Cadillac Escalade problems
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed by their luxury division Cadillac. It was the luxury brand's 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 in the late 1990s such as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Range Rover, Lexus LX, and (especially) Ford's 1998 debut of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. The term "escalade" refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers. More generally, it is a French word which is the noun-equivalent form of the French verb escalader, which means "to climb or scale".
The Escalade is currently sold in North America and select international markets (Europe and Asia) where Cadillac has official sales channels. The Escalade ESV (Escalade Stretch Vehicle) is sold in North America, Russia, and the Middle East, but is only available by special order in some international markets. The right-hand-drive Escalade and Escalade ESV are available through third-party conversion specialists without official agreement with Cadillac in Australian, Oceanic, and Japanese markets.
On August 8, 2023, GM unveiled the Escalade IQ, an all-electric version of the Escalade, and the third model in Cadillac's EV line, after the Celestiq, and Lyriq. It is expected to go on sale in late 2024 for the 2025 model year, with a starting price of $130,000.
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Cadillac Escalade model years
Common Cadillac Escalade problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Cadillac Escalade, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems:
- Owners have reported issues with the transmission, including failures to shift into drive or reverse, difficulty shifting gears, and software anomalies affecting the reverse gear and backup lights. Some owners have had to replace transmission sensors, leading to further issues like radio controller malfunctions.
- The 2021 model year has been particularly highlighted for transmission problems, with reports of quick failures that necessitate expensive repairs.
- For the 2020 model year, there was a recall due to a malfunctioning fuel pump that could lead to fuel leaks and potential fire hazards.
- Braking Problems:
- Some Escalade drivers have experienced issues with the automatic braking system, where the system may malfunction and cause the vehicle to stop unexpectedly, leading to safety concerns.
- Reports have indicated instances where the braking system locked up, causing the vehicle to skid, posing risks of accidents and potential collisions.
- Door Handles Breaking:
- A recurring problem across various model years of the Escalade is the breaking of door handles, both inside and outside the vehicle. This issue has been reported in models ranging from 1999 to 2015, with an average occurrence around 96,000 miles.
- Repair costs for door handle issues can be significant, with statistics suggesting an average repair cost of approximately $2,800, which can be a substantial expense for owners.
- Engine Problems:
- Complaints have highlighted engine issues, including loud tapping noises, misfires, and rough idling. Some owners have reported engine reduced power mode lights coming on, indicating potential problems with carbon build-up affecting the throttle body calibration.
- The 2015 model year has been particularly problematic for engine issues, with reports of loud tapping noises and high repair costs associated with engine problems.
These common problems with the Cadillac Escalade, as reported by owners, underscore the importance of addressing these issues promptly to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the vehicle. Owners experiencing these problems may need to seek professional assistance to address these issues effectively and maintain the optimal functioning of their Cadillac Escalade.
Is the Cadillac Escalade a reliable vehicle?
According to carparts.com, the Cadillac Escalade earns average reliability ratings. The Cadillac Escalade is far from getting the highest marks in reliability. However, it's decent if you're hunting for a luxury vehicle with room inside for your family and cargo.
What was the worst year for the Cadillac Escalade?
Here's a quick list of the Cadillac Escalade years to avoid due to reliability and safety issues:
- 2007 Cadillac Escalade.
- 2008 Cadillac Escalade.
- 2015 Cadillac Escalade.
- 2016 Cadillac Escalade.
- 2019 Cadillac Escalade.
Do Cadillac Escalades have transmission problems?
Understanding Cadillac Escalade Transmission Problems
Some owners have reported experiencing transmission problems, which can be concerning. These problems may manifest as rough shifting, delays in gear engagement, or even complete transmission failure.
What is the problem with the Cadillac Escalade?
