2006 Cadillac Escalade Problems
- Complaints
- 19filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles, 18 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 6.0L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade. The part named most often is electrical system, with 5 complaints (26% of the total), followed by brakes (4) and air bags (3). 18 of the complaints include a mileage, and 11% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 799 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 168 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 28 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system5 26%
- Brakes4 21%
- Air bags3 16%
- Engine3 16%
- Fuel system2 11%
- Other or unknown2 11%
- Wheels2 11%
- Engine cooling1 5.3%
- Exterior lighting1 5.3%
Also reported: Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Engine started misfiring while on highway. Engine light came on and was blinking. I pulled off the road and had the car towed to dealer. The result is #6 and #8 are misfiring and also were told that 2 manifold bolts on right side of engine were broken off in engine body. If they cannot get the bolts to back off they will have to pull the head to drill them out on the inside.”
NHTSA complaint #10854846, filed 2016-04, 180,000 milesBrakes: “A vehicle turned across the road in front of me. Stood on the brakes and felt the brakes grab hard. I initially thought I could miss the truck when first applied brakes, then they felt like they released. No pulsing like you would feel when anti-lock has engaged. Just felt like they released. Also, the airbags did not deploy. Vehicle is in the repair shop now and they told me the airbags are turned off. I've owned the vehicle since it was new and know of any reason why they would be off, nor did I know you could turn them off.”
NHTSA complaint #10682970, filed 2015-02, 140,000 milesAir bags: “The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the service air bag light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they advised her that she needed a new air bag due to the failed module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10428321, filed 2011-10, 110,000 milesEngine: “Vehicle stops running. Engine dies happened four times, three times at 70 to 80 MPH on 6 ln. Freeway have to try and steer and use brakes with no power. Once to the side of the road let sit for a few minutes and it starts up again. Have had it to the dealer and they say they have no idea what is wrong when they put on the computer. I feel that his is extremely dangerous! It could get us killed along with any one else close by that hits us.”
NHTSA complaint #10837464, filed 2016-02, 120,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
11% of the 18 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 75,000 and 109,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade · sedan AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 · 22.8% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2006 Cadillac Escalade version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $5,850 |
| Escalade AWD | 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $6,300 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V552000Dec 7, 2005Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2006, GMC Sierra 2006, Hummer H3 2006 +23 more
Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle…
- 05V455000Oct 5, 2005Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2006, Chevrolet Silverado 2005–2006, GMC Sierra 2005–2006 +12 more
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
Recall details for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 799 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11025453Nov 3, 2025Other or unknown. This PI Communicates information to ensure Memory Recall is enabled to ensure memory mirrors return to set position after curbview assist is used.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
Other model years of the Cadillac Escalade
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 39 | 7,000 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 21 | 12,000 | 1 | 5 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 52 | 17,500 | 2 | 4 | 16 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 143 | 30,000 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 86 | 37,600 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 78 | 42,500 | 9 | 4 | 17 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 14 | 55,571 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 25 | 41,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 22 | 42,116 | 1 | 4 | 17 | — | Rising |
| 2017 | 51 | 29,000 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 89 | 38,000 | 4 | — | 17 | 86 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 98 | 61,000 | 9 | — | 17 | 90 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 20 | 40,500 | 2 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 19 | 81,750 | 4 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 20 | 66,000 | 3 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 49 | 104,762 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 38 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 58 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 15 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 136 | 98,000 | 4 | — | 14 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 230 | 89,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 19 | 88,000 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 43 | 89,053 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 69 | 84,244 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 81 | 71,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 115 | 78,780 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 71 | 80,943 | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 39 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Cadillac Escalade model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade have?
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Cadillac Escalade is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 5 complaints (26% of the total), followed by brakes with 4.
Has the 2006 Cadillac Escalade been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Cadillac Escalade (Escalade 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Cadillac Escalade reported?
Among the 18 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,000 miles and the middle half falls between 75,000 and 109,000 miles; 11% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.