Last updated: 2026-10-10

2019 Cadillac Escalade Reliability Report
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade has good reliability, but lifter and camshaft failures in the engine are the main risk for owners.
Recalls
1
Complaints
51
Complaint Rate
14.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1007
Annual Fuel Cost
$4,050
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Among the stronger Escalade years, with good standing and one seat belt recall, but engine lifter and camshaft failures are the main complaint.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (25)
- POWER TRAIN (9)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 3 years after the mid-cycle update refresh.
- Year 5 in the Fourth generation (GMT K2UL) (2015–2020).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation Escalade (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2015: Fourth generation (GMT K2UL) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2016: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 3 years after the mid-cycle update refresh.
Should You Buy the 2019 Cadillac Escalade?
Buy it, with one big caution. Reliability standing is good, close to average among 2019 SUVs, and this is among the stronger of the eight scored Escalade years. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $1007 for the model, under $1127 for its class. The 2020 rates about the same, with fewer complaints but more recalls.
Engine trouble drives most complaints. Owners describe loud knocking, rough idle, misfires and a check engine light, then a shop finds failed lifters, bent pushrods or a damaged camshaft. Several blame Active Fuel Management. Failures cluster between 70,000 and 110,000 miles, and bills reach about $15,000. Some engines cut out or lost power at highway speed. Other owners report wheels locking up between 85,000 and 127,000 miles. Federal recall records show one recall, for seat belts.
Ask for proof of any lifter or camshaft work, especially on a car in that mileage range. Confirm the seat belt recall was completed. If the 2020 fits your budget, compare its recall list before choosing.
Compared to the 2020 Cadillac Escalade, which scored the same.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$120 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury fullsize SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −ENGINE: Lifter and camshaft failure is the main pattern (25 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN: Power loss and engine failure appear here along with transmission trouble (9 complaints)
Compare 2019 Cadillac Escalade With

