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2015 Cadillac Escalade Problems & Owner Complaints

103 NHTSA owner complaints
5 crash 3 fire 10 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.6 complaints per year on the road — ranking 7 of 15 Cadillac Escalade years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, cited in 27 of 103 filed complaints (26%).

Power Train is next (27 complaints, 26%), followed by Electrical System (16), Steering (10), Service Brakes (9).

Across all complaints, 5 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 10 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Steering: 2 crash, 1 fire, 7 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 103.

Engine 27 1 fire

“Vehicle burst into flames while driving 70 mph on highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11442174, 2021 · fire

“The engine in my 2015 Cadillac Escalade failed unexpectedly at approximately 53,000 miles. Immediately prior to the failure, the engine developed a noticeable knocking noise, indicating a potential internal issue. While attempting to park in a public parking garage, the vehicle suddenly lost power and the engine shut down without any warning lights or alerts. This created a hazardous situation in a confined area with other vehicles and pedestrians, as I was unable to properly control or maneuver the vehicle. The sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown significantly increased the ri…”
NHTSA complaint #11725365, 2026

“Mileage: 90,406 2015 Cadillac Escalade Engine: 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 has experienced lifter and camshaft failure, and the vehicle is now stalling while driving, creating a serious safety risk. I transport my disabled child daily, and the stalls are unpredictable, putting us and other drivers at risk. This issue is consistent with the pending class action Harrison v. General Motors LLC, which alleges that 2014–present Cadillac Escalades with 6.2L AFM/DFM lifters can fail, causing engine noise, stalling, and catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was service on 3/02/2026 at Riverview Chevrolet GM…”
NHTSA complaint #11724651, 2026

Power Train 27 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving through a conveyor car wash with child occupants in the rear seats, the vehicle was placed in neutral (N). The vehicle was then shifted into drive (D) as instructed but accelerated independently. The contact added that the vehicle barely made a left turn exiting the car wash bay, nearly colliding with a wall and a car wash door. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The contact shifted the vehicle into park (P), but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact added that after shif…”
NHTSA complaint #11749286, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“Mileage: 90,406 2015 Cadillac Escalade Engine: 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 has experienced lifter and camshaft failure, and the vehicle is now stalling while driving, creating a serious safety risk. I transport my disabled child daily, and the stalls are unpredictable, putting us and other drivers at risk. This issue is consistent with the pending class action Harrison v. General Motors LLC, which alleges that 2014–present Cadillac Escalades with 6.2L AFM/DFM lifters can fail, causing engine noise, stalling, and catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was service on 3/02/2026 at Riverview Chevrolet GM…”
NHTSA complaint #11724651, 2026

“I dropped my vehicle off for transmission service maintenance with no engine issues and no check engine light. The Cadillac dealer called me the next day and said the check engine light was on and the engine was bad and needed $12,000 repair due to faulty bad designed lifter's and camshaft also stated this is a well know defect in the engine and they have replaced many 6.2 engines. Vehicle has 59,345 miles and has a 72,000 mile powertrain warranty. I contacted GM and was told no they would not help with the cost. I drove the vehicle home and it would stall out at stop lights the stabilitrack…”
NHTSA complaint #11646696, 2025

Unknown Or Other 19

“My 2015 Cadillac Escalade suffered complete engine failure caused by a known design defect involving the Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifters and camshaft. This issue is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletins (TSB #15-06-01-002E and PIP5606C), which acknowledge lifter collapse, misfires, and internal engine damage in 2014–2020 Escalade and similar models. GM-certified dealerships repeatedly misdiagnosed the issue as minor (e.g. spark plugs, oil), allowing the underlying defect to worsen. I am uploading invoices from Cadillac of Cerritos (who misdiagnosed the problem), my trusted local r…”
NHTSA complaint #11676295, 2025

“Vehicle will make noise as if gears are slipping, when going up the slop or on load. potentially can stall or burnout gear and cause major accident. Cadillac should replace the vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11645049, 2025

“THE RADIATOR HAD TO BE CHANGED BECAUSE OF LEAKS IN IT. IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED TO COVER EXPENSES ON IT. HAPPENS WITH REGULAR USE.”
NHTSA complaint #11382906, 2020

Electrical System 16 1 crash 2 fire

“Vehicle burst into flames while driving 70 mph on highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11442174, 2021 · fire

“VEHICLE HAD AN OPEN FLAME IN REAR HATCH LOCKING MECHANISM. I HAVE A VIDEO TOO.”
NHTSA complaint #11156479, 2018 · fire

“THIS IS FOR SAFETY RECALL IN oct 2019- regarding the brakes- it has ALREADY BEEN MADE AWARE TO DOT. This is in regards to getting a refund for my almost 4k out of pocket expense. The brakes went out completely in sept 2019 ( in 5-7 mph I could not stop in traffic even with them all the way pushed to the floor. and caused a front end collision ad the brakes been working normally this would have never happened. I was wondering what i needed to do ( or if i can ) to get reimbursed for the damages that i incurred on fixing my vehicle. ( around 4,000). Or if i need to notify Cadillac of this iss…”
NHTSA complaint #11548239, 2019 · crash

Steering 10 2 crash 1 fire 7 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPOT, WHEN THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED ORR CADILLAC LOCATED AT 8750 BUSINESS PARK DR, SHREVEPORT, LA 71105, (318) 798-7250, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING STARTER AND BATTERY TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT 1 MONTH LATER SHE EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE FOR A SECOND OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED LOCAL DEALER ORR CADILLAC GMC LOCATED AT 400 TX-63 SPUR, LONGVIEW, TX 75601,(903) 757-6600, WHERE IT…”
NHTSA complaint #11373186, 2017 · crash · 6 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AND I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER CAUSING ME TO VEER OUT OF MY LANE CAUSING A CRASH. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY FULLY CAUSING ME TO HAVE A DISLOCATED SHOULDER AND BROKEN RIBS. THE CAR ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE DURING IMPACT AND I HAD TO BE PULLED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP ON ME IS MOST LIKELY THE REASON I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11375347, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“I was on the Highway and the EPS stopped working and steering wheel became hard. I looked online and saw there was a recall for this certain model of vehicle and when I checked the NHTSA page there was no recall for my VIN. We had to continue using the vehicle to get back to out city and it suddenly worked again. Now it does it every few times. We’re scared we might crash. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V586000”
NHTSA complaint #11675475, 2025

Service Brakes 9 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving through a conveyor car wash with child occupants in the rear seats, the vehicle was placed in neutral (N). The vehicle was then shifted into drive (D) as instructed but accelerated independently. The contact added that the vehicle barely made a left turn exiting the car wash bay, nearly colliding with a wall and a car wash door. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The contact shifted the vehicle into park (P), but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact added that after shif…”
NHTSA complaint #11749286, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“THIS IS FOR SAFETY RECALL IN oct 2019- regarding the brakes- it has ALREADY BEEN MADE AWARE TO DOT. This is in regards to getting a refund for my almost 4k out of pocket expense. The brakes went out completely in sept 2019 ( in 5-7 mph I could not stop in traffic even with them all the way pushed to the floor. and caused a front end collision ad the brakes been working normally this would have never happened. I was wondering what i needed to do ( or if i can ) to get reimbursed for the damages that i incurred on fixing my vehicle. ( around 4,000). Or if i need to notify Cadillac of this iss…”
NHTSA complaint #11548239, 2019 · crash

“2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE BRAKES. *LD CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO NAPLETON (ROCKFORD, IL) BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE WAS RUMBLING AND SHUDDERING. A NEW HARNESS WAS INSTALLED INSIDE THE TRANSMISSON. IN 09/2019 CONSUMER RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE BRAKES OF VEHICLE AND THEY SUBMITTED A REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST TO MANUFACTURER. *DL”
NHTSA complaint #11317411, 2019

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Suspension 9

“Cadillac and GM have a know issue in the Escalade for faulty susp3nsion, with their MagRide system, and bad lifters. They use AFM/DOD to reduce the engine down to 4 cylinders and it causes the lifters to get stuck and damage the cam. I am one of thousands to experience these issues. GM need to be held responsible. Why. Are you putting this junk in 100k trucks? Why are we having to foot the bill to get rid of it? My car only has 112,000 miles. This is ridiculous. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #11702046, 2025

“The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the electric magnetic shock was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11466260, 2022

