CarBrief

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade has 106 owner complaints and 9 recalls on file with NHTSA[1][2]. Two recalls from May 2026 matter most right now, because one has no remedy yet and the other tells owners not to drive until it is fixed[3][4].

106owner complaints[1]
9recalls[2]
16–17MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 106 owner complaints for the 2015 Escalade[1]. Five mention a crash and 3 a fire, and the complaints report 11 injuries in all and no deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name several parts, so the groups below overlap.

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries
Engine[6] 31 0 1 1
Power train[7] 29 0 0 1
Unknown or other[8] 19 0 0 0
Electrical system[9] 17 1 2 0
Steering[10] 10 2 1 7
Brakes[11] 9 1 0 1
Suspension[12] 9 0 0 0
Speed control[13] 7 1 0 1

These counts are not adjusted for how many Escalades were sold. They show where owners filed reports, not how likely a problem is.

We also read a small sample of the complaint texts in the four largest named groups. It is only a sample, so treat it as a hint about what owners describe and not as a measure of how common anything is.

Power train. In the sample of power train complaints we read, 10 of 12 texts describe shuddering, hard or odd shifting, vibration or clunking from the transmission or drivetrain[7]. Some owners say repeated dealer visits did not fix it[7].

Steering. In the steering sample, 6 of 10 texts describe the wheel suddenly turning hard or locking up[10]. Four of those texts mention the power steering recall (18V586), and two say the problem came back or started after the recall software update[10]. Steering has 7 injuries among its 10 complaints, more than any other group[10].

Electrical system. In the electrical sample, 3 of 12 texts describe the touch screen freezing, not responding or failing[9]. The group also includes 1 crash and 2 fires among its 17 complaints[9].

Engine. The engine sample is mixed. Engine noise, exhaust fumes in the cabin, coolant leaks from the radiator, and the engine shutting off or losing power each show up in 2 of 12 texts, with no single theme standing out[6].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2015 Escalade[2]. Newest first:

Several of these recalls cover more than one model or year, but NHTSA lists them for this one. You can enter a VIN at NHTSA.gov to see which ones apply to a specific vehicle.

Fuel economy

EPA lists a 6.2L 8-cylinder on regular gas for every version of the 2015 Escalade, with either a 6-speed or an 8-speed automatic[5][22]. Ratings run from 14 to 15 MPG in the city, 20 to 22 on the highway and 16 to 17 combined[5][23][24][22]. EPA's annual fuel cost estimate runs from $3,950 to $4,200[5][23].

Version Transmission City / Highway / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Escalade 2WD[5] 6-speed automatic 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
Escalade ESV 2WD[25] 6-speed automatic 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
Escalade 4WD[23] 6-speed automatic 14 / 21 / 16 $4,200
Escalade ESV 4WD[24] 6-speed automatic 14 / 20 / 16 $4,200
Escalade 2WD[22] 8-speed automatic 15 / 22 / 17 $3,950
Escalade ESV 2WD[26] 8-speed automatic 15 / 22 / 17 $3,950
Escalade 4WD[27] 8-speed automatic 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
Escalade ESV 4WD[28] 8-speed automatic 14 / 20 / 17 $3,950

The fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Escalade show 5 stars for side crash protection and 3 stars for rollover in every configuration listed[29][30][31][32]. The estimated rollover risk runs from 20.3% to 22.9%[29][30][31][32].

Version Drive Side Rollover Rollover risk
Escalade[29] AWD 5 stars 3 stars 22.2%
Escalade[30] RWD 5 stars 3 stars 22.9%
Escalade ESV[31] AWD 5 stars 3 stars 21.2%
Escalade ESV[32] RWD 5 stars 3 stars 20.3%

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2015 Escalade with a 6.2L 8-cylinder engine rated at 425 hp[21].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models[33][34].

