Total Complaints
137 filings
CADILLAC ESCALADE · model year
137 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2015CADILLACESCALADE carries 137 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 5 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2015 ESCALADE is power train with 23 filings, followed by engine (23) and unknown or other (17). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2015 ESCALADE, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
137 filings
Crashes Reported
7 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 23 |
| ENGINE | 23 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 17 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 13 |
| STEERING | 10 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8 |
| SUSPENSION | 8 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 3 |
| AIR BAGS | 3 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 2 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR | 1 |
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles manufactured April 6, 2014, through May 13, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the air bag module is secured to a chute adhered to the backside of the instrument panel with an insufficiently heated
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Subur
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Poli
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles. The passenger side instrument panel top cover on the affected vehicles may have been manufactured using an incorrect spacer fabric, causing a reduction of adhesion between the spacer fabric and
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Within the last 20,000 miles this car has, and is now, been at the dealership 3xs for sudden lifter/camshaft failure. This last time almost caused an accident. One time the check engine light never even came on, two other times it came on as the car started slowing and shaking, so no notice as to what was about to happen.
Significant fuel leak coming from top of fuel tank
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a temporary loss of automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway; however, the vehicle failed to restart as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was not available.
Mileage: 170,000
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.
Mileage: 243,000
I was driving south on I-25 when lights started flashing snd then i lost power and had to coast to the shoulder with no means to expedite my exit from the interstate. At the coasting point white heavy smoke came from tail pipe. . I know there is a recall for 21-24 models. For the very problem i had. The recall now has no fix. This needs fixed
I was driving south on I-25 when lights started flashing snd then i lost power and had to coast to the shoulder with no means to expedite my exit from the interstate. At the coasting point white heavy smoke came from tail pipe. . I know there is a recall for 21-24 models. For the very problem i had. The recall now has no fix. This needs fixed
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 . Iâve spoken with different mechanics including the GM dealer and no one seems to have a fix just recommendation of expense part replacements that hasnât 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. Itâs not as bad but still feel a gear thud when shifting after a cold start but not so much after itâs been driven for awhile. My main concern is the shaking . Itâs an embarrassing ride with passengers to the point I avoid driving it on long trips
Fuel leak on top of fuel tank and itâs available for inspection. The safety of passengers and others were put at high risk since fuel is highly flammable . The problem is present at all times when the vehicle is started . The leak is highly visible by any bystander. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police or others . There were no warning lights or other symptoms prior to the failure, no warning !! Thereâs a recall on this but apparently my vin does not qualify, hereâs a link from the NHTSA website [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2015 Cadillac Escalade suffered complete engine failure caused by a known design defect involving the Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifters and camshaft. This issue is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletins (TSB #15-06-01-002E and PIP5606C), which acknowledge lifter collapse, misfires, and internal engine damage in 2014â2020 Escalade and similar models. GM-certified dealerships repeatedly misdiagnosed the issue as minor (e.g. spark plugs, oil), allowing the underlying defect to worsen. I am uploading invoices from Cadillac of Cerritos (who misdiagnosed the problem), my trusted local repair shop, and Cadillac of Torrance, who ultimately diagnosed the failed lifters and camshaft, but had originally referred us to Cerritos because they could not take us at the time. The misdiagnoses delayed necessary repair, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and a repair quote exceeding $10,000. GM only offered $2000 towards a new car despite clear evidence of a widespread design defect
My 2015 Cadillac Escalade suffered complete engine failure caused by a known design defect involving the Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifters and camshaft. This issue is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletins (TSB #15-06-01-002E and PIP5606C), which acknowledge lifter collapse, misfires, and internal engine damage in 2014â2020 Escalade and similar models. GM-certified dealerships repeatedly misdiagnosed the issue as minor (e.g. spark plugs, oil), allowing the underlying defect to worsen. I am uploading invoices from Cadillac of Cerritos (who misdiagnosed the problem), my trusted local repair shop, and Cadillac of Torrance, who ultimately diagnosed the failed lifters and camshaft, but had originally referred us to Cerritos because they could not take us at the time. The misdiagnoses delayed necessary repair, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and a repair quote exceeding $10,000. GM only offered $2000 towards a new car despite clear evidence of a widespread design defect
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. Weâre scared we might crash. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V586000
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle immediately lost power and was unable to be restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 137,000. The VIN was not available.
Mileage: 137,000
I was on my way home on [XXX] when the engine in my Cadillac Escalade started to vibrate and the check engine and stability track lights came on. Since I was only three miles from the house, I coasted home and parked the vehicle. On [XXX], I had the truck towed to ACE Auto Doctor in Bettendorf, IA who told me that I needed a new engine and it was a common issue on the 6.2 GM engine. I had supplement Insurance on the vehicle but the Insurance declined my claim. The Cadillac Dealership wants me to pay $17,000 for a remanufactured engine to replace mine. I know there is an investigation but am unsure what's the status. My vehicle has 93,000 miles and I do take care of it. This is my first issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle will make noise as if gears are slipping, when going up the slop or on load. potentially can stall or burnout gear and cause major accident. Cadillac should replace the vehicle
Vehicle will make noise as if gears are slipping, when going up the slop or on load. potentially can stall or burnout gear and cause major accident. Cadillac should replace the vehicle
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
Rear-View Camera Failure
Roof Skin Separation While Driving
IEE Passenger Sensing System Mats
REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENT FAILURE
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.