Most common 2006 Cadillac Escalade problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Escalade complaints by model year
Best Escalade years: 2013, 2014, 2012. Years to avoid: 2023, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025. Compare all years →
2006 Cadillac Escalade recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle capacity weight.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with corrected labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on March 31, 2006.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose May fracture and leak fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on October 14, 2005.
What 2006 Cadillac Escalade owners say
Electrical system
Vehicle stops running. Engine dies happened four times, three times at 70 to 80 MPH on 6 ln. Freeway have to try and steer and use brakes with no power. Once to the side of the road let sit for a few minutes and it starts up again. Have had it to the dealer and they say they have no idea what is wrong when they put on the computer. I feel that his is extremely dangerous! It could get us killed along with any one else close by that hits us.
Engine started misfiring while on highway. Engine light came on and was blinking. I pulled off the road and had the car towed to dealer. The result is #6 and #8 are misfiring and also were told that 2 manifold bolts on right side of engine were broken off in engine body. If they cannot get the bolts to back off they will have to pull the head to drill them out on the inside.
Engine & cooling
Vehicle stops running. Engine dies happened four times, three times at 70 to 80 MPH on 6 ln. Freeway have to try and steer and use brakes with no power. Once to the side of the road let sit for a few minutes and it starts up again. Have had it to the dealer and they say they have no idea what is wrong when they put on the computer. I feel that his is extremely dangerous! It could get us killed along with any one else close by that hits us.
Engine started misfiring while on highway. Engine light came on and was blinking. I pulled off the road and had the car towed to dealer. The result is #6 and #8 are misfiring and also were told that 2 manifold bolts on right side of engine were broken off in engine body. If they cannot get the bolts to back off they will have to pull the head to drill them out on the inside.
Brakes
A vehicle turned across the road in front of me. Stood on the brakes and felt the brakes grab hard. I initially thought I could miss the truck when first applied brakes, then they felt like they released. No pulsing like you would feel when anti-lock has engaged. Just felt like they released. Also, the airbags did not deploy. Vehicle is in the repair shop now and they told me the airbags are turned off. I've owned the vehicle since it was new and know of any reason why they would be off, nor did I know you could turn them off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Escalade. While driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed. The brake pedal was pumped extensively to coast the vehicle off the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the brake lines were fractured, which caused brake fluid to leak. The dealer (joseph Chevrolet, 8733 colerain ave, cincinnati, oh 45251, [phone]) was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
2006 Cadillac Escalade engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Cadillac Escalade a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Escalade rates better than average: 72% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Escalade at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Cadillac Escalade?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and brakes (4).
How many recalls does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade, the most recent from December 7, 2005 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Escalade?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2014 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. See the full Cadillac Escalade years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Cadillac Escalade problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 11% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.