Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV with NHTSA between 2015 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 17
Against the median year of the Cadillac Escalade ESV. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 71
42% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2015 compares with every other Cadillac Escalade ESV
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
323.1%
Median failure at 67,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
215.4%
Median failure at 67,000 miles
Electrical System
215.4%
Median failure at 23,000 miles
Stability & Traction Control
17.7%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
17.7%
Median failure at 7,500 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
17.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 9,170 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
17.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 9,170 mi
Body & Structure
17.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 9,170 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
17.7%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
541.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
325.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
325.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
18.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD
—
—
20.3% risk
2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD
—
—
21.2% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2015peak 3May 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE18012Opened 20 Nov 2018Closed 10 Apr 2022SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extendi...
Recalls on the 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2026246328 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and metal fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury or death. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the driver-front airbag module.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 2019324310,121 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a reduction in power brake assist due to a decrease in output from the vacuum pump. This could cause a hard brake pedal and an increase in brake pedal effort to stop the vehicle. Safety Risk: A sudden increase in brake pedal force could lead to an increase in stopping distance. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to reprogram the electronic brake control module.
Recall 2016439362,263 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls airbag and pretensioner deployment, contains a software defect which may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain circumstances. Failure of frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy in a crash (when warranted) could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reflash the SDM with new software. In vehicles with any previous deployment events recorded in the SDM, the dealers will replace the existing SDM with a new SDM containing the latest software. Note: This recall affects 2014-2017 model year Sierra LD/Silverado LD models and 2015-2016 model year Sierra HD/Silverado HD model vehicles.
Recall 201418057 units in Canada
Airbag
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 208 - Occupant Protection. The passenger side airbag mounting may not have been welded to specification, which could affect airbag deployment and result in non-compliance to the standard, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the instrument panel right side upper trim panel.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 9,170 milesGilroy, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I WAS NEARING THE EDGE OF THE CURB ON MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SO I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE SO I COULD MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB WHILE BACKING OUT . ONCE I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE CAR WENT TO FULL ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON AND HIT A POLE AT FULL ACCELERATION APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10716407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,170 milesGilroy, CACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I WAS NEARING THE EDGE OF THE CURB ON MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SO I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE SO I COULD MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB WHILE BACKING OUT . ONCE I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE CAR WENT TO FULL ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON AND HIT A POLE AT FULL ACCELERATION APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10716407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,170 milesGilroy, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I WAS NEARING THE EDGE OF THE CURB ON MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SO I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE SO I COULD MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB WHILE BACKING OUT . ONCE I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE CAR WENT TO FULL ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON AND HIT A POLE AT FULL ACCELERATION APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10716407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 89,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the variable valve timing, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. 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 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11658187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,213 milesNorth Andover, MA
ENGINE
CAR AT 56000 MILES WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. REASON WAS THE CHASSIS CONTROL,MODULE WAS IMPROPERLY DESIGNED AND WAS LEFT EXPOSED ALLOWING SNOW TO CORRODE THE MODULE. CADILLAC REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR THAT INCLUDED $650 IN DIAGNOSTIC TIME
NHTSA complaint #11220368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesEndicott, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
EXHAUST GAS ENTERS CABIN WHENEVER STATIONARY. EVEN AT BRIEF TRAFFIC SIGNALS, FUMES QUICKLY ENTER VEHICLE. CAR IS LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA complaint #11151544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesEndicott, NY
ENGINE
EXHAUST GAS ENTERS CABIN WHENEVER STATIONARY. EVEN AT BRIEF TRAFFIC SIGNALS, FUMES QUICKLY ENTER VEHICLE. CAR IS LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA complaint #11151544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesTHE Woodlands, TX
POWER TRAIN
MY 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 50+ DAYS SINCE PURCHASING IN 2015 FOR DEFECTIVE BRAKES, TRANSMISSION, TRIM, TECHNOLOGY, CHASSIS, ELECTRICAL, AND HVAC. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY DON'T WANT TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY IN THE SHOP FOR PROBLEMS AND IT IS NOT A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD BE OPERATED ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS. NUMEROUS PARTS OF MY TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED/REPROGRAMMED/REBUILT BEFORE DUE TO DEFECTS IN DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY. THE TRANSMISSION CONSISTENTLY VIBRATES, JERKS AND SHUTTERS WHEN DRIVING, POPS AND CREAKS WHEN STOPPED AND CLUNKS WHEN LAUNCHING FROM STOP OR ROLLING STOP. THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE CAR TO TAKE OFF IN 4TH GEAR RATHER THAN IN 1ST GEAR WHICH MEANS THE CAR FEELS AS IF THERE IS NO POWER TO PROPEL THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND FEELS AS IF IT IS BROKEN. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 14 TIMES AND GM NOW DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER HAS VERIFIED THE CONCERN AND DOCUMENTED IT. I FEEL THAT GM IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO ENSURE SAFE VEHICLES ARE ON THE ROAD. THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ONE DAY. I HAVE ALREADY PUT GM ON NOTICE ALL THE WAY UP TO THE EXECUTIVE LEVEL AND THEY DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I FEEL THAT NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE ISSUES THAT PLAGUE 2015 FULL SIZE GM SUV OWNERS. THERE ARE A LOT OF US OUT THERE ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH.
