Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% | 8,000 miles |
| 2023 | 3 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 8% | 85,000 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% | 22,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 6% | 45,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 15% | 10,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 11% | 250,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 10% | 36,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 5% | 158,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% | 119,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% | 79,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 2% | 180,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% | 23,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% | 137,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% | 39,000 miles |
| 2000 | 4 | 6% | 42,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 5% | 185,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 69 MPH with the cruise control set, the vehicle started driving sluggishly and failed to maintain the set speed. The vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 62 MPH. The 'High Oil Temperature" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly to 55 MPH. The vehicle then lost automotive power, stalled, and shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with complete engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,400.
My vehicle lost full engine propulsion going 70mph on the highway. We were blocking lanes of traffic and lost speed at a very rapid pace. No engine or warning light came on before the car lost engine and shifted into neutral. We called 911 and the California Highway Patrol had to assist in us not getting hit from behind as our car was disabled and would not restart to move off of lanes of traffic.
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud clunking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle then decelerated to 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who recommended replacing the valve body. The part was on backorder, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
While driving on Highway 360 in Arlington, TX, the engine appeared to not change gears. It was between 3:30 to 4:00 PM, moderate traffic. I left HWY 360 and used the side lane. Later, the engine light came on. I checked the fluid levels and all were fine. This vehicle was last serviced in December 2022. The problem is unknown.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving through a conveyor car wash with child occupants in the rear seats, the vehicle was placed in neutral (N). The vehicle was then shifted into drive (D) as instructed but accelerated independently. The contact added that the vehicle barely made a left turn exiting the car wash bay, nearly colliding with a wall and a car wash door. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The contact shifted the vehicle into park (P), but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact added that after shifting the vehicle into neutral (N), a roaring noise emanated from the engine compartment as if the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact depressed the power button, but the vehicle failed to shut off. The vehicle continued across the parking lot at a high rate of speed. …
While I was driving i needed to accelerate to pass slower traffic. As I pressed the accelerator I I felt a shudder and binding sensation throughout the vehicle and had to make a very drastic and unplanned maneuver to return to my lane as I had not completely departed from my lane, while maneuvering back in my lane I was forced to make several decisions as what next to do not know how my vehicle was going to respond to further acceleration attempts and if my wheels were going to lock up going freeway speeds. Since the incident I have noticed when my transmission fluid temp reaches between 100 and 150 my truck consistently exhibits the same behaviors inconsistent acceleration, clunking sounds, grinding/ binding sensation felt while at highway cruising speeds, clunk sounds during deceleration under breaking. I purchased the vehicle on 9/10/26 used. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the vehicle unintendedly accelerated while pulling into the car port. The vehicle proceeded to crash into the wall, a pole, a fence, and the house. The contact suffered injuries to the neck and ribs, but did not require medical attention. The front driver side air bag failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who concluded that the failure was not caused by a manufacturer defect. A police report was filed. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 10,281.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Cadillac Escalade. While pulling into the driveway, the vehicle accelerated without warning crashed into the house. The air bags failed to deploy. As a result, the contact sustained neck, shoulder, left knee, right side, and right hip injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. Updated 07/26/16
NHTSA investigations
Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
Throttle sticking closed
This investigation involves the general motors corporation (GM)throttle body (tb) utilized in model year (my) 1999-2002 silverado, sierra, tahoe, suburban, avalanche and yukon (subject vehicle(s)) with 4.8l, 5.3l, and 6.0l engines. The tb valve May intermittently stick in a closed position.in such a situation, an operator May apply additional accelerator pedal force to increase engine speed.the application of…
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Escalade years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (6), 2002 (5) and 2007 (5) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Escalade acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Cadillac Escalade model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Cadillac Escalade acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 49% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (3 mentions), followed by the cruise control (2).
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.