Escalade Escalade ESV
Length 204 in 224 in
Width 80 in 80 in
Height 74 in 74 in
Wheelbase 116 in 130 in
Curb weight 5,840 lb 6,041 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

1999: 39 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 71 complaints, 1 recalls2002: 137 complaints, 2 recalls2003: 108 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 102 complaints, 3 recalls2005: 62 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 24 complaints, 2 recalls20062007: 285 complaints, 5 recalls2008: 167 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 85 complaints, 5 recalls20092010: 43 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 65 complaints, 6 recalls2012: 26 complaints, 3 recalls20122013: 22 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 21 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 106 complaints, 9 recalls10620152016: 104 complaints, 4 recalls2017: 89 complaints, 2 recalls2018: 36 complaints, 2 recalls20182019: 59 complaints, 1 recalls2020: 36 complaints, 2 recalls2021: 169 complaints, 12 recalls20212022: 142 complaints, 4 recalls2023: 233 complaints, 4 recalls2024: 74 complaints, 2 recalls20242025: 39 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 54 complaints, 4 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Escalade model year. The 2015 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1999392
2000711
20021372
20031085
20041023
2005622
2006242
20072855
20081674
2009855
2010433
2011656
2012263
2013224
2014212
20151069
20161044
2017892
2018362
2019591
2020362
202116912
20221424
20232334
2024742
2025391
2026544

The 2015 model year stands out in its own run of Escalades. Among 2010 through 2020 models, 2015 has the most complaints (106) and the most recalls (9)[2]. The neighbors are quieter on recalls. 2014 has 21 complaints and 2 recalls, 2016 has 104 and 4, and 2017 has 89 and 2[2].

Other years are higher on single measures. 2021 has 12 recalls, and 2007 and 2023 have 285 and 233 complaints[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so compare them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2015 Escalade?

The 2015 Escalade has a long recall list and the highest complaint and recall counts of the 2010 through 2020 model years, though other years outside that window have higher counts on single measures and counts are not adjusted for sales[2]. Before you buy or keep one, look up the VIN on NHTSA.gov for the two May 2026 recalls. One has no remedy yet and the other tells owners not to drive until it is repaired[3][4]. In the complaint sample we read, shuddering, odd shifting, vibration or clunking from the transmission or drivetrain show up in 10 of 12 power train texts[7]. The complaint data cannot tell you how common any of this is among all owners, so a pre-purchase inspection that covers the transmission and steering is a fair step[1].

Frequently asked questions

What problems are reported most often on the 2015 Cadillac Escalade?
By complaint count, the engine group (31 complaints) and the power train group (29) are the largest, out of 106 complaints in all[1][6][7]. In the power train texts we sampled, owners describe shuddering, odd shifting, vibration or clunking[7].
Does the 2015 Cadillac Escalade have open recalls?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for it[2]. The newest, 26V329 for the driver air bag inflator, has no remedy available yet[3]. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to see which recalls apply to your vehicle.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Cadillac Escalade get?
EPA rates it at 14 to 15 MPG city, 20 to 22 highway and 16 to 17 combined, depending on version and transmission[5][23][24][22].
Is 2015 a good year for the Cadillac Escalade?
It has the most complaints (106) and recalls (9) of any model year from 2010 through 2020 on NHTSA's lists, though counts are not adjusted for sales[2].
How much horsepower does the 2015 Cadillac Escalade have?
EPA lists the 6.2L 8-cylinder at 425 hp[21].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 106 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Cadillac Escalade (5 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 11 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Cadillac Escalade model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 26V329, filed May 21, 2026: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 26V289, filed May 7, 2026: Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 31 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,750). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 29 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,744). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 19 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 17 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 10 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 9 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 9 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 7 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 18V586, filed September 7, 2018: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 17V437, filed July 10, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 16V651, filed September 8, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 14V624, filed October 6, 2014: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 14V259, filed May 16, 2014: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 14V007, filed January 13, 2014: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System. NHTSA recall database
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Cadillac Escalade with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 425 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. EPA rating for Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Escalade 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Escalade ESV 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Escalade ESV 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Escalade ESV 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Escalade 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Escalade ESV 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  30. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  31. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  32. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,840 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE ESV: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 6,041 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.