Problems · NHTSA complaints

2015 Cadillac Escalade problems

Owners filed 106 complaints about the 2015 Cadillac Escalade with NHTSA between May 2015 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is power train (29).

Complaints
106
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
11
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train29
  2. Engine29
  3. Electrical system17
  4. Steering10
  5. Suspension9
  6. Service brakes8
  7. Vehicle speed control7
  8. Fuel/propulsion system7
  9. Structure5
  10. Lane departure3
  11. Forward collision avoidance3
  12. Air bags3
  13. Engine and engine cooling2
  14. Back over prevention2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20154
20168
20176
201814
201918
202010
20217
20224
20235
20247
202515
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

29 reports1 related recall
“While I was driving i needed to accelerate to pass slower traffic. As I pressed the accelerator I I felt a shudder and binding sensation throughout the vehicle and had to make a very drastic and unplanned maneuver to return to my lane as I had not completely departed from my lane, while maneuvering back in my lane I was forced to make several decisions as what next to do not know how my vehicle was going to respond to further acceleration attempts and if my wheels were going to lock up going freeway speeds. Since the incident I have noticed when my transmission fluid temp reaches between 100° and 150° my truck consistently exhibits the same behaviors inconsistent acceleration, clunking sounds, grinding/ binding sensation felt while at highway cruising speeds, clunk sounds during deceleration under breaking. I purchased the vehicle on 9/10/26 used. I have since stopped using this vehicle because it is a primary family vehicle used for schools drop off and pick ups as well as traveling for sports events. I do not trust that the behavior of the truck will simply works itself out and I will not risk my family safety on the roadway. Also after driving my vehicle the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11767778

Engine

29 reports1 fire
“My 2015 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L V8 with Active Fuel Management has had repeated lifter/valvetrain failures. On 10/2/2025 at approximately 109,536 miles, an independent repair shop confirmed a failed lifter on cylinder 3. The driver-side cylinder head was removed and all eight lifters on that bank were replaced along with a pushrod. On 9/9/2026 at approximately 116,689 miles, only about 7,153 miles later, the vehicle again developed severe shaking while driving. A different independent repair shop documented diagnostic code P0300, cylinder 1 low compression and misfiring, and noted that the lifters on that side had recently been replaced. Additional lifter-related parts, including lifters, a pushrod, guide and VLOM plate, were replaced. The shaking and misfire occurred while the vehicle was being driven, which concerned me because a sudden engine misfire or loss of normal engine performance could reduce power and affect safe control of the vehicle in traffic. Both failures were confirmed and repaired by independent automotive repair facilities. After the most recent repair, I returned the vehicle to the mechanic because it still felt different and had some…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11764891

Electrical system

17 reports1 crash2 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. At the time of purchase and registration, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The mileage was 172,400; however, the contact researched the Carfax Report the following day and discovered that the mileage was 243,000 and was updated 10 days before the date of purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that the dealer was made aware of the issue; however, the dealer stated that the manager was out of the country and would reach out to the contact when he returned. The contact had not received a call back. The contact stated that due to the mileage discrepancy, the dealer refused to service the vehicle for several unknown issues.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2025Electrical systemODI 11695020

Steering

10 reports2 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2025SteeringODI 11675475

Suspension

9 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 29, 2025Suspension, EngineODI 11702046

Service brakes

8 reports1 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 issue. Also the vehicle went in for repairs after the recall was issued ( we were never told or advised by the dealer that there was a recall open) and have no idea why the dealer would not even tell us, or advise us of such.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 4, 2023Electrical system, Structure, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11548239
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.