Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 2 NHTSA variants

2019 Cadillac EscaladeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 59 owner complaints for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade. Most complaints involve engine (37) and power train (10). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
17mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2018
Owner complaints
59
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: rear

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Seat beltsReported Sep 26, 2018NHTSA 18V673000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

59 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2019 – Sep 2026
  1. Engine37
  2. Power train10
  3. Electrical system6
  4. Fuel/propulsion system3
  5. Suspension3
  6. Structure3
  7. Seats2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Exterior lighting2

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

By model year

Complaints for each Escalade model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199944
200083
2002145
2003112
2004103
200562
200624
2007286
2008167
200961
201043
201165
201226
201319
201420
2015106
2016104
201789
201837
201959
202036
2021170
2022146
2023237
202475
202540
202656
20271
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

37 reports1 fire
“Vehicle: 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV VIN: [XXX] Engine: 6.2L V8 L86 Mileage: Less than 59,000 miles I am reporting a serious premature engine failure involving the 6.2L L86 engine in my 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The vehicle has been properly maintained with regular oil changes and routine service. On September 8, 2026, the vehicle developed a chirping sound during startup. After driving, the chirping stopped, but a ticking noise occurred when the vehicle was restarted. I immediately had the vehicle evaluated by an independent mechanic. The mechanic kept the vehicle for two nights so that a cold-start evaluation could be performed. On September 10, I was informed that the engine noise was caused by lifter failure. The vehicle was then towed to a Cadillac dealership in [XXX]. On XXX, the Cadillac dealership diagnosed lifter failure and camshaft damage. The vehicle had not experienced a loss of oil pressure, noticeable loss of power, hesitation, or other significant warning symptoms before the failure. I am concerned because General Motors has issued technical service bulletins addressing lifter failures and ticking noises involving the 6.2L L86 engine and the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026EngineODI 11765152

Power train

10 reports
“I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Cadillac Escalade due to a transmission/valve body failure occurring at approximately 77,100 miles. The vehicle began experiencing transmission-related issues including harsh shifting, hesitation, abnormal operation, and unsafe drivability concerns. The vehicle was diagnosed by the repair facility as requiring a transmission valve body replacement. I was then informed that the required valve body is currently on national backorder with General Motors, and my vehicle has now been out of service for over two months with no estimated repair completion date available. After researching the issue, I discovered numerous other GM owners reporting similar transmission valve body failures involving Cadillac Escalades and other GM full-size SUVs and trucks equipped with similar transmissions. The widespread nature of the failures and the nationwide parts shortage raise serious concerns regarding reliability and potential safety defects. This issue creates a significant safety concern because transmission failure can affect acceleration, shifting, drivability, and the vehicle’s ability to operate safely in traffic conditions. I…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 11, 2026Power trainODI 11737067

Electrical system

6 reports
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV on November 5, 2025, from a private dealer. The contact stated that upon having a State Inspection performed on the vehicle, the vehicle failed the inspection. The mechanic stated that the amount of mechanical work needed to repair the vehicle did not match the low mileage on the vehicle. The contact then obtained a Carfax Report and discovered the mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 65,800; however, the Carfax report discovered that the mileage was 237,000 in September of 2025. The contact reported the issue to the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. In addition, the contact reported the issue to the Howard Police Department and the Howard County District Attorney of Maryland. After having the cases dropped by the various agencies, the contact called U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and was referred to the NHTSA to report the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2026Electrical systemODI 11722926
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
6.2L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 10-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escalade 2WD
Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142317$4,550517
Escalade 4WD
Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive
142117$4,550535
  • Escalade 2WD
    Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L
    14 city · 23 hwy · $4,550/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Escalade 4WD
    Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L
    14 city · 21 hwy · $4,550/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 13121Vehicle 13120Vehicle 13123
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2019 Escalade questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Cadillac Escalade have?

1 safety recall 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.

What are the most common 2019 Cadillac Escalade problems?

Owners filed 59 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (37), power train (10), electrical system (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Cadillac Escalade get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Cadillac Escalade at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026