2015 Cadillac Escalade
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 30 of 104 complaints (29%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Steering include more reported injuries (7) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 21 in 2014 to 104 in 2015.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | vs. 2015 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,950–4,450 | 3,900–4,450 | 3,650–3,900 | 3,650 | 3,650 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–21 | 14–16 | 16–17 | 17 | 17 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–20 / 18–23 | 13–14 / 18 | 14–15 / 20–22 | 15 / 21–22 | 15 / 20–22 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 416–612 | 571–612 | 511–555 | 511–526 | 512–533 | |
| Complaints filed | 20 | 21 | 104 | 104 | 88 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 2 | 11 | 5 | 6 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Cadillac Escalade have?
9 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2015 Cadillac Escalade?
Engine: 30 of 104 NHTSA complaints (29%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Cadillac Escalade get?
EPA rates it 16–17 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2015 Cadillac Escalade?
EPA estimates $3,650–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 6.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 526 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 6.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 526 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 6.2L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 6.2L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 546 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 6.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 511 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 6.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 511 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 6.2L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 15 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 519 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 6.2L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 535 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 30 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 27 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 16 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (9)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 26V329000 · May 21, 2026
Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) · Campaign 26V289000 · May 7, 2026
Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Consequence: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · Campaign 19V645000 · Sep 9, 2019
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Consequence: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 18V586000 · Sep 10, 2018
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
Consequence: If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18289.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 17V437000 · Jul 12, 2017
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 16V651000 · Sep 8, 2016
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
AIR BAGS · Campaign 14V624000 · Oct 6, 2014
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles. The passenger side instrument panel top cover on the affected vehicles may have been manufactured using an incorrect spacer fabric, causing a reduction of adhesion between the spacer fabric and the vinyl show surface. This reduced adhesion may result in inconsistent passenger air bag deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: Inconsistent air bag deployment increases the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel top cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14686.
AIR BAGS · Campaign 14V259000 · May 16, 2014
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles manufactured April 6, 2014, through May 13, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the air bag module is secured to a chute adhered to the backside of the instrument panel with an insufficiently heated infrared weld. This may result in only a partial deployment of the front passenger air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: In the event of an accident, an air bag that only partially deploys increases the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: GM sent the owners an interim notification letter on May 16, 2014 to advise owners of the recall, and will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. When the parts are available, dealers will replace the instrument panel right side upper trim panel, free of charge. The recall began on June 9, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14220. Note: Owners are advised that until the vehicle has been remedied, occupants should not sit in the front passenger seat position.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM · Campaign 14V007000 · Jan 13, 2014
Defect: General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
Consequence: The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.