2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 22 |
| 2005 | 14 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 39 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 62 |
| 2022 | 51 |
| 2023 | 70 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 15 total reports mention: suspension.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
06/14/2019 I WAS DRIVING MY CADILLAC TO ESCALATE ESV TRAVELING FROM BALTIMORE TO WASHINGTON DC 95 SOUTH BAND. 12:04 PM MY VEHICLE FLIP OVER. I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190619
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250527
5 of 15 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
THE GEARS SHIFT ABRUPTLY. WHEN TAKING OFF THE GEARS WILL SHIFT HARD THAT IT FEELS AS IF SOMETHING HEAVY IS DROPPING IN THE ENGINE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES WITH SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170225
3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE GEARS SHIFT ABRUPTLY. WHEN TAKING OFF THE GEARS WILL SHIFT HARD THAT IT FEELS AS IF SOMETHING HEAVY IS DROPPING IN THE ENGINE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES WITH SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170225
1 of 15 total reports mentions: wheels.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
06/14/2019 I WAS DRIVING MY CADILLAC TO ESCALATE ESV TRAVELING FROM BALTIMORE TO WASHINGTON DC 95 SOUTH BAND. 12:04 PM MY VEHICLE FLIP OVER. I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190619
1 of 15 total reports mentions: suspension.
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016.
Campaign 16V256000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016.
Campaign 16V651000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017.
Campaign 17V437000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V256000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V651000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V437000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.