2016 Cadillac Escalade Complaint Log

Suspension failed at 50,000 miles. At 56,000 miles one of the valve components inside the engine (a lifter) has collapsed. This part controls the opening of the engine valve, and because it is no longer moving, that cylinder cannot build compression and is causing the misfire. This is an internal mechanical failure inside the engine and cannot be caused by body work, fuel quality, or anything external.

TRANSMISSION ISSUES. MY VEHICLE LUNGES AND HAS HARD SHIFTS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM LOW SPEED TO HIGH SPEEDS. ALSO LUNGES WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded like it was going to stall, and the accelerator pedal was depressed to keep the vehicle from stalling. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with lifter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,027.

Experienced loss of electric power steering while driving at 60 MPH on interstate. Had 6 passengers in vehicle at the time and could have crashed if another vehicle was in other lane next to us during steering loss. Steering available for inspection. Have taken vehicle to dealer to fix issue. They diagnosed and replaced Negative and Positive wiring harness to battery; however, vehicle steering loss occurred again right after picking up and is back at dealership now. Sent dealer article about other owners of 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade experiencing same issue to help explain steering issue. Also sent video of steering glitching while driving back to dealership. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior, during, or after failure known.

While driving in rush hour traffic, engine completely stopped. We were stranded in traffic for 2 hours until the police came to help push us out of the street. It was 20 degrees and we sat for 4 hours to get towed. After much ado, the dealership stated the following; "Checked and found engine wouldn't crank over, towed vehicle into the shop. Removed inspection cover to access torque convertor bolts, removed bolts engine still will not turn over. Checked oil in engine full of metal. Engine crank seized will need engine replacement." Upon further investigation, the recall for this vehicle only covers 2021-2025 however this is the same problem that is happening under the recalled years.

I purchased a car from a used car dealer in Sacramento. Two days later, the lifters went bad. This truck only has 115,000 miles on it. This is a know issue that GM has and they're doing nothing to remedy the issue. They keep putting DOD/AFM in these expensive cars knowing the lifters will fail and cause damage to the cam. They should be responsible for doing a DOD/AFM delete on all trucks that have this issue.

The engine started making a tapping noise on the right side. Then the tapping noise got louder and then stopped but the engine light came on and the engine started running very rough. By the noise was described to the shop and they said it is bad lifters and camshafts and this is very common for the GM 6.2L engine. The vehicle has 117,000 miles on it.

Bought vehicle certified in 2023 with 86000 miles now at 123000 Engine needs replacing..Bought it from an accredited Cadillac dealership

Purchased 2016 Cadillac Escalade in April 2022 - VIN [XXX] . License plate [XXX] . Car has had electrical shortage issues in the navigation screen ever since purchasing. The navigation screen flickers, switches between apps simultaneously and isn’t responsive to finger touch as advertised. I have taken the car to the dealership 4 times within the 90 day dealership warranty. Those dates were April 25, 2022; May 26, 2022; September 3, 2022; and September 24, 2022. However, the problem hasn’t been resolved. This has also caused the car ignition start up to start slowly. The battery has been checked and is fully charged and working properly. The ignition, alternator and transmission are all working properly in good condition. I believe the dealership sold me a “Lemon” vehicle. The initial CarFax report didn’t disclose any mechanical or electrical issues. I paid a $6000 downpayment and have paid $15,999.98 so far. My monthly car payment is $999.98. This car isn’t safe to drive and I am seeking a financial settlement of $20,000 and for the dealership to take back the car without a negative ding on my credit report and no voluntary repossession listed on my credit report. [XXX] my car completely shut down and no longer would start. I had a brand new battery installed a few days prior. Called AAA 4x’s and they couldn’t jump start my car. They tested the alternator, starter, and transmission and there were no failed sensors. I didn’t have any warning lights. I had my car towed to my mechanic and he verified nothing was wrong with transmission, starter and alternator. I noticed there was a strong burn smell and something popped underneath the car causing the car to no longer start or turn on. I ended having to voluntary surrender the car back to Capital One Auto Finance (Account [XXX] ) on Monday [XXX] because the car no longer is operable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While I was driving the car turned off and the steering wheel got really hard, making it harder to get out of the road to keep my children safe since we were in the highway. Second time it happened the stabilitrack service message came up, and also the steering assist is reduced please drive with care. The ebrake. ABS and stabilitrack light on the dash turned on. This started happening on may 14 until present

