2019 Cadillac Escalade esv 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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Common 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv problems
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade has been reported to have several problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most common issues is engine problems, with many owners reporting abnormal rattling, vibration, and eventual engine failure.
In addition to engine problems, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade has also been reported to have transmission problems. Owners have reported jerking, bumps, shakes, hard shifting, shuddering, hesitation, and transmission failure. These issues can compromise the safety and reliability of the vehicle, making it difficult to drive and potentially leading to accidents.
Brake problems are another common issue reported by owners of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade. Some owners have reported that their brakes failed to slow down the vehicle properly, even with last-minute hard braking by the driver, leading to accidents and rear-end collisions. However, this may not be sufficient to address the underlying issue, and more extensive repairs may be necessary.
Finally, there is a recall regarding the seatbelt retractor assembly in certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The retractor assembly may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. This recall affects certain vehicles and may not affect every vehicle of the same year, make, and model. Owners can use their VIN or plate to find out if their specific car has open recalls.
In conclusion, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade has several reported problems, including engine, transmission, and brake issues, as well as a recall regarding the seatbelt retractor assembly. These problems can compromise the safety and reliability of the vehicle, making it important for owners to address them promptly and seek appropriate repairs.
Do 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.
How many miles will a 2019 Cadillac Escalade last?
Expect to have between 200,000 to 250,000 miles on your Escalade, with proper care and maintenance.
What are the best years for Escalade?
A: The 2002, 2013, and 2014 model years are considered the most reliable for the Cadillac Escalade. These years offer a quality driving experience and are less likely to encounter expensive repairs over time.
Should I get Escalade or ESV?
Interior Seating & Cargo Space Comparison
The Escalade ESV offers the most cargo space between the two body sizes, and third-row passengers will appreciate the extra legroom as well. Both SUVs offer the same cargo features, despite the difference in cabin size.
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.
Should I get Escalade or ESV?
Interior Seating & Cargo Space Comparison
The Escalade ESV offers the most cargo space between the two body sizes, and third-row passengers will appreciate the extra legroom as well. Both SUVs offer the same cargo features, despite the difference in cabin size.
How many miles will a 2019 Cadillac Escalade last?
Expect to have between 200,000 to 250,000 miles on your Escalade, with proper care and maintenance.
What are the best years for Escalade?
A: The 2002, 2013, and 2014 model years are considered the most reliable for the Cadillac Escalade. These years offer a quality driving experience and are less likely to encounter expensive repairs over time.
2019 Cadillac Escalade esv car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Escalade esv problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2019 Cadillac Escalade esv complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-07
- VIN: 1GYS4HKJ7KR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The tire pressure guage reads the opposite tire. Causes allot of confusion and is a safety concern for anyone who owns the car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1GYS4KKJXKR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The Power Step / Running Boards do not operate as intended, especially on the driver's side. They are not deploying or retracting as they should, possibly leading to personal injury, ie. spain ankles, injury to the knees, legs and or backs of individuals, who assume the Power Step has deployed before entering or exiting the vehicle. I am seeking a recall be established concerning this matter, and a class action suit against General Motors be developed immediately. I have had my vehicle inspected, at a dealership, as many owners have, with nothing being found. Only to leave in disgust, and have to live with this daily issue. Something needs to be done about this problem, these are some very expensive vehicles, and owners like myself should not have to deal with this persist issue.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-06
- VIN: 1GYS4KKJ9KR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The power retractable running boards do not always deploy. This has caused me to almost fall to the ground a few times. I have taken it to the dealer at least 5 times and each time they say nothings wrong or they can't find anything even when it happens to them. This form will not let me fill in miles. Right now there are 32k on my vehicle. This happens when I am parked.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GYS4KKJ1KR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Vehicle caught on fire while owner was driving. Owner reported small puff of black smoke prior to fire.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-05
- VIN: 1GYS3JKJ9KR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: When the battery goes low the gear change from park to neutral . That happen to my vehiculo I found few feet outside brim my parking space and it was the gear in neutral
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-27
- VIN: 1GYS3JKJ4KR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MY PRIMARY CONCERN WHEN SHOPPING FOR THIS VEHICLE WAS SAFETY, SO INSTEAD OF PURCHASING THE COMPARABLE GMC DENALI, I CHOSE THE CADILLAC WITH THE PREMIUM LUXURY TRIM LEVEL. THE CADILLAC WEBSITE ADVERTISED, AND THE AUTONATION CADILLAC WEST PALM BEACH SALESMAN ASSURED ME, THAT THE PREMIUM LUXURY PACKAGE INCLUDED 'LOW SPEED FORWARD AUTOMATIC BRAKING.' THIS SAFETY FEATURE WAS IMPORTANT TO ME AND WAS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE GMC DENALI. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THERE WERE UNRELATED ISSUES WHICH PROMPTED ME TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES. THROUGH THAT PROCESS, I LEARNED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH 'LOW SPEED AUTOMATIC BRAKING' EVEN THOUGH THE REST OF THE FEATURES OF THE PREMIUM LUXURY TRIM LEVEL APPEAR TO BE INCLUDED. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME DURING MY LAST VISIT THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT IN FACT EQUIPPED WITH 'LOW SPEED AUTOMATIC BRAKING.' I WRITE YOU THIS LETTER BOTH AS A FRUSTRATED CONSUMER, BUT ALSO AS A CONCERNED CITIZEN. I CAN ONLY WONDER HOW MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE DRIVING AROUND THINKING THEIR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH 'LOW SPEED AUTOMATIC BRAKING.' I ESCALATED MY CONCERN TO GENERAL MOTORS IN JULY 2019, BUT THEY DENIED MY REQUEST TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE ON JULY 17, 2019. I ALSO CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP (AUTONATION) BUT HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN RESOLVING THIS AS THEY HAVE BEEN LARGELY UNRESPONSIVE. GENERAL MOTORS AND CADILLAC CONTINUE THEIR DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING TACTICS TO THIS DAY. IF YOU TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE, YOU WILL FIND THE INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT TRIM LEVELS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE TERMINOLOGY IS DECEPTIVE AND CONFUSING TO THE AVERAGE CONSUMER. THERE IS A SAFETY FEATURE CALLED 'LOW SPEED FORWARD AUTOMATIC BRAKING' AND ONE CALLED 'FORWARD/REVERSE AUTOMATIC BRAKING.' NOT ONLY IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE 2 FEATURES CONFUSING TO A LAY PERSON, BUT MY SALESMAN DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE. *JS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GYS3JKJ1KR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHILE ALL ELECTRONIC SAFETY FEATURES WERE ENGAGED, VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN PROPERLY, EVEN WITH LAST MINUTE HARD BREAKING BY DRIVER, VEHICLE CRASHED AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. DASHCAM FOOTAGE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-27
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHTS ARE FAR TOO BRIGHT. THEY ARE BLINDING AND CAUSE TOO MUCH GLARE. THE HEADLIGHTS CAUSE ME TO HAVE TO LOWER MY MIRRORS. THE TAILLIGHTS ARE ALSO WAY TOO BRIGHT. WHEN I AM STUCK BEHIND THIS CAR, I AM BLINDED AND I AM SO ANGRY. ALL HEADLIGHTS MUST BE A SOFT COLOR THAT IS EASY ON THE EYES OF THE DRIVERS IN FRONT AND BEHIND.
2019 Cadillac Escalade esv recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
Negative 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv car reviews
Positive 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv car reviews
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If you're in the market for a fantastic ride with plenty of features and a sleek design, you'll absolutely adore owning an Escalade. This SUV has it all, including hidden compartments for your belongings, USB ports galore, a 120v plugin, a plethora of Bose speakers, and much more. The camera system is truly remarkable! When I flip up my rearview mirror, I can see the traffic behind me. Even when I pull into my garage, I still get a 360-degree view to ensure that I'm parked correctly. The only issue I have, and this is just a personal one, is that it's much larger than the Tahoe I had before. This one is a beast ;o) so I'm still getting used to parking it, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it in no time.
