Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Cadillac Escalade problems

Owners filed 104 complaints about the 2016 Cadillac Escalade with NHTSA between Jan 2016 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is engine (31).

Complaints
104
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine31
  2. Power train22
  3. Electrical system18
  4. Suspension15
  5. Steering7
  6. Air bags6
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)4
  8. Service brakes4
  9. Fuel/propulsion system3
  10. Wheels3
  11. Structure3
  12. Visibility2
  13. Vehicle speed control2
  14. Seat belts1

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
20167
20177
201810
201917
202011
20219
20224
20239
20245
202515
202610

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

Engine

31 reports1 fire
“At highway speed, the engine lifters associated with the Active Fuel Management system failed and caused catastrophic damage throughout the engine. The sudden loss of power on the highway almost caused vehicles traveling behind me to collide.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2026EngineODI 11752185

Power train

22 reports1 crash
“The transmission has experienced ongoing shifting problems, including extremely hard shifts at low speeds and difficulty shifting properly at higher/highway speeds. The hard shifting could cause the vehicle to jerk unexpectedly, and the difficulty shifting at higher speeds caused concern about the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and maintain predictable power while driving. Because of the ongoing shifting problems, we paid to have the vehicle tuned in an attempt to improve the shifting, but the transmission problems continued. More recently, after routine transmission fluid service, the transmission became significantly worse and the vehicle would not properly move in either Drive or Reverse. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired by a dealership. The transmission is currently being inspected and repaired privately, and components can be retained if needed. The shifting problems were present before the recent transmission fluid service.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2026Power trainODI 11757087

Electrical system

18 reports
“Purchased 2016 Cadillac Escalade in April 2022 - VIN [XXX] . License plate [XXX] . Car has had electrical shortage issues in the navigation screen ever since purchasing. The navigation screen flickers, switches between apps simultaneously and isn’t responsive to finger touch as advertised. I have taken the car to the dealership 4 times within the 90 day dealership warranty. Those dates were April 25, 2022; May 26, 2022; September 3, 2022; and September 24, 2022. However, the problem hasn’t been resolved. This has also caused the car ignition start up to start slowly. The battery has been checked and is fully charged and working properly. The ignition, alternator and transmission are all working properly in good condition. I believe the dealership sold me a “Lemon” vehicle. The initial CarFax report didn’t disclose any mechanical or electrical issues. I paid a $6000 downpayment and have paid $15,999.98 so far. My monthly car payment is $999.98. This car isn’t safe to drive and I am seeking a financial settlement of $20,000 and for the dealership to take back the car without a negative ding on my credit report and no voluntary repossession listed on my credit…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11683544

Suspension

15 reports1 crash1 related recall
“Suspension failed at 50,000 miles. At 56,000 miles one of the valve components inside the engine (a lifter) has collapsed. This part controls the opening of the engine valve, and because it is no longer moving, that cylinder cannot build compression and is causing the misfire. This is an internal mechanical failure inside the engine and cannot be caused by body work, fuel quality, or anything external.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 27, 2026Suspension, EngineODI 11720984

Steering

7 reports
“Experienced loss of electric power steering while driving at 60 MPH on interstate. Had 6 passengers in vehicle at the time and could have crashed if another vehicle was in other lane next to us during steering loss. Steering available for inspection. Have taken vehicle to dealer to fix issue. They diagnosed and replaced Negative and Positive wiring harness to battery; however, vehicle steering loss occurred again right after picking up and is back at dealership now. Sent dealer article about other owners of 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade experiencing same issue to help explain steering issue. Also sent video of steering glitching while driving back to dealership. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior, during, or after failure known.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 5, 2026SteeringODI 11722231

Air bags

6 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, the driver-side air bag deployed without any impact. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to his arm, neck, and back that required medical attention. The contact drove himself to the hospital. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000. The VIN was not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 28, 2024Air bagsODI 11579900
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.