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
- 15
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2016: 15 complaints
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 | 38 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 74 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Suspension
7 of 15 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing upper arm.
Show 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, 2019-06-19
Also filed under Wheels
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, 2025-05-27
Power train
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, 2017-02-25
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
Wheels
1 of 15 total reports mentions: wheels.
Service brakes
1 of 15 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
Vacuum pump deterioration or failure caused reduced stopping of vehicle. Backed up vehicle in driveway and could not stop until I pumped brake petal several times. And finally stopped. Placed vehicle in neutral and set hand brake.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-13
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2016-05-18Suspension16V256000 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.
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2016-10-13Air bags, seat belts16V651000 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.
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2017-08-04Air bags, seat belts17V437000 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.
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I
2018-11-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-04-10 Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V256000 · Suspension
- Recall 16V651000 · Air bags, seat belts
- Recall 17V437000 · Air bags, seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.