50 of the
2,305 complaints filed about the Cadillac Escalade
are about the driver-assist systems —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2023.
50
Complaints
2%
Share of all complaints
7
Crashes
1
Fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year
I purchased a 2022 Cadillac Escalade from Carvana. The vehicle was represented as having only minor prior damage, but after taking possession I discovered evidence indicating that it had sustained significantly more extensive damage than was disclosed. Based on subsequent inspections, I believe the vehicle was not in a safe condition when it was sold to me. The primary components involved include the vehicle's structural/body integrity and suspension/alignment systems, as well as other components affected by the previous collision damage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because the vehicle does not drive or handle as a properly repaired vehicle should. I am concerned that previously damaged structural and safety-related components were not repaired to manufacturer specifications before the vehicle was sold. If critical components were improperly repaired or replaced, the vehicle may not protect occupants as intended during an emergency maneuver or subsequent collision. The issues have been inspected and confirmed by independent service personnel, who identified evidence of previous collision damage that appears to be substantially more extensive than what was disclosed at the time of sale. I have also obtained documentation supporting these findings. The vehicle has been inspected by independent repair facilities. Additional inspections by the manufacturer or other parties can be made if requested. Prior to discovering the extent of the previous damage, there were no warning lights that clearly identified the underlying safety concerns. The issues became apparent after a detailed inspection of the vehicle and review of the condition of the repaired areas rather than through dashboard warning messages. I am filing this complaint because I believe a vehicle with potentially significant structural and safety-related prior damage was sold without adequate disclosure of the extent of that damage.
NHTSA complaint #11747983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a 2022 Cadillac Escalade from Carvana. The vehicle was represented as having only minor prior damage, but after taking possession I discovered evidence indicating that it had sustained significantly more extensive damage than was disclosed. Based on subsequent inspections, I believe the vehicle was not in a safe condition when it was sold to me. The primary components involved include the vehicle's structural/body integrity and suspension/alignment systems, as well as other components affected by the previous collision damage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because the vehicle does not drive or handle as a properly repaired vehicle should. I am concerned that previously damaged structural and safety-related components were not repaired to manufacturer specifications before the vehicle was sold. If critical components were improperly repaired or replaced, the vehicle may not protect occupants as intended during an emergency maneuver or subsequent collision. The issues have been inspected and confirmed by independent service personnel, who identified evidence of previous collision damage that appears to be substantially more extensive than what was disclosed at the time of sale. I have also obtained documentation supporting these findings. The vehicle has been inspected by independent repair facilities. Additional inspections by the manufacturer or other parties can be made if requested. Prior to discovering the extent of the previous damage, there were no warning lights that clearly identified the underlying safety concerns. The issues became apparent after a detailed inspection of the vehicle and review of the condition of the repaired areas rather than through dashboard warning messages. I am filing this complaint because I believe a vehicle with potentially significant structural and safety-related prior damage was sold without adequate disclosure of the extent of that damage.
NHTSA complaint #11747983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a 2022 Cadillac Escalade from Carvana. The vehicle was represented as having only minor prior damage, but after taking possession I discovered evidence indicating that it had sustained significantly more extensive damage than was disclosed. Based on subsequent inspections, I believe the vehicle was not in a safe condition when it was sold to me. The primary components involved include the vehicle's structural/body integrity and suspension/alignment systems, as well as other components affected by the previous collision damage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because the vehicle does not drive or handle as a properly repaired vehicle should. I am concerned that previously damaged structural and safety-related components were not repaired to manufacturer specifications before the vehicle was sold. If critical components were improperly repaired or replaced, the vehicle may not protect occupants as intended during an emergency maneuver or subsequent collision. The issues have been inspected and confirmed by independent service personnel, who identified evidence of previous collision damage that appears to be substantially more extensive than what was disclosed at the time of sale. I have also obtained documentation supporting these findings. The vehicle has been inspected by independent repair facilities. Additional inspections by the manufacturer or other parties can be made if requested. Prior to discovering the extent of the previous damage, there were no warning lights that clearly identified the underlying safety concerns. The issues became apparent after a detailed inspection of the vehicle and review of the condition of the repaired areas rather than through dashboard warning messages. I am filing this complaint because I believe a vehicle with potentially significant structural and safety-related prior damage was sold without adequate disclosure of the extent of that damage.
