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2016 Cadillac Escalade: common problems and reliability
· 4th generationAn average Escalade year.
208 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Escalade?The 2016 Cadillac Escalade has 208 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag afm/dod lifter failure requiring camshaft and lifter replacement.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Cadillac Escalade vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Escalade years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Escalade?
Across the 28 Escalade model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2001) to 802 (2007). With 208 complaints, the 2016 Escalade sits above the model's median of 162.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Escalade
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Campaign 19V645000General 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.
air bags:frontal
Campaign 16V651000General 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.
air bags:frontal
Campaign 17V437000General 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.
suspension:front:control arm
Campaign 16V256000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
What owners report on the 4th generation Escalade
Owner sentiment for the 2014-2020 Escalade is mixed and heavily dependent on model year.
- Very frequentAFM/DOD lifter failure requiring camshaft and lifter replacement
- Very frequentTransmission shudder, harsh shifts, and torque converter issues (8L90 and 10L80)
- RecurrentMagnetic ride control shock/strut failure and high replacement cost
- RecurrentCUE infotainment screen cracking and touchscreen malfunction
- RecurrentBrake wear requiring replacement every 20-25k miles due to vehicle weight
Owner insights for the 4th generation Escalade. Read the full 4th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Escalade listings typically run $25,495–$67,314.
Other Escalade model years
Compare every Escalade year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Escalade against its rivals
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