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This is by far the best at what it does! It goes from country club to cross country vacation hauling with luxurious power and comfort. You can haul the family, dogs, luggage and boat to the coast with ease. It doesn't breathe hard, it's smooth as silk, pulls like there's nothing attached and passes like a muscle SUV. It's an all-weather vehicle that provides comfort and confidence in all seasons. I've driven everything in the $75K to $125K, over 6000lb GVW category luxury SUV category for Section 179 business purposes... they're all nice and each has their niche. However, they (like any vehicle) have their drawbacks. For example, take the 2018 Mercedes 450 GLS. The front seat ride and comfort is super, however the back seats are not designed for any drives other than a straight line. Avoid riding in the back with a full stomach. The Range Rover is too small, and the XC90 is a front-wheel-drive SUV? The X5, Q90, etc... are great as well, but again, not the SUV of choice. For family, toys, horse trailers, boats, etc... and all the gear that goes with them, the 2019 Escalade ESV Platinum can't be beat. You have a choice of 2-wheel, AWD, 4High and 4Low drive trains, paired with a heavy-duty 10-speed automatic. Plus, there are Touring, Sport and Snow modes at the touch of a button... it's the standard by which all others are judged!
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I'm so glad to hear that you're happy with your purchase! It's great to know that you're enjoying all the toys that came with your vehicle too.
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I've always enjoyed owning a Cadillac Escalade. This is actually my third pre-owned Escalade, and I must say, it's loaded with lots of gadgets, gee-whiz buttons and extras. My prior Escalades were from 2004 and 2005, so this one being within the same decade is very new to me. There are many changes and extras that come with it, but I'm still very happy with my purchase. Although I would have liked the Plantinum, I'm still very content with the Premium Luxury. I definitely didn't want to pay a house note for a pre-owned vehicle, but I'm still happy with my purchase. I hope it lasts like my other two that I still own. 😊 Happy Holidays🎄
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Awesome truck! It has everything you could imagine. We just love it!
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Other years of Cadillac Escalade esv
Are you having problems with your 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv?
Golden Ferry 2025-09-12
We purchased our 2016 Escalade ESV brand new 3.5 years ago, but unfortunately, we have experienced a number of issues with it. We noticed rough transmission shifting at low speeds, steering wheel vibrations, and a whining noise at high speeds within the first few weeks of owning it. Despite bringing it back to the dealer multiple times, they were unable to find anything wrong with the car. Since then, we have had to bring the car in over 12 times for various issues, including problems with the transmission, rear HVAC controls, drivers seat controls, steering wheel column, rear lift gate motor, battery, rear shocks, and wood paneling. We even had to recalibrate the lane assist. Unfortunately, we found gunk in the transmission fluid at only 33k miles, which needed to be replaced. We have decided to purchase a more reliable vehicle, as we believe the transmission is faulty and irreversibly damaged. We are disappointed with the quality of this GM product, especially considering how much we spent on it. We filed a complaint with GM, but they only offered to assist us with getting it fixed with the dealer. We appreciate the offer, but we have already scheduled multiple appointments with the dealer over the past 3.5 years. This has been the worst car we have ever owned, and we have never had this many issues with any of our other cars combined.
Ezekiel Harber 2025-09-08
My husband and I have been loyal customers of GM for many years, purchasing brand new vehicles regularly. We have invested a significant amount of money in our trucks and SUVs over the years. In 2015, we decided to purchase a 2016 Cadillac ESV because we were drawn to its sleek design. Unfortunately, we have experienced some issues with the shifting of the vehicle. The gears shift roughly, making for an uncomfortable ride, especially when taking off and on and off during a ride. The problem has only gotten worse over time, to the point where the truck won't even turn on. We have had to take it to the agency multiple times, which has been inconvenient. As a family, we love taking road trips in the summer, but we have not been able to do so because we do not feel safe in this vehicle. We have expressed our concerns to GM, but unfortunately, they have not been able to provide a satisfactory solution. We are disappointed that our investment of $94,000 has not lived up to our expectations. While we have had a negative experience with this particular Cadillac, we still value GM as a brand and hope that they will take our feedback into consideration to improve their products in the future.It's been a while since my first review and a lot has changed. After filing the lemon law documents through the BBB and getting our lawyer involved, GMC offered to exchange our vehicle for any other vehicle we wanted. We paid a fee of approximately 10,000 dollars, which in the lemon law is called a usage fee. The usage fee is basically what you have to pay for the time the vehicle was used based on a formula. We chose another Cadillac Escalade ESV. It was great at first, but now, just two and a half months driving the vehicle, we are starting to notice the modulator acting up. We will be calling the agency to get it serviced. This truck is much, much better. If you are thinking of spending high dollar on a luxury vehicle, I would recommend trying Lexus or Range Rover instead.
