VehicleVerdict

2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Escalade ESV years?

Escalade ESV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted107 complaints2003: 13 complaints2004: 28 complaints2005: 19 complaints2006: 5 complaints2007: 83 complaints2008: 19 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 18 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 3 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 13 complaints2016: 20 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 22 complaints2019: 49 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 88 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 107 complaints2024: 26 complaints2025: 16 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Escalade ESV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escalade ESV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine240%
Airbags120%
Brakes120%
Transmission120%

Does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V552000OtherDecember 7, 2005 · 32,068 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Consequence

A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“EXHAUST MANIFOLD MISSING BOLTS, TRANSMISSION LINES LEAKING AT QUICK CONNECT CONNECTION, INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING, HEATER HOSE LEAKING AT CONNECTION. MOST OF THESE ITEMS ARE COMMON CONCERNS AMONGST OTHER OWNERS OF SAME ENGINE SIZE. NO RECALL ON MANIFOLD BOLTS? COMPLETE SAFETY HAZARD. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 26, 2015

“TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE B WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH. THE CONTACT LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND HIT A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 24, 2007 · crash

“THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND LEAKING IN AT LEAST TWO LOCATIONS. THE DEALER MASSEY CADILLAC OF SOUTH ORLANDO HAD TO REPLACE FROM THE REAR AXLE TO THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVE ON OUR WAY HOME TO MC.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 10, 2019

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, A SMALL TRUCK MOVED INTO HIS LANE. HE ATTEMPTED TO MOVE INTO THE LEFT LANE AND TAPPED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED INTO FIRST OR SECOND GEAR ON ITS OWN AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 3, 2008

2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV — common questions

Is the 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac Escalade ESV years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escalade ESV years to avoid are 2023, 2021, 2007, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2024, 2008, 2011, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Escalade ESV years belongs to 2006.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.