Multiple manufacturing defects have been reported with Cadillac Escalades ranging from model years 2018-2023, including issues with the trailer brakes and backup cameras that, at the time of this publication, dealers have indicated there is no fix for the problems.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Cadillac Escalade years
We have researched Cadillac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Cadillac Escalade cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Cadillac Escalade model years:
- Cadillac Escalade 2007
- Cadillac Escalade 2008
- Cadillac Escalade 2002
- Cadillac Escalade 2003
- Cadillac Escalade 2004
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Cadillac Escalade model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Cadillac Escalade years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Cadillac Escalade car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Cadillac Escalade , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Cadillac Escalade vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Escalade model years
A total of 102 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Escalade model years
There were a total of 55 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Escalade model years
There were a total of 138 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Escalade model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1520 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Cadillac Escalade . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Cadillac Escalade vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Cadillac Escalade 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GYS3BKL6NR
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: On [XXX], my wife and I were stopped in traffic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at approximately 7:35pm. Another vehicle failed to stop due to being distracted on his phone and rear ended my 2022 Cadillac Escalade. My wife and I were both injured. None of our airbags deployed and the On-Star system never came on and never detected the crash. By the airbags never deploying, this caused my wife to hit her head on the dashboard as well as on the speakers on the passenger seat. It happened in front of a fire station so they heard the crash and immediately ran out the fire station to help us. The vehicle just arrived at the collision center on 10/17/2024 and they will begin inspection for repairs. None of my emergency warning lamps or any other lights or messages came on in the vehicle. The vehicle just appeared normal like nothing happened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Cadillac Escalade 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- VIN: 1GYS3CKJ9FR
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I was driving my vehicle, and it began to sputter, and steering wheel lock up almost causing an accident, plus I started the vehicle at home and within a few minutes I became unconscious from carbon Monoxide fumes and had to be rushed to the hospital and treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, also my family was in harm in which I was instructed to open all the windows and doors at home because the carbon monoxide detectors was going off at home.
Cadillac Escalade 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: 1GYS3CKJ9FR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lifters and the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,331.
Cadillac Escalade 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-21
- VIN: 1GYS4BKJ8KR
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When I am driving the car shutters a lot especially during acceleration. When I stop no shutters but when I begin to go shutters. I have been to the Pepboys where I get my car fixed all the time and they can’t find the problem. I spent lots of money on the suspension system already and still the same shutters. Will Gm find and fix the defect or they can just give me a brand new car.
Cadillac Escalade 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-14
- VIN: 1GYS4FKL6PR
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Driving and power started to die and engine warning lights came on. Pulled over immediately and engine stopped. Wouldn’t come back on. Towed by Cadillac and discovered engine blew. Apparently a know issue with many similar in the shop awaiting new engine.
Cadillac Escalade 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-15
- VIN: 1GYS4DKJ2GR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the noticed a failure with the brake pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Cadillac Escalade 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 3GYEK63NX2G
- Components: WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Driving carefully out of [XXX] here in Walker Minnesota using the newly opened east side of the parking lot exit and 50 feet later as I accelerated the Heavy Full size spare tire fell from under the rear of the truck and my 2002 Cadillac EXT left the ground as the tire bounced back up against the truck!!! If we had been going faster and in a Different area we may have been Killed! It's a terrible design to store a full size and very heavy spare tire. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Cadillac Escalade 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 1GYS3CKJ4JR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: On July 28th 2024 my wife backed the vehicle out of the garage and the vehicle locked out the steering wheel. The cluster and gauges went completely out. The vehicle did not start or turn on after that point. It was no longer drivable as we could no longer start the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to Penske Cadillac of Torrance where it took them a week to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle fuse box went out which locked out the steering wheel if my wife would of been driving the vehicle she would of been involved in a major accident. The problem was confirmed by the dealer a new fuse box was installed. I have the fuse box here as I requested it to follow up with the NHTSA. There was no warning that the vehicle had any malfuncitons. All electircal componenets and steering went out suddenly and abruplty.