“Front shocks had to be replaced on our Cadillac 2015 Escalade. Right Front shock was leaking oil at 81K miles, repair 26 March, Red Noland Cadillac, CO. Informed service associate at the time, and then worked with the Service Manager after that. The Service Manager informed me of the GM service number I could call 1-800-333-4233 for customer service/good will request. At that number, Julia with GM stated the call needed to be done PRIOR to the repair, supervisor assist was requested but not made available. I've owned several GM products, and appreciated the quality and responsiveness to servi…”
NHTSA complaint #11418129, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 7 1 crash

“ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I WAS NEARING THE EDGE OF THE CURB ON MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SO I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE SO I COULD MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB WHILE BACKING OUT . ONCE I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE CAR WENT TO FULL ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON AND HIT A POLE AT FULL ACCELERATION APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET AWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #10716407, 2015 · crash

“Significant fuel leak coming from top of fuel tank”
NHTSA complaint #11707451, 2025

“I was driving south on I-25 when lights started flashing snd then i lost power and had to coast to the shoulder with no means to expedite my exit from the interstate. At the coasting point white heavy smoke came from tail pipe. . I know there is a recall for 21-24 models. For the very problem i had. The recall now has no fix. This needs fixed”
NHTSA complaint #11687494, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 6 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving through a conveyor car wash with child occupants in the rear seats, the vehicle was placed in neutral (N). The vehicle was then shifted into drive (D) as instructed but accelerated independently. The contact added that the vehicle barely made a left turn exiting the car wash bay, nearly colliding with a wall and a car wash door. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The contact shifted the vehicle into park (P), but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact added that after shif…”
NHTSA complaint #11749286, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I WAS NEARING THE EDGE OF THE CURB ON MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SO I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE SO I COULD MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB WHILE BACKING OUT . ONCE I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE CAR WENT TO FULL ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON AND HIT A POLE AT FULL ACCELERATION APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET AWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #10716407, 2015 · crash

“Vehicle will make noise as if gears are slipping, when going up the slop or on load. potentially can stall or burnout gear and cause major accident. Cadillac should replace the vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11645049, 2025

Structure 5 2 crash

“THIS IS FOR SAFETY RECALL IN oct 2019- regarding the brakes- it has ALREADY BEEN MADE AWARE TO DOT. This is in regards to getting a refund for my almost 4k out of pocket expense. The brakes went out completely in sept 2019 ( in 5-7 mph I could not stop in traffic even with them all the way pushed to the floor. and caused a front end collision ad the brakes been working normally this would have never happened. I was wondering what i needed to do ( or if i can ) to get reimbursed for the damages that i incurred on fixing my vehicle. ( around 4,000). Or if i need to notify Cadillac of this iss…”
NHTSA complaint #11548239, 2019 · crash

“ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I WAS NEARING THE EDGE OF THE CURB ON MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SO I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE SO I COULD MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB WHILE BACKING OUT . ONCE I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE CAR WENT TO FULL ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON AND HIT A POLE AT FULL ACCELERATION APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET AWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #10716407, 2015 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11603783, 2022

Air Bags 3 2 crash 1 fire 3 injury

“The contact owned a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact fell asleep and rear-ended another vehicle causing a three-car chain reaction. The contact stated that the front end hit the other vehicle squarely on the rear bumper. The front bumper and hood were crushed back to both front tire wheel wells. The front passenger side tire had sheared off. The contact stated that both sets of air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that both her knees were bruised, also bruising on her chest, both arms, and a bruise under her right eye. Her passen…”
NHTSA complaint #11492186, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AND I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER CAUSING ME TO VEER OUT OF MY LANE CAUSING A CRASH. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY FULLY CAUSING ME TO HAVE A DISLOCATED SHOULDER AND BROKEN RIBS. THE CAR ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE DURING IMPACT AND I HAD TO BE PULLED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP ON ME IS MOST LIKELY THE REASON I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11375347, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“1) AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON IN VEHICLE. 2) R-134 LEAKS 3) BODY AND OR REAR REVERSE LIGHT FIXTURE HAS CONDENSATION AND WATER GETS IN AREA IN FRONT OF SUNROOF. 4) REAR BACK DOOR NO UNLOCK ALL THE TIME. 5) POWERTRAIN WORK PERFORMED AT DEALER AND EXPERIENCING SLIPPING. 6) STEERING COLUMN NOISE/CLUNK”
NHTSA complaint #11323310, 2020

