2016 Cadillac Escalade Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 19%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,755miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade, 19% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,755 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When first starting in the morning, my Escalade esv makes horrible clunking sounds from the transmission. When I put it into gear, it jumps forward. While driving, the truck is very jumpy and shifts hard. I don't drive the truck hard as its meant for cruising and not racing. The truck has 31000 miles on it currently. I see there are other complaints with the same issue. Gm needs to fix this!”
NHTSA complaint #11328295, filed 2020-06, 25,000 miles“Around 20,000 miles we started documenting issues with the drive train by taking it into the dealership but we had had these issues prior to the 20,000 mile mark. When you would be traveling around 20 MPH and traffic would slow down nearly coming to a stop and then speeds would pick up back and you began to accelerate it would shift with hard thud into gear. Also when placing the car in reverse from park or from reverse into drive it would lunge forward. When at a complete stop and slowly removing your foot from the brake it would lunge forward as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #11267573, filed 2019-10, 35,000 miles“My vehicle had about 46600 miles. Today while on a very busy interstate, the car started shaking really bad. It felt like I was going over bumps. This is a vehicle I barely drive as I have another vehicle for my primary use. I purchased the vehicle brand new with 10 miles in march of 2016. There's no excuse why this car should have issues with the transmission or any other issues. I plan on taking the vehicle to capital Cadillac first thing on wednesday. I did some research and found that I'm not the only one with this issue. Hopefully this will be covered under my warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11220471, filed 2019-06, 46,510 miles“Vehicle has been to the dealer 5 times for transmission and torque converter issues related to harsh shifting, stuttering, slamming into gear and otherwise terrible shifting. The fluid has been flushed 4 times and nothing has solved the problems and they claim there is nothing wrong and charged me a diagnostic fee the last time to perform no actual work.”
NHTSA complaint #11339586, filed 2020-07, 52,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11402889, filed 2021-03, 50,000 milesRelated 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.
- 11011436Oct 10, 2024This Preliminary information communicates for Technicians installing a Service Replacement Transmission Assembly to contact Technical Assistance to make sure unit is not suspect…
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 10% |
| 2025 | 2 | 10% |
| 2024 | 9 | 17% |
| 2023 | 21 | 15% |
| 2022 | 16 | 19% |
| 2021 | 10 | 13% |
| 2020 | 3 | 21% |
| 2019 | 1 | 4% |
| 2018 | 3 | 14% |
| 2017 | 12 | 24% |
| 2016 | 17 | 19% |
| 2015 | 28 | 29% |
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 | 5 | 26% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 2 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 14 | 6% |
| 2005 | 7 | 16% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 9% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 3 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade
31 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 30, 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