2015 Cadillac Escalade Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2821.9%
- Powertrain (other)2721.1%
- Electrical1511.7%
- Driver assistance129.4%
- Steering107.8%
- Suspension97.0%
- Brakes97.0%
- Fuel system75.5%
- Body & structure43.1%
- Airbags32.3%
- Visibility10.8%
- Interior & seats10.8%
- Exterior lighting10.8%
- Seat belts10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 vibration. The mechanic stated that the engine currently checks out, but I can still feel vibration that was not present before these problems. I do not know whether the removed failed lifter components are still available for inspection, but I have repair invoices documenting both failures and repairs. To my knowledge, the lifter failures themselves have not been inspected by General Motors, police, or an insurance representative. The second failure was documented with code P0300, low compression and a cylinder 1 misfire. I do not know whether the check-engine warning lamp was illuminated at the exact time the symptoms first began.
I’ve had to replace 2 motors and a transmission.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 vibration. The mechanic stated that the engine currently checks out, but I can still feel vibration that was not present before these problems. I do not know whether the removed failed lifter components are still available for inspection, but I have repair invoices documenting both failures and repairs. To my knowledge, the lifter failures themselves have not been inspected by General Motors, police, or an insurance representative. The second failure was documented with code P0300, low compression and a cylinder 1 misfire. I do not know whether the check-engine warning lamp was illuminated at the exact time the symptoms first began.
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 noticed a clicking noise behind the dashboard, and unknown warning lights, numbers, and messages appeared. The son-in-law of the contact arrived and restarted the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a sore neck, and the child occupants became dizzy, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was left at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 vibration. The mechanic stated that the engine currently checks out, but I can still feel vibration that was not present before these problems. I do not know whether the removed failed lifter components are still available for inspection, but I have repair invoices documenting both failures and repairs. To my knowledge, the lifter failures themselves have not been inspected by General Motors, police, or an insurance representative. The second failure was documented with code P0300, low compression and a cylinder 1 misfire. I do not know whether the check-engine warning lamp was illuminated at the exact time the symptoms first began.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 noticed a clicking noise behind the dashboard, and unknown warning lights, numbers, and messages appeared. The son-in-law of the contact arrived and restarted the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a sore neck, and the child occupants became dizzy, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was left at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Power steering locks up whenever it decides to without warning. Its happened several times. Dealership saus nothing found wrong. We have hit curb once and tonight it happened while exiting the interstate causing me to run off the road.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I have a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. It has been well taken care of. To my disappointment, this vehicle has been a money pit since day one. We have had to have all shocks replaced two times since January 16, 2020, costing thousands of dollars.The front cross bar was replaced the first time the shocks were replaced. The airconditioning system went out in the summer of 2020, replacement cost over 2500.00 The back suspension was just replaced in December 2022 for 2100.00. Running board motor wore out. Radio touch screen had to be replaced because it did not respond to tounch 1400.00 No warning lights appeared. SAFETY ISSUES**** The automatic seatbelt system no longer works since August 2022. Now the side detection system doesn't work since December 2022, replacement cost will be 1500.00 These have both been inspected by a dealer. These put myself, my passengers, and others at risk by not properly ensuring their safety while in my car and drivers in my blind spot. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle any longer. I don't know when or where it will malfunction next and that will extremely dangerous to those in my car and driving along side me. Needless to say, this vehicle has cost us more money than the beauty of the vehicle. These are a just a few of the issues we have encountered while owning it and I can honestly say, we will probably not purchase another Cadallic again.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 noticed a clicking noise behind the dashboard, and unknown warning lights, numbers, and messages appeared. The son-in-law of the contact arrived and restarted the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a sore neck, and the child occupants became dizzy, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was left at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while his wife was driving the vehicle, after arriving at a parking lot, a bystander informed her that the vehicle was leaking a significant amount of fuel. The vehicle was driven to the residence and turned off, and the vehicle continued to leak fuel. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the leak was coming directly from the fuel pump at the fuel tank. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,206.
Significant fuel leak coming from top of fuel tank
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that both rear doors trim near the windows had been slowly detaching from the vehicle, causing a loud whistling sound while driving. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was inspected and determined that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact fell asleep and rear-ended another vehicle causing a three-car chain reaction. The contact stated that the front end hit the other vehicle squarely on the rear bumper. The front bumper and hood were crushed back to both front tire wheel wells. The front passenger side tire had sheared off. The contact stated that both sets of air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that both her knees were bruised, also bruising on her chest, both arms, and a bruise under her right eye. Her passenger suffered bruising on his chest, both arms and knees. The contact had not received medical attention. The police were on the scene and filed a report. The vehicle was undrivable and towed to an impound lot. The contact was not aware of the condition of the other vehicles. The contact had been advised by her insurance provider that the vehicle was a total loss. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AND I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER CAUSING ME TO VEER OUT OF MY LANE CAUSING A CRASH. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY FULLY CAUSING ME TO HAVE A DISLOCATED SHOULDER AND BROKEN RIBS. THE CAR ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE DURING IMPACT AND I HAD TO BE PULLED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP ON ME IS MOST LIKELY THE REASON I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDEVIEW MIRRORS WERE TOO SMALL AND OBSTRUCTED HIS VIEW WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CROWN CADILLAC (584 US-22, WATCHUNG, NJ 07069, (908) 922-4457) WHO STATED THAT LARGER MIRRORS COULD BE PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle sold with inoperable passenger seat on November 22, 2024. Seat stays in recline position. Issue is unresolved with the dealership to date.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
AUTO BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS, HIGH BEAMS RANDOMLY FLASH ON COMING TRAFFIC BLINDING THEM. VEHICLE AT DEALER BUT DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. FACTORY NOTIFIED AND REPORTED THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO ENGINEER A FIX. VEHICLE AT CADILLAC DEALER LAS VEGAS. SECOND TIME IN SHOP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP AND A BURNING SMELL EMITTED FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT POST. NO ACCIDENT OCCURED AND NO WARNING AS TO WHY IT HAPPENED. CHEVROLET DEALER SAID NOTHING APPARENTLY CAUSED IT. IT JUST LOCKED UP. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .