NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
What the fix does
This page covers 5 recalls, 86 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Cadillac Escalade.
17 mpg combined
13.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
For the 2016 Escalade, engine problems make up the largest share of complaints by a wide margin. The most common issue owners describe is lifter failure, a collapsed or failed valve lifter that kills compression in one or more cylinders, leading to misfires, rough running, and in some cases complete engine failure. Owners also report associated symptoms like popping or knocking sounds, a tendency to stall at highway speeds, and in a few cases a burnt smell alongside warning lights for the battery or charging system before the engine quits entirely. Powertrain complaints are the second most-reported category, often overlapping with the engine issues in terms of symptoms. A smaller cluster of electrical system complaints rounds out the picture, along with at least one report of electric power steering cutting out unexpectedly at highway speed. The lifter failure pattern tends to surface in the 50,000–60,000-mile range based on what owners describe.
86
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Cadillac Escalade has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a transfer case defect that can lock up the front or rear wheels without warning, and a front upper control arm that can separate from its bushing and cause a loss of steering control.
The front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners make up another area of concern. The pretensioners can fail to fire in a crash, leaving the driver and front passenger without the full benefit of belt tightening or airbag deployment at the moment of impact. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is reflected in two separate recall campaigns covering the same underlying restraint system failure.
On the braking side, the vacuum pump that assists the brake pedal can weaken over time, gradually reducing the power assist available when stopping. As vacuum pressure drops, the pedal requires noticeably more effort to press, and the distance needed to bring the vehicle to a full stop increases.
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vacuum pump produces less vacuum over time, which can reduce braking system performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no cost to restore proper braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control software may not have received a complete update from a previous recall. Under certain driving conditions, this software may run a diagnostic test that disables frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control software. If your vehicle previously deployed air bags, the control module will be replaced instead. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front upper control arms may have weak welds near the bushing, which could fail during driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front upper control arms and realign the front end at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.