NHTSA complaint #11075968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesTHE Woodlands, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 50+ DAYS SINCE PURCHASING IN 2015 FOR DEFECTIVE BRAKES, TRANSMISSION, TRIM, TECHNOLOGY, CHASSIS, ELECTRICAL, AND HVAC. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY DON'T WANT TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY IN THE SHOP FOR PROBLEMS AND IT IS NOT A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD BE OPERATED ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS. NUMEROUS PARTS OF MY TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED/REPROGRAMMED/REBUILT BEFORE DUE TO DEFECTS IN DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY. THE TRANSMISSION CONSISTENTLY VIBRATES, JERKS AND SHUTTERS WHEN DRIVING, POPS AND CREAKS WHEN STOPPED AND CLUNKS WHEN LAUNCHING FROM STOP OR ROLLING STOP. THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE CAR TO TAKE OFF IN 4TH GEAR RATHER THAN IN 1ST GEAR WHICH MEANS THE CAR FEELS AS IF THERE IS NO POWER TO PROPEL THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND FEELS AS IF IT IS BROKEN. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 14 TIMES AND GM NOW DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER HAS VERIFIED THE CONCERN AND DOCUMENTED IT. I FEEL THAT GM IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO ENSURE SAFE VEHICLES ARE ON THE ROAD. THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ONE DAY. I HAVE ALREADY PUT GM ON NOTICE ALL THE WAY UP TO THE EXECUTIVE LEVEL AND THEY DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I FEEL THAT NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE ISSUES THAT PLAGUE 2015 FULL SIZE GM SUV OWNERS. THERE ARE A LOT OF US OUT THERE ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH.
NHTSA complaint #11075968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesTHE Woodlands, TX
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 50+ DAYS SINCE PURCHASING IN 2015 FOR DEFECTIVE BRAKES, TRANSMISSION, TRIM, TECHNOLOGY, CHASSIS, ELECTRICAL, AND HVAC. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY DON'T WANT TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY IN THE SHOP FOR PROBLEMS AND IT IS NOT A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD BE OPERATED ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS. NUMEROUS PARTS OF MY TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED/REPROGRAMMED/REBUILT BEFORE DUE TO DEFECTS IN DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY. THE TRANSMISSION CONSISTENTLY VIBRATES, JERKS AND SHUTTERS WHEN DRIVING, POPS AND CREAKS WHEN STOPPED AND CLUNKS WHEN LAUNCHING FROM STOP OR ROLLING STOP. THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE CAR TO TAKE OFF IN 4TH GEAR RATHER THAN IN 1ST GEAR WHICH MEANS THE CAR FEELS AS IF THERE IS NO POWER TO PROPEL THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND FEELS AS IF IT IS BROKEN. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 14 TIMES AND GM NOW DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER HAS VERIFIED THE CONCERN AND DOCUMENTED IT. I FEEL THAT GM IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO ENSURE SAFE VEHICLES ARE ON THE ROAD. THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ONE DAY. I HAVE ALREADY PUT GM ON NOTICE ALL THE WAY UP TO THE EXECUTIVE LEVEL AND THEY DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I FEEL THAT NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE ISSUES THAT PLAGUE 2015 FULL SIZE GM SUV OWNERS. THERE ARE A LOT OF US OUT THERE ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH.
NHTSA complaint #11075968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesNEW Windsor, NY
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER FRACTURED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO WORK. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE WINDOWS TO FOG UP AND IMPAIRED THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CADILLAC OF MAHWAH, NJ) WHO STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED THE CONTACT A RENTAL VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AFTER SEVEN WEEKS WHEN THE PART WAS LOCATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND REPAIR PART WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,500.
NHTSA complaint #11005298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE IS A DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE WHERE THE LOWER ANCHORS (LATCH) FOR THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER SEAT ARE ASYMMETRIC - WITH THE INBOARD ANCHOR BEING BOTH LOWER, AND PROTRUDING FARTHER OUT, THAN THE INBOARD LOWER ANCHOR. THIS VEHICLE HAS 2 CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS IN THE 2ND ROW - BOTH FEATURE LOWER ANCHORS (LATCH). A PICTURE OF THE 2ND ROW DRIVER'S SEAT IS ALSO ATTACHED TO SHOW THAT THESE LOWER ANCHORS ARE SYMMETRICAL AS THEY SHOULD BE. THE PICTURE OF THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER SEAT SHOWS THESE LOWER ANCHORS TO BE ASYMMETRICAL. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH. IN THE PAST THE CLEK FOONF CHILD RESTRAINT WAS ATTACHED USING RIGID LATCH IN THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER SEAT OF THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10909660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesBoca Raton, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ACTIVATED, THE HEAT INDEPENDENTLY TURNED ALL THE WAY UP IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE HEAT CAUSED ONE OF THE OCCUPANTS TO PASS OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND THAT THE COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #10790680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,170 milesGilroy, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I WAS NEARING THE EDGE OF THE CURB ON MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SO I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE SO I COULD MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB WHILE BACKING OUT . ONCE I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE CAR WENT TO FULL ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON AND HIT A POLE AT FULL ACCELERATION APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10716407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,170 milesGilroy, CACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I WAS NEARING THE EDGE OF THE CURB ON MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SO I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE SO I COULD MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB WHILE BACKING OUT . ONCE I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE CAR WENT TO FULL ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON AND HIT A POLE AT FULL ACCELERATION APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10716407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,170 milesGilroy, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. I WAS NEARING THE EDGE OF THE CURB ON MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SO I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE SO I COULD MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB WHILE BACKING OUT . ONCE I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE CAR WENT TO FULL ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON AND HIT A POLE AT FULL ACCELERATION APPROXIMATELY 5 FEET AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10716407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.