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. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while coming to a stop to park the vehicle, the vehicle turned off and restarted continuously, and the steering wheel straightened unintendedly. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to restart after being turned off. The contact had to disconnect and reconnect the battery cables to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the message "Service Stabili-trak" was temporarily displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

When I’m trying to park my car shuts off and turns back on, steering wheel stops working, service stabilitrak turn on and goes away, sometimes my car won’t turn on and have to disconnect the battery and connect it for it to turn on again.

The engine just stopped working mid traffics shifted to neutral automatically- almost causing a serious accident on a busy interstate . Brought to the mechanic, readings stated misfiring cylinders as engine seized and slipped. Tried fixing issue for $8300.00. Then after trying to fix it with no luck, cylinder 5 and seven were stuck and could not be repaired. Cost of labor to out engine back together was $4600.00 plus $400 to tow it to a dealer. Not only life threatening but also wallet draining with no warning. Will never buy a Cadillac again. This is a serious threat for those driving in it and for those who come across it when something happens.

While driving the vehicle just turned off I though it was the battery, took the battery off but it was good then the alternator then the starter after repairs there was a loud clacking sound took vehicle to TIEKEN AUTO in san antonio texas come to find out the crank was no good scarring on the head and cylinder two bus dropped new engine would cost too much to fix

There is a known issue with this year and other model years of the lifters going bad inside the engines. I personally had this happen and heard about several other cases. This notice stems from the recent news release of 2021 and on model years being affected. This repair cost me roughly 5,000 dollars and I nearly drove off the road once the engine failed.

My starter caught on fire trying to start my car

Engine problems with 6.2 loss of power rod in engine and crankshaft went out. Took into to shop and and shop varified all issues. Check engine light came on dash board. I noticed they have a recall on the newer vehicles with the same issues as what my vehicle has.

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact then observed smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents from the engine and turned off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived at the residence, inspected the vehicle, and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the noticed a failure with the brake pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

The driver seat belt cable ripped apart when attempting to unbuckle it. It is a safety hazard to drive this vehicle . It was inspected by Frank Fontanez(crash technician)about 3 weeks ago, at that time several pictures was taken and he instructed me to fill out this report. The vehicle was not inspected by any other agencies, [XXX] Mr Fontanez in my path because this is my only transportation method and I need immediately attention thanks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, the driver-side air bag deployed without any impact. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to his arm, neck, and back that required medical attention. The contact drove himself to the hospital. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000. The VIN was not available.

1/2/24, at odometer reading 103,885, while driving on a busy street, the car lost engine power and made a loud knocking noise. Was taken to the shop immediately. It was determined to need new lifters and cam shaft. The vehicle has always had routine maintenance this there were no prior indicators of any problem and the symptoms came on suddenly. The repairs were done and the car seemed to run fine once again. 4/24/25, at odometer reading 109,913 the symptoms appeared again suddenly. The vehicle was once again taken to the shop for repair. At this time the shop says they notice excessive oil consumption. Oil change was completed and noise stopped. Car was back in my possession on the evening of 4/29/25. Driven 60 miles and on 5/2/25 the issue returned. Maintenance shop is now saying a full engine replacement is necessary.

My Escalade just started stalling like if it was going to shut off I took it to my mechanic and he told me it has the P0304 code which is cylinder 4 misfire which he hasn’t fix because it’s a internal engine problem

Complete engine failure with approx 80,000 miles on it, no warning. Engine failed while driving in the middle of the street.

Product liability due to faulty product. Chrome frame on steering wheel chips into sharp razor blades causing bleeding injuries.

The cue system glitches, which can be a safety hazard when it is connected to a phone using GPS or assisted talking technology.