2019 GMC Yukon
Reliability: 71/100

2019 Chevrolet Suburban
Reliability: 68/100

2019 Lincoln Navigator
Reliability: 59/100

2019 Toyota Sequoia
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Nissan Armada
Reliability: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (25)
- POWER TRAIN (9)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
14.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Cadillac Escalade Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
Buying a used 2019 Cadillac Escalade? Check its history first
Engine problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Cadillac Escalade, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Cadillac Escalade NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 22.8%
Safety Technologies
Cadillac EscaladeRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$1007
vs $1127 avg for luxury fullsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
20%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Cadillac Escalade Resale Value
The Cadillac Escalade is estimated to retain about 57.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Cadillac Escalade model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.
- Value Retained
- 57.8%
- Depreciation
- 42.2%
- Listings Analyzed
- 142
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Cadillac Escalade depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
17 MPG
Running cost: $5,050/yr
Fuel + repair
14 city / 21–23 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,050 |
| Escalade 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 14 | 21 | 17 | $4,050 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Cadillac Escalade.
Listen at cold start and warm idle for ticking or knocking, and walk away if the check engine light is on.
Ask for service records showing any lifter, camshaft, or engine replacement and how much of the cost warranty covered.
Drive at highway speed and watch for hesitation, misfire, or a blinking engine or transmission light.
Feel for hard shifts, jerking at stops, and shudder under acceleration during the test drive.
Open and close each door several times and confirm both power running boards deploy and retract every time.
Check each tire with a hand gauge and confirm the dashboard monitor shows the correct tire's pressure.
Compare the odometer against a vehicle history report and the car's wear to catch mileage rollback.
Have a shop inspect the frame and suspension for accident damage and uneven tire wear.
2019 Cadillac Escalade Common Problems by Component
51 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
25 complaintsSafety-relatedEscalade engine problems across all model years
Lifter and camshaft failure is the main pattern. Engines start knocking loudly, idle rough or misfire, and the check engine light comes on. Shops then find failed roller lifters, bent or snapped pushrods, and a damaged camshaft. Several reports blame the Active Fuel Management system. Repairs range from lifter replacement to a full new engine, with bills reaching about $15,000. Some owners say the problem came back after the repair. Failures cluster around 70,000 to 110,000 miles. A few engines shut off or lost power at highway speed, and one complaint describes a fire that followed a puff of black smoke.
POWER TRAIN
9 complaintsPower loss and engine failure appear here along with transmission trouble. Reports describe rough idle, misfires, knocking that rises with RPM, and a blinking engine light. Some end in a full engine replacement or repeated lifter and camshaft work. Transmission complaints include hard shifting, jerking at stops, and sudden power loss with a blinking transmission light at highway speed. One shop traced the problem to the valve body. Some owners say the wheels locked up while driving, and others report stalling with an alarm sounding. Most problems appear after 85,000 miles, and several carry a loss-of-control risk.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsPower running boards stop deploying or retracting, often on just one side, and dealers frequently find nothing wrong. Stepping onto a board that has not deployed is the injury risk owners describe, and one complaint lists an injury. Tire pressure monitors show the opposite tire's reading or stop working. Power seat and window controls also fail. One complaint concerns odometer fraud on a resold vehicle, so it says nothing about how reliable the car is.
SUSPENSION (3 complaints)
SUSPENSION
3 complaintsShuddering under acceleration and repeated suspension replacements are the main reports, and the replacements wear out alignment and tires. Shops sometimes cannot find the cause even after costly suspension work. One complaint lists an injury and also describes electronic faults: lockouts with the key fob inside, rear seat heaters turning on by themselves, and a glove box opening on its own. Another complaint involves undisclosed frame damage from an earlier accident that causes a scraping noise when turning right. That comes from the vehicle's history, not a design flaw.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsHeadlight and taillight glare is the only complaint here, and it comes from drivers sharing the road rather than from owners. Reports say the lights are blinding in mirrors and to oncoming traffic. One complaint blames the vertically stacked design of tiny individual lights used on 2017 through 2019 models. Neither complaint describes the lights failing. The issue affects other drivers on the road and does not add to an owner's repair costs.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsSafety-relatedIn one report, the vehicle failed to slow down with all electronic safety features engaged, even after the driver braked hard. It rear-ended another car, and one injury is listed. A separate report says the transmission moved from park to neutral when the battery ran low, and the vehicle rolled a few feet out of its parking space. Two complaints are too few to show a broad pattern. In both, though, the vehicle moved when the driver did not expect it to.
Carry Handle (1 complaints)
Carry Handle
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe car seat was in the locked rear facing position without it in use (thankfully) and I got rear ended on the freeway and the car seat became detached from the base that was anchored to my car. The car seat ended on the floor between my two middle seats.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that due to the placement and size of the sideview mirrors, there was a blind spot. The contact stated that the blind spots were large enough to severely reduce sideview visibility. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who declined to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintCAR PURCHASED FEBRUARY 2019 BRAND NEW. WHEN SEAT COOLING, THE BACK OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HEAT UP IN ALL COOLING MODES FROM HIGH TO LOW. RETURN VENTS ON BACK SIDE OF DRIVER/PASSENGER SEATS BLOW OUT VERY HOT AIR PROVIDING SAFETY CONCERN IF TOUCHED BY PASSENGER. INFRARED THERM. PERSONALLY PURCHASED AND RECORDED A LOG OF SEAT TEMPS FOR OVER A MONTH. RETURN VENTS ON BACK OF BOTH SEATS REACHED A MAXIMUM OF 132FON DRIVERS SIDE AND 129F ON PASSENGER. ON AVERAGE, INFRARED THERM. SHOWED DRIVER/ PASSENGER BACK OF SEATS MEASURING AVG 92-96 DEGREES F. ON OCASSION COOLING SEATS WORK WITH NO ISSUE BUT USUALLY OCCURS 15 MINUTES INTO DRIVING WITH COOL ON. WHEN SEAT COOLING TURNED OFF, SEATS/VENTS COOL OFF. WHEN TURNED BACK ON SEATS/VENTS HEAT UP. CAR SERVICED BY DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. AFTER NOTIFYING GM CUSTOMER RELATIONS WITH CERTIFIED LETTER, A GM SERVICE ENGINEER WAS SENT TO ASSESS MY CAR ISSUES ON THE THIRD TIME. PER INVOICE 10644 9/24/19, GM SERVICE ENGINEER CONFIRMED THERE WAS AIR BEING TRAPPED IN FOAM OF BACK SEAT CAUSING RETURN AIR VENTS TO HEAT UP. HE MEASURED THE BACK SEATS TO HEAT TO 81F AFTER TWO TEST RUNS ONLY WITH A DIGITAL THERMOMETER. HIS CORRECTION IS REMOVAL OF OPEN CELLED FOAM IN BACK OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND REPOSITIONED THEN REMOVED HOT AIR EXHAUST PORTS ON LF/RF SEAT BACK COOLERS. NOTES COOLING SEATS OPERATE AS DESIGNED. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH REMOVAL OF MANUFACTURERS DESIGN PARTS FOR FUNCTIONING OF CAR. HAVE CONFIRMED OTHER CADILLAC SUV OWNERS HAVE HEATING ISSUES WITH RETURN VENTS IN A 2016 SUV SERVICED BY SAME DEALERSHIP AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. ALSO, 2019 ESCALADE ESV LOANER PROVIDED TO ME EXHIBITS EXACT SAME ISSUES AS THOSE REPORTED IN MY CAR WITH HEAT IN BACK OF SEATS AND RETURN VENTS DURING COOLING SEATS ACTIVATED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintEscalade engine problems across all model years
The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking violently. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and contacted an independent mechanic. The check engine warning light was then illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was a misfire in cylinder #5. The spark plugs were replaced, and the oil was changed, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the engine and determined that the camshafts and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who also determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #5 and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the year and VIN were not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,700.
When Do 2019 Cadillac Escalade Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Cadillac Escalade Years
Best Cadillac Escalade Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2020
2019
(Current Model)
2024
Cadillac Escalade Years to Avoid
Cadillac Escalade Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 68/100 | Good |
Cadillac Escalade Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Cadillac Escalade?
Does the 2019 Cadillac Escalade have lifter and camshaft problems?
Has the 2019 Cadillac Escalade been recalled?
Is the 2019 Cadillac Escalade better than the 2020?
Don’t buy a 2019 Cadillac Escalade without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Cadillac Escalade
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (50/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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