Cadillac Escalade 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 1GYFK63847R
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: My car shut down completely as I was driving it home last month [XXX] the cluster panel was showing charging system failure, stabilization and traction control coming on and off when not in use, the battery I bought was purchased in 2022 was completely drained and not rechargeable and even lights were staying on inside vehicle without out the battery connected, the driver door handle fell off not broken came loose and the tires had a locked lug nuts that never came with the vehicle when i purchased it, i had to buy a $103 unlocking key to remove the tire in order to get the brakes fixed and the spare tire was rusted and there wasn't a key to release it so i had it cut off Because i was stranded on the road with no help, the shift gear came undone as i had to put a paper clip in it as I didn't have a warranty to cover this expense, the starter and battery and alternator, serpinewas paid out of pocket as I was sold a 2007 Cadillac Escalade with 238,0000 miles with prior accident and the Carfax shows 50 different problems errors and the emergency break will shift out or on when not activated, the car has been without any power but yet the interior door lights and the radio would come on without any power, the car was in a prior accident before I became the owner, the gas costs me 140 weekly, I only used regular gas I only get 9miles to the gallon driving to nearest City but it costs me 40dollars total for round trip when I only drive 8 miles to culver Indiana from my home, the car doesn't have air as it was removed before I purchased it, it's hot without air as heat comes from the engine and hits my legs my feet and my face with the heat turned off, the engine light is currently on the car was sold to me as is but its not worth $$ 11, 800.00 with a 498.00 car note, and I have been in between jobs because of the car constantly breaking down and causing me to lose my job and I scheduled a air bag replacement recall with the dealer in Rochester, shepreds Chevrolet INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Cadillac Escalade 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-30
- VIN: 1GYFK26259R
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: After driving car all day off and on, it suddenly went into limp mode. Multiple misfires. Service traction t control and service stabilitrak warnings. Engine light flashing. Car had oil. Replaced oil pressure sensor. Replaced spark plugs. Wires. And coils. Will not clear misfire and won’t go out of limp mode. $7500 fix. This is ridiculous. I have heard of 15 others with the same issue.
Cadillac Escalade 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-29
- VIN: 1GYS4CKJ1GR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I own a 2016 Cadillac Escalade that has been experiencing issues with the DVD player unit, as described in Bulletin No.: PIT5370C, dated December 2015. The specific problem is that a DVD has been stuck in the unit and will not eject. Additionally, the DVD button does not light up or respond to any touch. This malfunction aligns perfectly with the condition outlined in the bulletin, where the Instrument Panel Multifunction Switch (Eject Button) has been found to be hypersensitive, causing these disc handling problems. The safety of my passengers and myself has been compromised due to this issue. For instance, the inability to use the DVD player has caused significant distraction while trying to manage the media system during travel. This has been particularly concerning on longer trips where the media system is intended to provide entertainment to backseat passengers, reducing driver distraction. The unexpected ejection of discs has also posed a potential hazard within the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center, where the technicians verified that the disc player is malfunctioning due to the hypersensitive multifunction switch as detailed in the bulletin. However, despite this confirmation, my vehicle's VIN has been erroneously excluded from the recall, leaving the DVD unit inoperable. Prior to the complete failure of the DVD player, there were no specific warning lamps or messages indicating the impending issue. The symptoms started appearing gradually and have now rendered the DVD player completely unusable. Given that the described issue and its symptoms match the conditions outlined in Bulletin No.: PIT5370C, I request that my vehicle be included in the recall for covered repair to replace the faulty Instrument Panel Multifunction Switch (Eject Button) and restore the functionality of the media disc player.
