Problems · by component

2015 Cadillac Escalade power train problems

29 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Cadillac Escalade cite power train, 27% of all 106 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
29
27% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“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
“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 shifting the vehicle into neutral (N), a roaring noise emanated from the engine compartment as if the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact depressed the power button, but the vehicle failed to shut off. The vehicle continued across the parking lot at a high rate of speed. The contact made a sharp right turn, nearly missing the car wash stalls, and then shifted the gear selector between park (P) and neutral (N) quickly multiple times. The vehicle accelerated in a circle, slowed down, came to an abrupt stop, and rocked violently before turning off. The contact then…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11749286
“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 GMC for these issues and a complaint was summit to GM for these problems. Since after having the vehicles services I have had issues with the vehicle stalling while in progress and while driving causing me to be very scary that the vehicle will completely stall out or shut down on me while on the road driving causing an accident. Please help me resolve this unsafe matter. Thank You!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 16, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11724651
“Vehicle has a shake that seems to be coming from the rear and can be felt in the seats, slightly in the steering wheel while driving at highway speeds ( 70+ ) this shake or vibration come in waves but never goes away long as you are traveling at highway speeds . It goes from an annoying shake to a bad shake and from a bad shake to annoying shake if that makes sense . I’ve spoken with different mechanics including the GM dealer and no one seems to have a fix just recommendation of expense part replacements that hasn’t worked for other Escalade owner with the same issue . I have experienced hard shifting from park to reverse and from 1st gear to 2nd but a temp sensor replacement seemed to have resolved the harsh shifting some what. It’s not as bad but still feel a gear thud when shifting after a cold start but not so much after it’s been driven for awhile. My main concern is the shaking . It’s an embarrassing ride with passengers to the point I avoid driving it on long trips For fear that my Escalade will break down completely leaving myself and family stranded. I’m not looking for free handout repairs I just want to be pointed in the right direction of a sure…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2025Power trainODI 11678404
“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 and ABS lights came on and it would not go over 35MPH. Vehicle is dangerous to drive.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2025Power train, Engine, Lane departureODI 11646696

Showing 6 of 29 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.

Power trainReported May 7, 2026NHTSA 26V289000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026

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

Other 2015 Escalade problem areas