2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 33%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,925miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 33% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,925 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission started slipping at 50k miles. Since I am in the transportation service industry, I know many people that have transmission issues on escalades.”
NHTSA complaint #11175833, filed 2019-02, 50,000 miles“Shudder / vibration between 45 - 65 MPH. Cause was torque converter. 85 - 90% of vibration was mitigated. Continue to have steady vibrations 65 -70mph and above. Dealer also installed new tires / wheels and I have had a road force balance.”
NHTSA complaint #11133497, filed 2018-10, 37,000 miles“From a cold start, when taking vehicle out of park and into reverse, the vehicle will surge or buck prior to applying the accelerator. This happens about 1/4 of the drive time. When accelerating and then coming to a coast and back to accelerating, the car will buck. This happens about 1/2 of the drive time. From a cold start, reverse, drive, accelerate to 1mph while making a slight right turn out of my driveway, the vehicle bucks. This happens about 3/4 of the drive time.”
NHTSA complaint #11131927, filed 2018-09, 16,850 miles“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. Tomorrow will be fourth time with same abrupt shifting problem for a total of 4 times. After dealership tries to fix it it operates well for about two to three months and then the problem starts again. Also, the vehicle has lost all power twice now, battery dead, dead, dead. When attempting to turn on the lights blink quickly, multiple times but it does not have enough power to turn on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10956879, filed 2017-02, 5,590 miles“The transmission has multiple malfunctions. Delayed shifts, hard shifts both when shifting up or down, very large clunk or hard shift when going from 2nd to first. Very unpleasant transmission and multiple ways. Dealer keeps telling me that the transmission is adaptive to the driver and it needs to learn habits. I have had the vehicle for over a year. Sounds like a cop out to me. Not very happy with GM!”
NHTSA complaint #11218272, filed 2019-06Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 4 | 29% |
| 2024 | 4 | 18% |
| 2023 | 20 | 22% |
| 2022 | 13 | 22% |
| 2021 | 12 | 16% |
| 2020 | 2 | 9% |
| 2019 | 9 | 26% |
| 2018 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 9 | 24% |
| 2016 | 5 | 33% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2008 | 1 | 6% |
| 2007 | 5 | 13% |
| 2006 | 1 | 20% |
| 2005 | 2 | 14% |
| 2004 | 5 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV
7 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology