2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE Recalls, Complaints & Safety

The engine in my 2015 Cadillac Escalade failed unexpectedly at approximately 53,000 miles. Immediately prior to the failure, the engine developed a noticeable knocking noise, indicating a potential internal issue. While attempting to park in a public parking garage, the vehicle suddenly lost power and the engine shut down without any warning lights or alerts. This created a hazardous situation in a confined area with other vehicles and pedestrians, as I was unable to properly control or maneuver the vehicle. The sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown significantly increased the risk of a collision or injury. The engine would not restart after the failure, leaving the vehicle disabled in the garage. Due to the confined space, the vehicle had to be removed using specialized towing equipment. The vehicle has been dealer-maintained since purchase, and I am the original owner. There were no prior major engine issues before this incident. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, where it was confirmed that the engine had seized and failed internally. I was quoted approximately $20,000 for a rebuilt engine replacement. This type of catastrophic engine failure at relatively low mileage, without warning, presents a serious safety concern.

Mileage: 90,406 2015 Cadillac Escalade Engine: 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 has experienced lifter and camshaft failure, and the vehicle is now stalling while driving, creating a serious safety risk. I transport my disabled child daily, and the stalls are unpredictable, putting us and other drivers at risk. This issue is consistent with the pending class action Harrison v. General Motors LLC, which alleges that 2014–present Cadillac Escalades with 6.2L AFM/DFM lifters can fail, causing engine noise, stalling, and catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was service on 3/02/2026 at Riverview Chevrolet GMC for these issues and a complaint was summit to GM for these problems. Since after having the vehicles services I have had issues with the vehicle stalling while in progress and while driving causing me to be very scary that the vehicle will completely stall out or shut down on me while on the road driving causing an accident. Please help me resolve this unsafe matter. Thank You!

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.

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.

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.

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 . I’ve spoken with different mechanics including the GM dealer and no one seems to have a fix just recommendation of expense part replacements that hasn’t 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. It’s not as bad but still feel a gear thud when shifting after a cold start but not so much after it’s been driven for awhile. My main concern is the shaking . It’s an embarrassing ride with passengers to the point I avoid driving it on long trips For fear that my Escalade will break down completely leaving myself and family stranded. I’m not looking for free handout repairs I just want to be pointed in the right direction of a sure fire resolution so I can get it repaired and start enjoying my vehicle .

Fuel leak on top of fuel tank and it’s 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 !! There’s a recall on this but apparently my vin does not qualify, here’s 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 2014–2020 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 believe this is not an isolated case. Many owners have filed similar complaints with NHTSA, and class action lawsuits (e.g. Mason v. GM) are pending for this exact issue. Despite this, GM has not issued a recall. This defect creates serious safety risks, including stalling, loss of power, and engine failure while driving. My family was placed in danger by a vehicle GM and its certified dealers knew was vulnerable. I urge NHTSA to investigate this engine defect further and require GM to take full accountability.

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

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.

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.

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 sold with inoperable passenger seat on November 22, 2024. Seat stays in recline position. Issue is unresolved with the dealership to date.

Radical shifting shuttring unknown what gear to select into

I was driving my vehicle, and it began to sputter, and steering wheel lock up almost causing an accident, plus I started the vehicle at home and within a few minutes I became unconscious from carbon Monoxide fumes and had to be rushed to the hospital and treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, also my family was in harm in which I was instructed to open all the windows and doors at home because the carbon monoxide detectors was going off at home.

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lifters and the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,331.

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.

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings in the engine oil, causing transmission failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the radio head unit flickered and did not function properly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the internal fold inside of the head unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,999.

The dash lit up with several codes I got out, walked around the vehicle as if someone damaged it would not start. It went into theft mode. Alarms went off, emergency, breaking temperature, control, climate control, side detection error had to have vehicle towed to have all codes cleared with the advanced snap on tool Computer the problem was undiagnosed but side detection error code is still displayed. Of course I was out of town had a $425 tow bill back home for a faulty side detection sensor.

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.

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.

Crash

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.

Crash

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.

Crash

Transmission brakes at speed, feels as if I got rear ended from the back. I know that there is lawsuits against GM for this same problem that I am having. GM knew about these transmission problems and told everyone that this 8 speed transmission was supposed to shift this way. But, now I have it parked in my driveway. Is there anyway that I can get my truck fixed?

First incident Feb 2022– 2015 Cadillac Escalade had approximately 89K miles on it. Was driving home from work in I-75 when the engine started knocking and vehicle began shaking & losing power. I was able to make it off an exit before it totally shutdown and would not crank again. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where a Misfire code was reported; Repairs shop was compensated for repairs via extended warranty. Second incident March 2023– Approximately 1 year later, the same thing happened. I Was on my way to work, once again, on the interstate in morning rush traffic when the engine started rattling and shaking. When I looked down at the dashboard the check engine light was flashing and the traction system light was illuminated. Thankfully I was able to make it off an exit to a gas station. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. Misfire code P0300 was read and cylinders #7 and #8 were diagnosed with misfires with no vacuum leaks. This time the warrant company is not willing to pay and now I’ve become aware of Chevrolet TSB 15-06-01-002F. I’m not sure why this has not been classified as a recall safety issue, but there is sure & present danger when your vehicle suddenly loses power while traveling on the interstate. This engine is faulty and needs to be recalled. How many people have to die & families ruined for it to be deemed a “safety issue”?

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.

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.

Crash 2 injured

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and decelerating independently. The contact exited the highway and was able to drive to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that there had been a misfire on cylinder number three (3). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic that was closer to her residence. The independent mechanic diagnosed that cylinders one (1) and number three (3) were misfiring, had lost compression and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact became aware of Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin Number: 15-06-01-002F (Engine Misfire/Tick Noise), which she associated with the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the vehicle in 4WD, he heard an abnormal grinding sound. The contact shifted to AWD and heard the grinding sound as well. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and the contact was informed that the front differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the front differential was defective and needed to be replaced again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and agreed to pay a portion of the repair cost. The failure mileage was 62,830.

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the electric magnetic shock was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.