Cadillac Escalade 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-22
- VIN: 1GYS3NKJ2FR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that both rear doors trim near the windows had been slowly detaching from the vehicle, causing a loud whistling sound while driving. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was inspected and determined that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Cadillac Escalade 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-19
- VIN: 1GYS4BKJ0HR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I have a 2017 Cadillac Escalade that is all black. This vehicle is now sitting a 140,000 miles now. but before the 140,000 miles I was experiencing horrible peeling, and discoloration of the black paint on the hood, and roof of my vehicle. This particular issue should not be happening in such a highly luxury vehicle. I have driven Lexus, Nissan, and other vehicles, that are way older, im still possession of those vehicle, and still have not experienced such issues, with the paint or coating. This paint peeling and discoloration began well before the 140,000 miles. I want to say at about 90,000 miles I observed issues with the paint located on the top of my hood, and roof. I have also done research on the class action law suit for such issues as well. So I have seen I’m not the only person experiencing the paint discoloration or peeling problem
Cadillac Escalade 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-07
- VIN: 1GYEC63807R
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: N212328760 Recall preformed on 8/4/2022. Airbag warning light still coming on while driving! Evidently, my problem was never fixed.
Cadillac Escalade 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-17
- VIN: 1GYS4BKL4PR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: On 6/16/24 While driving on I95 the car started making a flapping noise and the car started to lurch and buck. No warning lights were on at the time. I pulled over and turned the car off and could not get it to restart right away. After a few tries it did turn on and the engine light stayed on but the car would not shift into gear. The car had to be towed and we were told there was a total engine failure.
Latest 5 recalls Cadillac Escalade
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 90 recalls for different components of the Cadillac Escalade.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Cadillac Escalade 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-12
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Consequence: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
- Model: Cadillac Escalade 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-20
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
- Consequence: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. 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 N232415910.
- Model: Cadillac Escalade 2023
- Report Received Date: 2022-12-08
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
- Model: Cadillac Escalade 2022
- Report Received Date: 2022-12-08
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
- Model: Cadillac Escalade 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-11-03
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
Latest negative Cadillac Escalade car reviews
Latest positive Cadillac Escalade car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2019
I recently decided to switch things up after driving foreign SUVs for over 20 years, mostly German ones. This time, I wanted something different - more room, larger towing capacity, 4WD/AWD, and a nicer interior. I must say, I am pleasantly surprised with my ESV 4WD Luxury after driving it for 2000 miles. Every day, I discover something new and exciting about it. The interior is beautiful with a nice fit and finish, and it's packed with tons of electronic safety features, including the oft-criticized CUE infotainment system. However, I find the controls logical and useful, and the owner's manual is a great resource. The ride quality of the suspension and 22
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Vehicle year: 2016
The Cadillac Escalade is a stylish, fast, comfortable, and safe SUV with a nice grumble from the 6.2L V8. However, there are some issues with the CUE system, which can be frustrating at times. The response is slow, and voice commands can be challenging. Additionally, the sliding controls for volume and AC may not be to everyone's liking. The headlights can be a little too bright, and the turn signals on the mirrors can be blinding at night. On the other hand, the tail lights are incredible and light up the whole street. The gas mileage is great for an SUV like this, and the DVD player in the rear is a great feature. The power fold-down seats are also a plus. The Escalade is a perfect family hauler, and it is safe, cool, and unique. We have had four Escalades, and they have all been great. The reason we keep buying them is that it saved my brother's life in a car accident, and the vehicle was totaled. It took one for the team. If you are looking for a big, burly, safe SUV, the Escalade is an excellent choice.
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Vehicle year: 2014
We initially considered the 06 Escalade, but it didn't quite meet our needs. We then opted for the Mercedes R350, but when it came time to upgrade, we found the styling to be less appealing than that of the GL. Ultimately, we decided on the GL450, which has a fantastic third row, but the bench seat was not to our liking. After much consideration, we narrowed our choices down to three luxury SUVs: the Navigator, which is extremely bold, the QX56, which was a close contender despite its underwhelming redesign, and the Escalade. Ultimately, we went with the Escalade due to its excellent styling and AWD capabilities, which are essential for Florida driving. Overall, we are very pleased with our choice of vehicle.