Evans Vandervort 2025-09-06
UPDATED 21 Aug 19: Nothing changed DO NOT BUY!!!~Having owned the 2007 ESV, I thought long and hard about buying a new 2016. Keeping in mind that we have owned Lexus since 1990, with a total of five LS models over the years, I would like to share my experience with you. Unless you need the size of the ESV for family road travel, I would not recommend buying one. Your hard-earned $80K+ needs to go elsewhere because of the workmanship and quality issues. Although it looks awesome and rides great, it is the fitment, vibration, and flutter of plastic parts rubbing against each other that can be frustrating. The center CUE had a vibration as if a wiring harness had been flopping around. The sunroof decided just this morning that something up in there needed to be jostling around, and these things happen only when they want to. We have only owned it for 3 weeks, and it has 735 miles on it. We got it for the room and size to accommodate our family. If Lexus ever decides to make one similar in size, we are in. Nothing in my review changes except that I will never own another. It is not up to the standards of Lexus. Last May 22, 2016, we finally got help from the BBB in Washington DC to help replace the original 2016 we bought in Dec. 2015. It took us 6 months to get rid of that pile of junk and replace it with another pile of junk. Other than the dealer experience being so stellar and supportive, I will never own another. PERIOD. From problems with transmission shifting at times I can't understand, to the dye color of the leather already wearing away, plastic parts look like wood and yet vibrate into a frenzy at times. Listen carefully, you do what you want. If you want to toss money into a pit loaded with stress and problems, then buy this thing. If you want to save yourself the grief, buy Lexus or something else. UPDATE: JUNK it is OVERPRICED JUNK. Would love to sell it if you know of anyone interested. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING CADILLAC.
Donato Rath 2025-07-17
I purchased a brand new Cadillac Escalade ESV 2016 with 0 miles, but unfortunately, it started giving me some trouble over time. One of the biggest issues was a rattling noise in the rear end on both sides. I have visited several dealerships from January 2016 until now (October 2016), but unfortunately, no one has been able to locate the exact source of the noise. Instead, they have replaced various parts in my brand new Escalade, assuming that the noise was coming from there. Unfortunately, this has caused further issues with my car. I am still hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon, and I appreciate the efforts of the dealerships in trying to help me with this problem.
Ed Parker 2025-04-28
This is a 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV buyback. We purchased it from a dealership 14 hours away from home, but unfortunately, it experienced some mechanical issues during our journey back. Despite having a new motor installed, the vehicle would not start and had to be towed to the nearest Cadillac dealer. We contacted Cadillac customer service for assistance, but unfortunately, they were unable to help us due to the towing service we used. We eventually managed to get the vehicle started and drove it straight home without turning it off. However, the same issue occurred again two weeks later, and we discovered that the starter had been replaced after the motor was installed, which was not disclosed to us at the time of purchase. We took the vehicle back to the dealership, and after a week of repairs, it was returned to us. Unfortunately, the same issue has occurred again, and we are currently seeking a resolution. Despite our frustrations, we remain confident that the dealership will resolve the issue and provide us with a reliable vehicle.I am extremely disappointed with the service I have received from Cadillac Customer Service. Despite having a case number, I have had to make all the effort to contact them. I have called them nine times and sent five emails, but have only received one phone call from them, which I missed. When I called back, I was unable to speak to anyone and had to leave a message. I have since received a call from a senior customer representative, Sheila, who was unhelpful and denied my reimbursement. She suggested that I ask the dealership to reimburse me instead, which is not fair as it is not their fault that the vehicle stranded me nine hours from home, only five hours after I bought it. I explained that it is not about the money, but the principle that Cadillac is supposed to provide elite customer service. I requested to speak to her supervisor, but was told that it would take one to two business days for them to call me back. I am beyond frustrated that I am stuck with a Cadillac that I cannot depend on. I expect better from a company that prides itself on its customer service.