The trunk closes on its own at all times. I was vacuuming on the back door area behind the driver’s side and the trunk closed and opened twice. Then I was vacuuming my trunk space and the trunk closed twice automatically once hitting me in the head and doesn’t have a sensor that senses a body or something or someone there. This is a very dangerous flaw and needs to be corrected before someone is killed by this!!!

The engine seized while driving in the middle of the road. I was very fortunate that there was no incident. For others that drove at highway speed, accidents or fatalities may occur. GM is aware of this problem and elect not to do anything. Because of the high amount of engines faulty, the engines are 8-10 months back-order.

JUNE 2,2023, My 2016 WHITE Escalade (shown as black in picture?) 6.2 V8 , began shaking A LOT while driving along about 40 mph on a highway in Orlando. As a slowed down it continued to shake and started to stall while shaking as I approached idle. There was a lot noise that sounded as if coming from under the car. I was able to get the vehicle to the dealer GMC/Buick in Orlando and was told the rods in piston 1 and 2 broke off and a new engine is needed. I was told this is a common problem and there are several on the lot with the same problem. It can occur at any number vehicle miles. I am currently with out an engine because there is too many in demand. Wait time for an engine is unknown.

MY 2016 ESCALADE PREMIUM ENGINE IS STARTING TO SHUT OFF MORE FREQUENT WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IT ALSO HAS MORE FREQUENT ISSUES WHERE IT WILL NOT START WITH REMOTE OR IF INSIDE THE VEHICLE. NO WARNING OR FAILURE LIGHTS CAME ON. DASH LOOKS NORMAL BUT NO RPM'S IF IT SHUTS OFF AT A STOP. I’VE REPLACED THE BATTERY THINKING IT WAS AN OLDER BATTERY BUT STILL CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. I'M VERY NERVOUS THINKING IT WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY. PLEASE HELP!! I HAVE NOT TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP HOPING THIS CAN BE FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURE

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that the passenger's side rear upper control arms had separated from the vehicle and that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V256000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 71,695.

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made knocking sounds and hesitated while accelerating. Additionally, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 15-06-01-002L (Engine Misfire/Tick Noise) however, the vehicle was not covered by the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

At low speed electric power steering failed. Cannot steer vehicle. Will have vehicle towed to a service center.

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the infotainment screen intermittently went blank while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated that the front windshield wiper module had failed to operate as needed. The contact purchased a new battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound worsened and the battery drained immediately. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer Penske Buick GMC Of Cerritos (18400 Studebaker Rd, Cerritos, CA 90703) who informed the contact that the vehicle experienced suspension failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,200.

The Escalade radio console keeps shorting out, operating irregularly, and stays "on" after the car has been turned off resulting in a stall and/or battery to drain leading to the car not starting, which has required several battery jumps.

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty wiring harness. The failure caused the battery to be drained. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure was unknown.

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, turning off the engine, and removing the ignition key, the front seat passenger exited the vehicle and when closing the passenger’s side door all airbags in the vehicle were erroneously deployed. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side frontal air bags along with both side curtain air bags, 2nd and 3rd row seats air bags were all deployed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 99,000.

I bought my 2016 Escalade and was told there was a safety recall on the car. After 3 days, I took the car to a Cadillac dealership to have the recall fixed. When returning to pick the car up, I was told that the vehicles EBCM unit was faulty and could not be updated, and that the module had to be replaced. I was also told that to do the update, the "flash" erased the module, so essentially, my SUV had no brakes so I could not take my SUV home. I was then called on following Monday (SUV was taken on a Friday) that the module is on backorder and there is no timetable for when it will be in stock. I had the car for 3 days, I am paying a car note for a car I dont have. I have been waiting for 2+ months for an update on the completion of my safety recall and still no answers.

SOMETIMES BANGS INTO GEAR SO HARD IT FEELS LIKE YOU?VE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.

RUNNING BOARDS GO UP AND DOWN WHEN THE DOOR IS OPEN. BOTH MY WIFE AND NINE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ALMOST HAD THEIR LEGS CAUGHT WHEN STEPPING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY. VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY CONCERN.

THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ONGOING TRANSMISSION ISSUES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 9 TIMES AND THEY CLAIM EVERYTHING IS OK BUT IT IS NOT. IT IS SLUGGISH SHIFTING, HUNTS FOR GEARS, SOMETIMES BANGS INTO GEAR SO HARD IT FEELS LIKE YOU'VE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, SHUTTERS AND SHAKES, AND THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY REGARDLESS OF HOW FAST YOU'RE DRIVING OR WHAT TYPE OF ROAD.

The contact owns A 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the lower engine mount, the lower control arm, and the battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 88,000.

TOUCH SCREEN HAS BECOME NONE RESPONSIVE WITH A VISIBLE WEBBING EFFECT AND I AM NOT ABLE TO USE WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSES DISTRACTIONS

MY 2016 BLACK CADILLAC ESCALADE HAS A PAINT DEFECT ON THE HOOD AND ROOF WHERE THE CLEAR COAT IS/HAS DETERIORATED MUCH FASTER THEN THE REST OF THE BODY; IN FACT THE BODY PAINT IS STILL SHINY AND AS FAR AS I KNOW THERE IS A 5 YEAR MANUFACTURE WARRANTY ON THE PAINT. IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH GM ON 2016 BLACK VEHICLES THAT THIS IS OCCURRING. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL CADILLAC DEALER IN WHICH I HAVE ALL MY SERVICE DONE THROUGH AND I WAS TOLD THAT MORE THAN LIKELY I WILL HAVE TO PAY A PART OF THE REPAIR, WHICH IT NOT RIGHT BEING THAT WE PAY TO DRIVE A QUALITY VEHICLE AND IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. UNEXCEPTABLE!!!

OUR 2016 ESCALADE WITH 20,000 MILES HAD THE TAIL PIPE CORRODE AND FALL OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR BUMPER WAS SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE EXHAUST HEAT WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY MELTED THE BUMPER AND BACK-UP SENSORS. IF THE ISSUE WASN'T NOTICED, A MAJOR THERMAL EVENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED AND THE TRUCK COULD HAVE BEEN A TOTAL LOSS. CADILLAC HAS REFUSED TO WARRANTY THIS ISSUE. WE ALSO HAVE A 2019 ESCALADE THAT IS SHOWING SIGNIFICANT SIGNS OF CORROSION AT THE SAME WELD. I BELIEVE THIS IS 100% A DESIGN ISSUE. THE SERVICE DEALER, AUTONATION IN PALM BEACH, FL TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULDN'T WARRANTY BECAUSE I ASKED THEM TO INSTALL THE CADILLAC OPTIONAL UPGRADE EXHAUST, NOT WOULD THEY COVER ANY OF THE MELTED COMPONENTS DUE TO THE INFERIOR TAIL PIPE DESIGN. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE 2016 EXHAUST UPON FAILURE AND THE 2019 WITH THE START OF CORROSION THAT I CAN EMAIL DIRECTLY.

I HAVE TAKEN MY ESCALADE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A SHUDDER ISSUE. THEY HAVE AGREED TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION SINCE I AM AT 35K MILES BUT THEY COME UP AND SAID MY WHEELS ARE BENT. AFTER MY ROTATION LAST YEAR, BOTH WHEELS ARE NOW ON THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. I KNOW THAT I HAVE NOT HIT ANYTHING OR WENT OVER ANYTHING THAT COULD HAVE DAMAGED MY WHEELS. THIS HAS TO BE SOME TYPE OF DEFECT BUT THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE $1600 FOR TWO WHEELS. AS I SAID, MY TRUCK ONLY HAVE 35K MILES AND I AM THE ONLY ONE THAT DRIVES IT. WITH THESE WHEELS BEING BENT, THERE IS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE BUT I WORRY THAT IT WILL MESS WITH MY SUSPENSION.

INFOTAINMENT SCREEN SHOWS CRACKING, BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE AND CLICKS ON IT'S OWN INTERMITTANTLY. RENDERS ALL FUNCTIONALITY INCLUDING ALL RADIO/SOUND, NAVIGATION, PROJECTION, ETC... USELESS.

CUE SPIDER WEBBING CUE WILL GO BLANK NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. *TR