Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 3 | 12% | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 10% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2016 | 8 | 9% | 4,000 miles |
| 2015 | 9 | 9% | 50,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% | 73,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 4% | 46,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 5% | 3,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% | 165,000 miles |
| 2007 | 12 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 5% | 151,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% | 186,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 7% | 100,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 1999 | 6 | 15% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This vehicle was sold to me with severe frame damage, which was not reported on the carfax, and was not reported at the dealership. If you turn the steering wheel to the right, you will hear a scraping noise under the right front tire, as the suspension is off because of the frame damage caused from an accident with the previous owner. I returned the car for a refund, however the car is being sold again at a different dealership and there is no reports of any frame damage.
When I am driving the car shutters a lot especially during acceleration. When I stop no shutters but when I begin to go shutters. I have been to the Pepboys where I get my car fixed all the time and they can't find the problem. I spent lots of money on the suspension system already and still the same shutters. Will Gm find and fix the defect or they can just give me a brand new car.
The engine just stopped working mid traffics shifted to neutral automatically- almost causing a serious accident on a busy interstate . Brought to the mechanic, readings stated misfiring cylinders as engine seized and slipped. Tried fixing issue for $8300.00. Then after trying to fix it with no luck, cylinder 5 and seven were stuck and could not be repaired. Cost of labor to out engine back together was $4600.00 plus $400 to tow it to a dealer. Not only life threatening but also wallet draining with no warning. Will never buy a Cadillac again. This is a serious threat for those driving in it and for those who come across it when something happens.
Suspension failed at 50,000 miles. At 56,000 miles one of the valve components inside the engine (a lifter) has collapsed. This part controls the opening of the engine valve, and because it is no longer moving, that cylinder cannot build compression and is causing the misfire. This is an internal mechanical failure inside the engine and cannot be caused by body work, fuel quality, or anything external.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the electric magnetic shock was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
I have a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. It has been well taken care of. To my disappointment, this vehicle has been a money pit since day one. We have had to have all shocks replaced two times since January 16, 2020, costing thousands of dollars.The front cross bar was replaced the first time the shocks were replaced. The airconditioning system went out in the summer of 2020, replacement cost over 2500.00 The back suspension was just replaced in December 2022 for 2100.00. Running board motor wore out. Radio touch screen had to be replaced because it did not respond to tounch 1400.00 No warning lights appeared. SAFETY ISSUES**** The automatic seatbelt system no longer works since August 2022. Now the side detection system doesn't work since December 2022, replacement cost will be 1500.00 These have both been inspected by a dealer. …
After driving car all day off and on, it suddenly went into limp mode. Multiple misfires. Service traction t control and service stabilitrak warnings. Engine light flashing. Car had oil. Replaced oil pressure sensor. Replaced spark plugs. Wires. And coils. Will not clear misfire and won't go out of limp mode. $7500 fix. This is ridiculous. I have heard of 15 others with the same issue.
Car shut off on me twice while driving. The car has a loud squeaking, squealing, rough noise. When that happens my rpms lock up and won't take it out of gear. Transmission slips at various speeds, it is said to believe at an up/down shift and a down/up shift. Suspension and other parts under vehicle are leaking.
Related recalls (4)
Suspension › Rear
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023.
Suspension › Front › Control arm
General 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and GMC canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the…
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac escalade ext, Chevrolet avalanche, silverado ld and GMC sierra ld vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the…
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Escalade years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (12), 2015 (9), 2002 (8), 2016 (8) and 1999 (6) model years. Suspension complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Escalade suspension problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 23V-642 (rear, Sep 20, 2023); 16V-256 (control arm, Apr 28, 2016); 11V-007 (spindle, Jan 6, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Cadillac Escalade suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (7 mentions), followed by the rear (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.