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“The dash lit up with several codes I got out, walked around the vehicle as if someone damaged it would not start. It went into theft mode. Alarms went off, emergency, breaking temperature, control, climate control, side detection error had to have vehicle towed to have all codes cleared with the advanced snap on tool Computer the problem was undiagnosed but side detection error code is still displayed. Of course I was out of town had a $425 tow bill back home for a faulty side detection sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #11574946, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM. RECENTLY, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM SUDDENLY ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING, STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. THE FAILURE RECURRED TEN TIMES OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN TO A DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11352962, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND SWITCHING LANES, THE SIDE DETECTION OFF WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO QUANTRELL CADILLAC (1490 E NEW CIRCLE RD, LEXINGTON, KY 40509, (859) 559-0868) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNSOED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE COLLISION AVOIDANCE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,362.”
NHTSA complaint #11194586, 2019

Lane Departure 3

“I dropped my vehicle off for transmission service maintenance with no engine issues and no check engine light. The Cadillac dealer called me the next day and said the check engine light was on and the engine was bad and needed $12,000 repair due to faulty bad designed lifter's and camshaft also stated this is a well know defect in the engine and they have replaced many 6.2 engines. Vehicle has 59,345 miles and has a 72,000 mile powertrain warranty. I contacted GM and was told no they would not help with the cost. I drove the vehicle home and it would stall out at stop lights the stabilitrack…”
NHTSA complaint #11646696, 2025

“The dash lit up with several codes I got out, walked around the vehicle as if someone damaged it would not start. It went into theft mode. Alarms went off, emergency, breaking temperature, control, climate control, side detection error had to have vehicle towed to have all codes cleared with the advanced snap on tool Computer the problem was undiagnosed but side detection error code is still displayed. Of course I was out of town had a $425 tow bill back home for a faulty side detection sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #11574946, 2024

“I have a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. It has been well taken care of. To my disappointment, this vehicle has been a money pit since day one. We have had to have all shocks replaced two times since January 16, 2020, costing thousands of dollars.The front cross bar was replaced the first time the shocks were replaced. The airconditioning system went out in the summer of 2020, replacement cost over 2500.00 The back suspension was just replaced in December 2022 for 2100.00. Running board motor wore out. Radio touch screen had to be replaced because it did not respond to tounch 1400.00 No warning l…”
NHTSA complaint #11502005, 2020

Back Over Prevention 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, THE BACK UP CAMERA WENT BLANK AND FAILED TO DISPLAY AN OBJECT. THE FAILURE OCCURED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FAULKNER CADILLAC (6726 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050, (717) 691-2000) FOUR TIMES WHERE THE CAMERA AND NEW WIRES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11276946, 2019

“WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING FROM 1-2 THE VEHICLE JERKS VERY HARD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THE DID ALL REQUIRED UPDATES NEEDED. ON THE 3RD VISIT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THERE IS NO REPAIRING IT. THEY SAID GM UPDATED THE TRANSMISSION IN 2019 AND HAVE NOT HAD ISSUES SINCE. WHY WOULD THEY NOT PROVIDE THE UPDATED TRANSMISSION TO ALL PRIOR VEHICLES IF IT REMEDIES THE ISSUE? WHILE DRIVING MY CAR SHIFTS SO HARD SOME TIMES IT THROWS ME FORWARD. THIS OCCURS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT ON THE ROAD OR STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. AS…”
NHTSA complaint #11390718, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“THIS VEHICLE EQUIPPED A FRONT CAMERA (23171580) TO PROVIDE LANE DEPARTURE WARNING, COLLISION WARNING, AUTO BRAKE FUNCTION, BUT AFTER A FRONT WINDOW GLASS CHANGE, ALL THESE FUNCTIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, AND AFTER RESEARCH, WE FOUND GM REQUIRE A 30 MINUTES RE-CALIBRATE WINDOW, AFTER THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE A NEW CAMERA. IN GM SERVICE INSTRUCTION DOCUMENT SB-10057012-2409.PDF, IT SAID: IF AFTER 30 MINUTES THE ORIGINAL CAMERA WILL NOT CALIBRATE, REPLACE THE FRONT VIEW CAMERA. GM PROVIDE A FREE REPLACEMENT TO VEHICLES UNDER THE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER COVERAGE, THEY KNEW THIS PROBLEM CLEARLY. THESE…”
NHTSA complaint #11241168, 2019

