2016 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 35%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade, 35% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405065, filed 2021-03, 20,864 miles“Car has what is called the chevy shake which effects almost all models from 2015-2017. Car shakes violently at times. Paid for repairs. This should be a recall as it is with other Escalade models and GM models of the same chassis..car has extreme rumble at times and is difficult to steer. While in motion at speeds of 45-70 this happens.”
NHTSA complaint #11221462, filed 2019-06, 75,000 miles“From owner: car begins to shake violently at random times while going 50-70 MPH. Have to pull over to get to stop. No overheating to engine or issues when car is restarted. Faulty torque convertor. Have at Cadillac dealer now. Saying it is not covered by the recall for the torque convertor on other 2015-17 escalades. This should be covered under recall as GM has made so many faulty torque convertors in thousands of escalades.”
NHTSA complaint #11174440, filed 2019-02, 71,000 miles“After coming to a stop, car engine shut off. No warning or failure lights came on. Put car in park and restarted. Dash looked totally normal but no RPM's. Cannot say whether car engine stopped before car came to a stop but sometime between slowing for a stop sign to when I came to a stop at stop sign.”
NHTSA complaint #10967076, filed 2017-03, 2,000 miles“Took car in feb 2019 to repair torque converter. Was replaced and now is back to shaking at random times. This should be a recall as Cadillac has numerous problems with powertrain on escalades from 2015-17.”
NHTSA complaint #11205763, filed 2019-05, 75,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11013070Jan 8, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician of possible coolant entering the areas of the engine, either through failed parts or defects in the castings, that may be the cause…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 36 | 95% |
| 2025 | 12 | 60% |
| 2024 | 36 | 69% |
| 2023 | 110 | 77% |
| 2022 | 68 | 79% |
| 2021 | 46 | 59% |
| 2020 | 6 | 43% |
| 2019 | 17 | 68% |
| 2018 | 10 | 45% |
| 2017 | 22 | 43% |
| 2016 | 31 | 35% |
| 2015 | 27 | 28% |
| 2014 | 3 | 15% |
| 2013 | 3 | 16% |
| 2012 | 3 | 15% |
| 2010 | 3 | 8% |
| 2009 | 9 | 16% |
| 2008 | 13 | 10% |
| 2007 | 33 | 14% |
| 2006 | 3 | 16% |
| 2005 | 5 | 12% |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% |
| 2003 | 4 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade
17 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Cadillac Escalade
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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