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Vehicle year: 2012
I absolutely adore this vehicle! Although my husband convinced me to sell my 2008 Escalade and switch to a Buick Enclave, I found myself missing my big, gas-guzzling SUV after just 15 months. The Enclave was a great car with a smooth ride, but nothing compares to the power of the 6.2 liter engine in the Escalade. Once you've owned an Escalade, it's hard to settle for anything else. I must admit, I complained a lot about letting my '08 Escalade go, as it never gave me any trouble. But, my husband surprised me with a newer and nicer Escalade, and now everything feels right in the universe again!
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Vehicle year: 2005
The car is really exceptional to drive and is also very comfortable and roomy. It meets all my needs and expectations for an SUV, with the exception of gas mileage (about 14-16 mpg). The electronics and automatic features are wonderful, especially the way the electronic sunroof closes automatically upon exiting the vehicle. The backup warning feature is also quite helpful. Although I did not get the navigational system, the rear camera feature is not available. The exterior styling and engine size of the vehicle put it ahead of other comparable vehicles, in my view.
Are you having problems with your Cadillac Escalade?
Owen Schiller 2025-08-13
Vehicle year: 2000
The vehicle has experienced several issues, including a clunking noise in the front end and a dashboard that was not assembled correctly resulting in a large gap towards the passenger side. Despite repairs, the rear window continues to rattle incessantly. The dealerships have attempted to address the issues by tearing apart the drivetrain twice and replacing both U joints, but have been unsuccessful. It is important to note that these issues do not reflect the overall quality of Cadillac vehicles. However, in this particular case, it may be worth considering alternative options such as the new Suburban.
Juvenal Franecki 2025-08-12
Vehicle year: 2016
It would be great if Cadillac could improve the reliability of their SUVs. The price of 80k for this truck is quite high, and unfortunately, it seems to have some issues. I had a 2015 certified Escalade, but unfortunately, I experienced some problems with it, such as the AC going out twice, the transmission torque failing, and it not going in reverse. I then traded it in for a 2016 certified Escalade, but unfortunately, it also had some issues with suspension and a rattling sound. It's quite frustrating when a vehicle doesn't meet our expectations, especially when we have a more reliable one like my 2004 GMC Denali.
Waldo Howell 2025-08-07
Vehicle year: 2007
I recently had some trouble with my two Cadillacs that I bought new. Despite doing all the maintenance, both cars needed new engines at around 100,000 miles. Luckily, I had an aftermarket warranty on both cars which saved me from being carless. However, this experience has made me reconsider buying Cadillacs in the future as they don't seem to be built to last. I had a good experience with the dealership in Naples, but unfortunately, the one in Ft Myers didn't want to work on my cars after the 100,000 mile mark. They did put in a new engine in my CTS, but the job was not done to my satisfaction. I hope to find a more reliable brand in the future.
Wilmer Lemke 2025-08-05
Vehicle year: 2015
My family has been loyal to Cadillac for generations, so when I got my own Cadillac, I was excited for the cream of the crop. Unfortunately, I had some issues with the vehicle shortly after getting it. The sunroof was leaking and the CUE (radio) would go black. The dealership fixed these issues, but then the radio went out again and the transmission started acting up. Despite multiple trips to the dealership, the issues persisted. It was frustrating to deal with, especially when the air conditioning stopped working in hot weather. I reached out to other GM dealerships, but was told that only a Cadillac dealer could work on it. Overall, I'm disappointed in the experience I've had with GM and Cadillac. As a loyal customer, I expected better from one of the top-of-the-line GM vehicles. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to fully enjoy it and this will be my last GM vehicle.
Deshaun Kuphal 2025-08-02
Vehicle year: 2018
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share my experience with the Escalade. Although we have owned three of them, I must say that I was disappointed with the quality of the latest one. Unfortunately, we experienced some issues with the interior such as parts coming unglued and the leather peeling. Additionally, we had some trouble with the exterior trim. Despite these issues, I must say that the dealership was very helpful and replaced the transmission. Overall, I was hoping for a better experience with a vehicle that costs almost 100k. I hope that Cadillac can improve the quality of their cars in the future.