NHTSA complaint #11747983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I want to report several recurring issues with my 2024 Escalade transmission:Rough/Hard Shifting: Drivers experience jerky, clunking, or harsh shifting, especially when accelerating or decelerating.Transmission Slipping: The vehicle slipped between gears, impacting performance.Delayed Engagement: A delay or clunking sound when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11741209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I SCHEDULED SERVICE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH RICK HENDRICK CHEVROLET IN NAPLES, FL. AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE AS SCHEDULED THE SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE SAFETY COVERED RECALLS AND STATED DUE TO THE ISSUE OF THE VEHICLE HAVING A BRANDED TITLE.
NHTSA complaint #11724838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rearview backup camera system seems to be misaligned or improperly calibrated or connecting to the wrong camera when put into reverse. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, the camera image points downward and primarily shows the rear bumper rather than the area behind the vehicle. This significantly limits the rear field of view that the camera is intended to provide. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the backup camera view points downward and does not clearly show the area behind the vehicle, it does not show me pedestrians, small children, vehicles or objects directly behind the vehicle when reversing. This creates a risk of backing into a person, vehicle, or object because the driver cannot rely on the camera display to safely check the rear area. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealership did confirm that this is an issue and advised me that they could not figure out what the problem is and sent me on my way without resolution. -Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The component has been inspected by the dealership. They confirmed it has an issue by comparing the view with another Escalade. -Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps, messages, or alerts appeared prior to or during the issue. The backup camera display functions normally but consistently shows an incorrect downward viewing angle that primarily displays the rear bumper instead of the area behind the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11723005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roads were dry. Sunny conditions. Driving approximately 55 mph in fast lane. Vehicle brakes locked up for approximately one second. There was no collision warning and no vehicle in front of us. We pulled over to disengage all collision and emergency brake functions. Driver and passengers were all shocked and had pain from tension in neck and back. Had roads been icy this could have led to a multiple vehicle accident with severe injuries or fatalities.
NHTSA complaint #11721178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roads were dry. Sunny conditions. Driving approximately 55 mph in fast lane. Vehicle brakes locked up for approximately one second. There was no collision warning and no vehicle in front of us. We pulled over to disengage all collision and emergency brake functions. Driver and passengers were all shocked and had pain from tension in neck and back. Had roads been icy this could have led to a multiple vehicle accident with severe injuries or fatalities.
NHTSA complaint #11721178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On February 12, 2026, while driving my 2026 Cadillac Escalade from Corpus Christi to Portland, Texas, I encountered a severe safety issue. While driving on the bridge, the engine started making a loud knocking noise and then abruptly stopped working, causing the vehicle to turn off in the middle of traffic. I have only had my vehicle for a total of 55 days, and the mileage on my vehicle is 2,455 miles. This incident highlights a critical motor failure that poses a significant safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11717705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting serious and repeated safety defects involving loss of vehicle control in my 2025 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of uncommanded braking (“phantom braking”) while driving at approximately 45 mph with no driver input and no obstacles present. The vehicle has also slammed on the brakes while reversing into a parking space, then became locked and would not move until shifted into PARK and reset, leaving me stuck in the roadway. In another incident, while stopped at a traffic light with the vehicle in DRIVE, the vehicle shifted itself into PARK without any driver input. Additionally, the vehicle has produced uncommanded system activity while powered off overnight, followed by a “Service 4 Wheel Drive” warning. These incidents represent loss of vehicle control and create a serious risk of collision, injury, or death. The issues have occurred multiple times, are intermittent, and have not been repaired despite dealer inspection. The vehicle is unsafe to operate.
NHTSA complaint #11710385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting serious and repeated safety defects involving loss of vehicle control in my 2025 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of uncommanded braking (“phantom braking”) while driving at approximately 45 mph with no driver input and no obstacles present. The vehicle has also slammed on the brakes while reversing into a parking space, then became locked and would not move until shifted into PARK and reset, leaving me stuck in the roadway. In another incident, while stopped at a traffic light with the vehicle in DRIVE, the vehicle shifted itself into PARK without any driver input. Additionally, the vehicle has produced uncommanded system activity while powered off overnight, followed by a “Service 4 Wheel Drive” warning. These incidents represent loss of vehicle control and create a serious risk of collision, injury, or death. The issues have occurred multiple times, are intermittent, and have not been repaired despite dealer inspection. The vehicle is unsafe to operate.
