Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Cadillac Escalade owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and decelerating independently. The contact exited the highway and was able to drive to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that there had been a misfire on cylinder number three (3). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic that was closer to her residence. The independent mechanic diagnosed that cylinders one (1) and number three (3) were misfiring, had lost compression and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact became aware of Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin Number: 15-06-01-002F (Engine Misfire/Tick Noise), which she associated with the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a temporary loss of automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway; however, the vehicle failed to restart as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lifters and the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,331.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle immediately lost power and was unable to be restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 137,000. The VIN was not available.
First incident Feb 2022- 2015 Cadillac Escalade had approximately 89K miles on it. Was driving home from work in I-75 when the engine started knocking and vehicle began shaking & losing power. I was able to make it off an exit before it totally shutdown and would not crank again. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where a Misfire code was reported; Repairs shop was compensated for repairs via extended warranty. Second incident March 2023- Approximately 1 year later, the same thing happened. I Was on my way to work, once again, on the interstate in morning rush traffic when the engine started rattling and shaking. When I looked down at the dashboard the check engine light was flashing and the traction system light was illuminated. Thankfully I was able to make it off an exit to a gas station. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. …
My 2015 Cadillac Escalade suffered complete engine failure caused by a known design defect involving the Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifters and camshaft. This issue is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletins (TSB #15-06-01-002E and PIP5606C), which acknowledge lifter collapse, misfires, and internal engine damage in 2014-2020 Escalade and similar models. GM-certified dealerships repeatedly misdiagnosed the issue as minor (e.g. spark plugs, oil), allowing the underlying defect to worsen. I am uploading invoices from Cadillac of Cerritos (who misdiagnosed the problem), my trusted local repair shop, and Cadillac of Torrance, who ultimately diagnosed the failed lifters and camshaft, but had originally referred us to Cerritos because they could not take us at the time. …
The engine in my 2015 Cadillac Escalade failed unexpectedly at approximately 53,000 miles. Immediately prior to the failure, the engine developed a noticeable knocking noise, indicating a potential internal issue. While attempting to park in a public parking garage, the vehicle suddenly lost power and the engine shut down without any warning lights or alerts. This created a hazardous situation in a confined area with other vehicles and pedestrians, as I was unable to properly control or maneuver the vehicle. The sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown significantly increased the risk of a collision or injury. The engine would not restart after the failure, leaving the vehicle disabled in the garage. Due to the confined space, the vehicle had to be removed using specialized towing equipment. The vehicle has been dealer-maintained since purchase, and I am the original owner. …
I bought the vehicle on May 27, 2021. I filled the tank with 87 octane on 3 separate occasions between May 27 and June 4, 2021.The engine (6.2L V8 L86 EcoTec) shut off during a trip on May 31, 2021. I was pulling into a restaurant and there were no indicators of any issues. While pulling up into the drive thru, the engine lost power. No Check Engine Light appeared at all. On a second trip (June 6, 2021), the engine again lost power while coming off of a highway exit. This time, I experienced loss of acceleration and then the vehicle shut off as I pulled into a parking lot. Both times I had to put the vehicle into park, shut off and then start back up. Again, no Check Engine Light. I drove the car to an auto parts store to buy a fuel additive. It was driving roughly at this point, but as I pulled into the parking lot, again a loss of power from the engine. It never started back up. …
Mileage: 90,406 2015 Cadillac Escalade Engine: 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 has experienced lifter and camshaft failure, and the vehicle is now stalling while driving, creating a serious safety risk. I transport my disabled child daily, and the stalls are unpredictable, putting us and other drivers at risk. This issue is consistent with the pending class action Harrison v. General Motors LLC, which alleges that 2014-present Cadillac Escalades with 6.2L AFM/DFM lifters can fail, causing engine noise, stalling, and catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was service on 3/02/2026 at Riverview Chevrolet GMC for these issues and a complaint was summit to GM for these problems. …
I was on my way home on [redacted] when the engine in my Cadillac Escalade started to vibrate and the check engine and stability track lights came on. Since I was only three miles from the house, I coasted home and parked the vehicle. On [redacted], I had the truck towed to ACE Auto Doctor in Bettendorf, IA who told me that I needed a new engine and it was a common issue on the 6.2 GM engine. I had supplement Insurance on the vehicle but the Insurance declined my claim. The Cadillac Dealership wants me to pay $17,000 for a remanufactured engine to replace mine. I know there is an investigation but am unsure what's the status. My vehicle has 93,000 miles and I do take care of it. This is my first issue.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
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.
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.
Engine complaints in other Escalade years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Cadillac Escalade?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, 29% of the model year's 98 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › radiator assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Cadillac Escalade engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-007 (exhaust system, Jan 13, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2015 Cadillac Escalade engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.