Traction Control complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% | 22,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 5% | 7,000 miles |
| 2017 | 3 | 6% | 16,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% | 50,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% | 88,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 10% | 123,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% | 100,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% | 125,000 miles |
| 2007 | 16 | 7% | 110,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 5% | 180,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% | 186,000 miles |
| 2003 | 10 | 12% | 95,000 miles |
| 2002 | 10 | 9% | 55,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud ticking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle decelerated. The check engine warning light and traction control light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The independent mechanic sent the contact a picture and diagnosed that a rod bearing was damaged. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, an abnormally loud ticking sound was coming from the engine. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was repaired. …
It has happened several times , while driving in a parking lot at 10 MPH while making a turn the engine shut off, lost steering and brakes and the stabilitrak warning light came on... The engine restarted in about 5 seconds... I contacted Cadillac main office lawanda [phone] ex 5911833 and sent a email to mary barra ceo... They gave me a case #[redacted] they are aware of the problem and recalled over one million vehicle but my VIN number has not been added yet.. They will not fix it till GM adds my VIN to the national recall #18289... I was told off the record that money trumps consumer safety....they are making us pickup the car with the knowledge by us driving the car could kill someone if we loose steering and brakes while driving... Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while coming to a stop to park the vehicle, the vehicle turned off and restarted continuously, and the steering wheel straightened unintendedly. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to restart after being turned off. The contact had to disconnect and reconnect the battery cables to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the message "Service Stabili-trak" was temporarily displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
I purchased a new vehicle a little over a year ago, picked it up at 4 pm, on my drive home I noticed a vibration when driving at speeds from 35 miles per hour plus. The vibration increases with speed. I brought it back to the dealer the next morning on Saturday at 8 am. I was asked to drop it off during the week, which I did. They replaced 4 tires. This did not correct the problem. I brought it back again a few weeks later, two tires were replaced a second time. I still had the same problem. I brought it back again, the 3rd time they replaced on tire. It did not correct the vibration. I now have my vehicle in for service again, they replaced the drive shaft. I just received an email from the service manager informing me the drive shaft replacement did not correct the problem.
My vehicle was parked completely off, when an alarm type of sound started ringing. I looked at my car and I see smoke inside by the dash board, I called my husband and he rushes outside and grabbed a tool. He opened up the hood and alot more smoke came out, he disconnected the battery with the tool and my uncle grabbed the hose and water down the engine part of the car. The fire went out and I right away contact me insurnace.the whole electrical fuse box is burn and im not sure what else is damage in the dash board.
I was driving along at about 45 MPH and the RPM s revved up the car wouldn't shift into third .I had to pull over switch the car off and restart it after that it drove fine . Since then at times it shifts hard into first and second and it will get stuck in second sometimes . After I pull over and restart the car it stops . Also the stabilatrack light keeps coming on . I also have a problem with the left side running board not closing .
2007 Cadillac Escalade apparently was built with severe camshaft and bearing issue. 1st. Stabilitrak, traction control light and warning. Straight and level driving on clear dry day. This is when engine was running on highway and engine fully at operating temperature. This forced transmission/engine into limp mode. Mccaddon dealership installed complete transmission cost over $8,000---- issue came back. Then they replaced fuel pump. Then they replaced oil pump which seemed to fix issue, cost $2084.04. Now at 225,000 miles oil pressure low, stop engine light, and warning gong. No oil leaks, oil levels always watched and maintained with regular changes. Took into dealership thinking they would replace oil pressure sensor. Instead they charged 130.00 to diagnose that engine was losing pressure. Their solution, replace engine at cost of $10,000. …
2007 Cadillac Escalade problems first reported to Cadillac at 86,453 miles. Electrical problem. Car shuts off at intersection unexpectedly, I hace to raise hood and shake battery cables to get to restart. Upon turning off car, no power to ignition, no interior lights, no power at all. I have to raise hood and shake cables again. I've replaced battery twice, both positive and negative cables, fuses, grounding straps, cleaned terminals at grounds etc. No relief from problem. At hwy speeds causes transmission to unexpectedly downshift, cycles door locks up and down, gauges go blank or start cycling on & off. Ac system turns on heat unexpectedly. Service stabilitrak & ABS light comes on. Radio turns off and resets to jan 1 2005 12:00 am, dvd/cd player stays on and cycles after car is shut off. Dealer can not find issue. Request manufacturer assistance by service bulletin or recall. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Escalade years have traction control problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (16), 2002 (10) and 2003 (10) model years. Traction Control complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Escalade traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic (asc) (9 mentions).
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.