“MY 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 50+ DAYS SINCE PURCHASING IN 2015 FOR DEFECTIVE BRAKES, TRANSMISSION, TRIM, TECHNOLOGY, CHASSIS, ELECTRICAL, AND HVAC. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY DON'T WANT TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY IN THE SHOP FOR PROBLEMS AND IT IS NOT A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD BE OPERATED ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS. NUMEROUS PARTS OF MY TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED/REPROGRAMMED/REBUILT BEFORE DUE TO DEFECTS IN DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY. THE TRANSMISSION CONSISTENTLY VIBRATES, JERKS AND SHUTTERS WHEN DRIVING, POPS AND CREAKS WHEN STOPPED AND CLUNKS WHEN L…”
NHTSA complaint #11075968, 2018

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the variable valve timing, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but t…”
NHTSA complaint #11658187, 2025

“S10 DOT/I: LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN CLINE ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING THE DIFFICULTY SHE IS EXPERIENCING WITH HER 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE (ATTN: KJERSTEN CROKE). *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S RADIATOR LEAKED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RECYCLING OF THE THERMOSTAT. COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR TUBES. THIS FAILURE WAS REPAIRED PER THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN 9I1513E. THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. REPAIRS WERE ATTEMPTED, BUT THE VIBRATIONS RECURRED. THE TRIM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS LOOSE. THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ON AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF CAUSING THE BATTERY…”
NHTSA complaint #11195210, 2019

Equipment 1

“The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the radio head unit flickered and did not function properly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the internal fold inside of the head unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,999.”
NHTSA complaint #11575529, 2023

Exterior Lighting 1

“AUTO BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS, HIGH BEAMS RANDOMLY FLASH ON COMING TRAFFIC BLINDING THEM. VEHICLE AT DEALER BUT DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. FACTORY NOTIFIED AND REPORTED THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO ENGINEER A FIX. VEHICLE AT CADILLAC DEALER LAS VEGAS. SECOND TIME IN SHOP.”
NHTSA complaint #10894630, 2016

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while his wife was driving the vehicle, after arriving at a parking lot, a bystander informed her that the vehicle was leaking a significant amount of fuel. The vehicle was driven to the residence and turned off, and the vehicle continued to leak fuel. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the leak was coming directly from the fuel pump at the fuel tank. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,206.”
NHTSA complaint #11734152, 2026

Seat Belts 1

“DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP AND A BURNING SMELL EMITTED FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT POST. NO ACCIDENT OCCURED AND NO WARNING AS TO WHY IT HAPPENED. CHEVROLET DEALER SAID NOTHING APPARENTLY CAUSED IT. IT JUST LOCKED UP. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY”
NHTSA complaint #11376023, 2020

Seats 1

“Vehicle sold with inoperable passenger seat on November 22, 2024. Seat stays in recline position. Issue is unresolved with the dealership to date.”
NHTSA complaint #11634474, 2024

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDEVIEW MIRRORS WERE TOO SMALL AND OBSTRUCTED HIS VIEW WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CROWN CADILLAC (584 US-22, WATCHUNG, NJ 07069, (908) 922-4457) WHO STATED THAT LARGER MIRRORS COULD BE PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11191982, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER FRACTURED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO WORK. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE WINDOWS TO FOG UP AND IMPAIRED THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CADILLAC OF MAHWAH, NJ) WHO STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED THE CONTACT A RENTAL VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AFTER SEVEN WEEKS WHEN THE PART WAS LOCATED. THE CAUSE OF…”
NHTSA complaint #11005298, 2016

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2015 Cadillac Escalade draws about 8.6 complaints per year on the road, ranking 7 of 15 among the Cadillac Escalade model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

Before you buy this Cadillac Escalade

Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

SaveVIN

Free vehicle recall & safety reports using public U.S. NHTSA data.

Uses public U.S. NHTSA data SaveVIN is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to NHTSA, the U.S. government, or any vehicle manufacturer.
For official recall notices, check nhtsa.gov/recalls and register your vehicle with its manufacturer. SaveVIN alerts are best-effort and do not replace official notices.