NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade. Most complaints involve electrical system (5) and service brakes (4). The EPA rates it 13–14 mpg combined.
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Escalade model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 44 |
| 2000 | 83 |
| 2002 | 145 |
| 2003 | 112 |
| 2004 | 103 |
| 2005 | 62 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 286 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2009 | 61 |
| 2010 | 43 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 106 |
| 2016 | 104 |
| 2017 | 89 |
| 2018 | 37 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2020 | 36 |
| 2021 | 170 |
| 2022 | 146 |
| 2023 | 237 |
| 2024 | 75 |
| 2025 | 40 |
| 2026 | 56 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“ENGINE STARTED MISFIRING WHILE ON HIGHWAY. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS BLINKING. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DEALER. THE RESULT IS #6 AND #8 ARE MISFIRING AND ALSO WERE TOLD THAT 2 MANIFOLD BOLTS ON RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE WERE BROKEN OFF IN ENGINE BODY. IF THEY CANNOT GET THE BOLTS TO BACK OFF THEY WILL HAVE TO PULL THE HEAD TO DRILL THEM OUT ON THE INSIDE.”
“THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND LEAKING IN AT LEAST TWO LOCATIONS. THE DEALER MASSEY CADILLAC OF SOUTH ORLANDO HAD TO REPLACE FROM THE REAR AXLE TO THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVE ON OUR WAY HOME TO MC.”
“VEHICLE STOPS RUNNING. ENGINE DIES HAPPENED FOUR TIMES, THREE TIMES AT 70 TO 80 MPH ON 6 LN. FREEWAY HAVE TO TRY AND STEER AND USE BRAKES WITH NO POWER. ONCE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD LET SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND IT STARTS UP AGAIN. HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG WHEN THEY PUT ON THE COMPUTER. I FEEL THAT HIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! IT COULD GET US KILLED ALONG WITH ANY ONE ELSE CLOSE BY THAT HITS US.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $5,550 | 635 |
| Escalade AWD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,950 | 684 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (5), service brakes (4), engine (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2006 Cadillac Escalade at 13–14 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).