NHTSA complaint #11710385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this vehicle on October 20, 2025. I took it to the Cadillac dealership and was told a list of over 20 issues involving the vehicle. The tires have holes in them. The suspension is at Rick of failing, wiring and components are missing. The night vision camera and radars on the vehicle and not functioning. I was told this vehicle should not have been on a lot to be sold.
NHTSA complaint #11709410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle was running with the driver side door open and driver out of vehicle. The vehicle slipped out of gear and reversed quickly. Driver went to get back in while moving backwards to try and stop vehicle. The driver got smashed between the garage and vehicle door. The vehicle door hyperextended and caused damage/injury to driver. The emergency brake did not come on until after the accident. Prior to this happening recalls were not preformed due to GM advising us that our vehicle was not next to get it done. Throughout ownership the vehicle has slipped out of gear two other times. We took it in each time and were told it shouldn’t happen again and they could not replicate. GM did an inspection after and fixed recalls and told us they would not assist us with damage or any compensation.
NHTSA complaint #11705426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Having it at four different dealers have not corrected the infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control phantom braking, electrical display issues such as ambient temperature, malfunctioning fuel gauge. Check engine notification was on, they seem to have corrected that, the next notification was service rear axle. Back up camera fails intermittently. I have had it to the dealer nine times, GM won't do a buy back I guess until they are sued. Also, dealer changed the oil to a thicker viscosity due to the engine recall. All the above ongoing for a full year.
NHTSA complaint #11698116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clicking that the dealer stated was normal. It was not loud knocking saying that is how the high flow fuel pump worked. Safety braking did not work at all. And there was a water intrusion in the trunk.
NHTSA complaint #11693478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN. Weather related - rain water incoming on floor board under steering column. Effecting electronics and vehicle driving safety. Vehicle has propulsion control issues as a cause.
NHTSA complaint #11684237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
23 Escalade L87 engine and transmission issue along with rear cross traffic alert emergency breaking. @ 8600k lifter failure (repair) @ 8750k transmission toque converter replacement @10600k spark plug replacement rough idle @17k in for hard down shift transmission valve replacement @21k in for lifter and same transmission down shift issue Service advisor advised that the lifters need to be replaced again and the hard down shift failed to be fully addressed. The upper level from GM advised no remedy could be found until service bulletin could be resolved. No repair work to be performed. To release to customer as is until engine replacement can be performed. So GM is forcing us to take back our vehicle on the road with a failing engine that needs replacement but due to not having enough stock to repair in timely fashion are placing us back on the road until one can become available. This now opens us up for massive catastrophic failure with my family on the road and not to mention others on the highway and public road system. I’m astonished that GM would do this to their customers and jeopardize the safety of their customers and other citizens on the roads. Something has and needs to be done. They are now placing my family and other lives in danger to save money. Vehicle serviced at field’s Cadillac St. Augustine Fl and recently at Randy Mario Cadillac Jacksonville Fl. Case number with GM[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11659460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coffee was spilled on center console while transferring cup from Starbucks employee to cup holder. Cup was overfilled and lid wasn’t on properly. Immediately the dash panel started flashing and the service transmission light came on. Drove around a parking lot for a few minutes and seemed okay to drive even with the instrument panel flashing. Had 90 mile drive and during drive message similar to slow down for gear shift popped up and “Service Shifter See Owner’s Manual” came up. When I went to exit freeway and was around 5 MPH the vehicle slammed to a stop. Then would not go into any other gear. As I called for tow driver I turned vehicle back on and was sitting when the vehicle started moving again without my control. I then drove it an additional 20 miles home staying above 20 MPH. Insane Cadillac would design a $120k vehicle with that risk in a very susceptible to spills area. Incredibly unsafe. Beyond traumatizing experience with a vehicle that has leas than 8500 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11658632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine Shut off, misfires, put me on side of road twice. Dealer replaced engine with remanufactured engine, took car home, next day same thing happen, misfired, and put me on side of road again! Car been at dealer for 2 months Cadillac refuses to acknowledge.
NHTSA complaint #11652190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.