VehicleVerdict

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Escalade ESV year — the 2019 model ranks #5 of 24 Escalade ESV years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (39% of the total).

49

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Escalade ESV years?

Escalade ESV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escalade ESV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1939%
Transmission918%
Electrical System510%
Other48%
Fuel System36%
Brakes24%
Driver Assistance24%
Body & Structure24%
Speed Control12%
Lighting12%
Seats12%

Does the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

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

18V673000Seat BeltsSeptember 26, 2018 · 15,800 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“It had a rough idle and took it to the dealer. Cam shaft failure most likely due to faulty lifters and engine replacement needed. Similar to known issues on this year and on years that are involved in recall. This could lead to engine failure and loss of propulsion like the newer years. Car has…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 17, 2025

“Transmission would intermittently lock up and cause rough running conditions. Occasionally causing wheels to lock up and the vehicle to lose control. Took the vehicle to multiple service facilities and was told this is a common issue with this transmission and it is in need of replacement to remedy…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 15, 2026

“My vehicles passenger seat is laid back and the button to bring seat back up is not functioning. The passenger side window will not roll up or down, the sensor on the side view mirror is not working. The automatic power running board is not working on passenger side. The tire monitor is not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 23, 2026

“WHILE ALL ELECTRONIC SAFETY FEATURES WERE ENGAGED, VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN PROPERLY, EVEN WITH LAST MINUTE HARD BREAKING BY DRIVER, VEHICLE CRASHED AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. DASHCAM FOOTAGE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 23, 2019 · crash

“My vehicles passenger seat is laid back and the button to bring seat back up is not functioning. The passenger side window will not roll up or down, the sensor on the side view mirror is not working. The automatic power running board is not working on passenger side. The tire monitor is not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 23, 2026

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV — common questions

Is the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 2019 model at #5 of 24 Escalade ESV years. It is one of the Escalade ESV years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Escalade ESV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (19 complaints), transmission (9 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 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.