Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Cadillac Escalade
RELIABILITY SCORE: 66/100 (GOOD)

2019 Cadillac Escalade Reliability Report

The 2019 Cadillac Escalade scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 51 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

1

Complaints

51

Complaint Rate

14.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1007

Annual Fuel Cost

$4,050

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity59/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ENGINE (25)
  • POWER TRAIN (9)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

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?

At 66/100, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is 3 years after the mid-cycle update refresh.

Owners log 51 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (25). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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: Lifters and camshaft, often linked to the Active Fuel Management system (25 complaints)
  • POWER TRAIN: Transmission and engine failures (9 complaints)

Compare 2019 Cadillac Escalade With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ENGINE (25)
  • POWER TRAIN (9)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 22

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

18V6730002018-09-26

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 Cadillac Escalade? Check its history first

Every 2019 Cadillac Escalade has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • 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

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Driver Seat Head Curtain Air Bag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Cadillac EscaladeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5

Based 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

Escalade
$1007
Category Avg
$1127
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & 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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Escalade 2WD 6.2L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd142317$4,050
Escalade 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd142117$4,050

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Cadillac Escalade.

  • Inspect engine for knocking or ticking noises

  • Check for rough idling or loss of power during test drive

  • Verify if lifters and camshaft have been replaced

  • Test transmission for rough shifting or stalling

  • Ensure power running boards deploy and retract properly

  • Confirm tire pressure monitoring system displays correct information

2019 Cadillac Escalade Common Problems by Component

51 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

25
9
ENGINE (25)POWER TRAIN (9)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)SUSPENSION (3)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)Carry Handle (1)VISIBILITY (1)Other (4)

ENGINE

25 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Cadillac Escalade's engine, particularly involving the lifters and camshaft, often linked to the Active Fuel Management system. Common symptoms include loud knocking or ticking noises, rough idle, and the illumination of the check engine light, with some experiencing complete engine failure or loss of power. These problems typically arise around 70,000 miles, though some occur earlier or later. Safety implications are noted, with reports of sudden power loss on highways and one instance involving smoke and a potential fire risk. Buyers considering this model should be aware of the significant repair costs and the potential for engine-related safety concerns.

25 complaints total1 fire

POWER TRAIN

9 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the power train of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade, primarily involving transmission and engine failures. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as rough idling, loss of power, and knocking noises, with some owners experiencing sudden stalling or engine shutdowns. These issues often occur around 85,000 to 127,000 miles, with some requiring costly engine replacements. Safety implications are noted, with several owners describing sudden loss of power or control, which could pose risks during highway driving. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they may indicate potential for significant repairs or safety concerns.

9 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade report several electrical system issues, with common complaints involving malfunctioning power running boards and tire pressure monitoring system inaccuracies. The power running boards, particularly on the driver's side, often fail to deploy or retract properly, which has led to at least one reported injury. Additionally, tire pressure monitors are noted to display incorrect tire information, causing confusion. One owner also details a significant odometer discrepancy, suggesting potential odometer fraud. These issues are reported across varying mileages, with no specific mileage range consistently mentioned. Safety implications are highlighted, particularly regarding the malfunctioning power running boards leading to potential physical injuries.

4 complaints total1 injury
SUSPENSION (3 complaints)

SUSPENSION

3 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade frequently report issues with the suspension system, particularly noting repeated "service suspension system" warnings and the need for multiple suspension replacements within relatively low mileage, around 20,000 to 33,000 miles. Symptoms described include vehicle shuddering during acceleration and alignment problems leading to tire wear. One complaint highlights a significant safety incident involving a vehicle locking malfunction, resulting in an injury, although this is not directly linked to the suspension. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues as they may incur additional repair costs and should verify any previous accident history due to reports of frame damage affecting suspension performance.

3 complaints total1 injury
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade frequently report issues with the vehicle's exterior lighting, particularly the brightness of the headlights and taillights. Complaints describe the headlights as excessively bright, causing glare and difficulty for other drivers, especially when viewed directly or in side mirrors. Some owners also mention the unique design of vertically stacked lights as a contributing factor to the problem. There are no specific mileage ranges mentioned, but the reported symptoms include difficulty seeing pedestrians and a potential safety hazard when driving in certain conditions, such as uphill or at busy intersections. These issues may be relevant for used car buyers concerned about nighttime visibility and the impact on driving safety.

2 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade report issues related to electronic systems affecting vehicle control. One complaint describes a problem where a low battery causes the gear to shift from park to neutral, resulting in the vehicle moving unexpectedly. Another complaint involves a failure of electronic safety features, leading to a crash where the vehicle did not slow down adequately, even with hard braking, resulting in one injury. These reports highlight potential safety implications, including unintended vehicle movement and insufficient braking response. No specific mileage or timeline patterns are noted, but both issues involve critical vehicle control systems.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury
Carry Handle (1 complaints)

Carry Handle

1 complaintSafety-related
2024-02-10Crash reported

The 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 complaint
2023-02-15

The 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 complaint
2019-05-20

CAR 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 complaint
2025-02-01

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.

70,000–90,000 milesEngine failures
85,000–127,000 milesTransmission issues

Best & Worst Cadillac Escalade Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Cadillac Escalade Years to Buy

The best Cadillac Escalade year is 2025 with a reliability score of 72/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (66/100) and 2019 (66/100).

Cadillac Escalade Years to Avoid

The worst Cadillac Escalade year is 2021 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to engine (22) issues. Also avoid 2023 (56/100).

Cadillac Escalade Reliability Score Trend

Cadillac Escalade reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 63/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Cadillac Escalade reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201966/100Good
202066/100Good
202154/100Mixed
202259/100Mixed
202356/100Mixed
202465/100Good
202572/100Good

Cadillac Escalade Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202664/100 (predicted)Predicted28
202572/100+7Good010
202465/100+9Good454
202356/100-3Mixed8166
202259/100+5Mixed8110
202154/100-12Mixed1268
202066/1000Good429
2019(selected)66/100Good151

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 66/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 51 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Cadillac Escalade?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Cadillac Escalade include: ENGINE (25 complaints), POWER TRAIN (9 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), SUSPENSION (3 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Cadillac Escalade have?
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Cadillac Escalade expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade has estimated annual repair costs of $1007/year, which is $120 less than the luxury fullsize SUVs average of $1127. With a reliability score of 66/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 Cadillac Escalade without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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