was going to stall, and the accelerator pedal was depressed to keep the vehicle from stalling. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with lifter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,027.
NHTSA complaint 11720471TRANSMISSION ISSUES. MY VEHICLE LUNGES AND HAS HARD SHIFTS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM LOW SPEED TO HIGH SPEEDS. ALSO LUNGES WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING
NHTSA complaint 11720292The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact then observed smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents from the engine and turned off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived at the residence, inspected the vehicle, and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint 11710855I purchased a car from a used car dealer in Sacramento. Two days later, the lifters went bad. This truck only has 115,000 miles on it. This is a know issue that GM has and they're doing nothing to remedy the issue. They keep putting DOD/AFM in these expensive cars knowing the lifters will fail and cause damage to the cam. They should be responsible for doing a DOD/AFM delete on all trucks that have this issue.
NHTSA complaint 11702045The engine started making a tapping noise on the right side. Then the tapping noise got louder and then stopped but the engine light came on and the engine started running very rough. By the noise was described to the shop and they said it is bad lifters and camshafts and this is very common for the GM 6.2L engine. The vehicle has 117,000 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint 11693623Bought vehicle certified in 2023 with 86000 miles now at 123000 Engine needs replacing..Bought it from an accredited Cadillac dealership
NHTSA complaint 11687481Purchased 2016 Cadillac Escalade in April 2022 - VIN [XXX] . License plate [XXX] . Car has had electrical shortage issues in the navigation screen ever since purchasing. The navigation screen flickers, switches between apps simultaneously and isn’t responsive to finger touch as advertised. I have taken the car to the dealership 4 times within the 90 day dealership warranty. Those dates were April 25, 2022; May 26, 2022; September 3, 2022; and September 24, 2022. However, the problem hasn’t been resolved. This has also caused the car ignition start up to start slowly. The battery has been checked and is fully charged and working properly. The ignition, alternator and transmission are all working properly in good condition. I believe the dealership sold me a “Lemon” vehicle. The initial CarFax report didn’t disclose any mechanical or electrical issues. I paid a $6000 downpayment and have paid $15,999.98 so far. My monthly car payment is $999.98. This car isn’t safe to drive and I am seeking a financial settlement of $20,000 and for the dealership to take back the car without a negative ding on my credit report and no voluntary repossession listed on my credit report. [XXX] my car completely shut down and no longer would start. I had a brand new battery installed a few days prior. Called AAA 4x’s and they couldn’t jump start my car. They tested the alternator, starter, and transmission and there were no failed sensors. I didn’t have any warning lights. I had my car towed to my mechanic and he verified nothing was wrong with transmission, starter and alternator. I noticed there was a strong burn smell and something popped underneath the car causing the car to no longer start or turn on. I ended having to voluntary surrender the car back to Capital One Auto Finance (Account [XXX] ) on Monday [XXX] because the car no longer is operable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11683544While I was driving the car turned off and the steering wheel got really hard, making it harder to get out of the road to keep my children safe since we were in the highway. Second time it happened the stabilitrack service message came up, and also the steering assist is reduced please drive with care. The ebrake. ABS and stabilitrack light on the dash turned on. This started happening on may 14 until present
NHTSA complaint 11668491When I’m trying to park my car shuts off and turns back on, steering wheel stops working, service stabilitrak turn on and goes away, sometimes my car won’t turn on and have to disconnect the battery and connect it for it to turn on again.
NHTSA complaint 11667873The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while coming to a stop to park the vehicle, the vehicle turned off and restarted continuously, and the steering wheel straightened unintendedly. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to restart after being turned off. The contact had to disconnect and reconnect the battery cables to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the message "Service Stabili-trak" was temporarily displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
NHTSA complaint 116670981/2/24, at odometer reading 103,885, while driving on a busy street, the car lost engine power and made a loud knocking noise. Was taken to the shop immediately. It was determined to need new lifters and cam shaft. The vehicle has always had routine maintenance this there were no prior indicators of any problem and the symptoms came on suddenly. The repairs were done and the car seemed to run fine once again. 4/24/25, at odometer reading 109,913 the symptoms appeared again suddenly. The vehicle was once again taken to the shop for repair. At this time the shop says they notice excessive oil consumption. Oil change was completed and noise stopped. Car was back in my possession on the evening of 4/29/25. Driven 60 miles and on 5/2/25 the issue returned. Maintenance shop is now saying a full engine replacement is necessary.
NHTSA complaint 11664051Complete engine failure with approx 80,000 miles on it, no warning. Engine failed while driving in the middle of the street.
NHTSA complaint 11658995The engine just stopped working mid traffics shifted to neutral automatically- almost causing a serious accident on a busy interstate . Brought to the mechanic, readings stated misfiring cylinders as engine seized and slipped. Tried fixing issue for $8300.00. Then after trying to fix it with no luck, cylinder 5 and seven were stuck and could not be repaired. Cost of labor to out engine back together was $4600.00 plus $400 to tow it to a dealer. Not only life threatening but also wallet draining with no warning. Will never buy a Cadillac again. This is a serious threat for those driving in it and for those who come across it when something happens.
NHTSA complaint 11658681Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.