2015 Cadillac Escalade

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Cadillac Escalade
Pictured: 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Photo: BuickCentury04, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
ESCALADE, Esv
Engines
6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
17 combined · 15 city / 22 hwy
Length
203.9–224.4 in
Curb weight
5,840–6,041 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints106 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 21 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade is a standard SUV offered with a 6.2L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 204 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,840 lb (ESCALADE).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 22 highway), 9% worse than the 2015 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2015

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Escalade — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Escalade →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–6.2L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

LuxuryESV PremiumPremiumPlatinum Edition

Built in: Arlington, Texas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 Escalade configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
ESCALADE203.9 in80.3 in74.4 in116.1 in68.9 / 68.5 in5,840 lb52/48
Esv224.4 in80.3 in74.4 in129.9 in68.9 / 68.5 in6,041 lb51/49

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escalade 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-9%$3,950526
Escalade ESV 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-9%$3,950526
Escalade 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-9%$3,950511
Escalade ESV 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-9%$3,950511
Escalade 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-7%$3,950519
Escalade ESV 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 17-7%$3,950535
Escalade 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 21 / 16-12%$4,200555
Escalade ESV 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-12%$4,200546
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $7,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.7 MPG2015 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Cadillac Escalade.

Similar 2015 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Cadillac Escalade (this car)17 MPGNot rated9
2015 Audi Q722 MPGNot rated2
2015 Lexus LX14 MPGNot rated2
2015 Lincoln Navigator18 MPGNot rated4
2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class19 MPGNot rated0
2015 Infiniti QX8016 MPGNot rated2
2015 Infiniti QX6026 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (9)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 21, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V329000 · 5,014 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.
Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) · May 7, 2026 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 26V289000 · 66 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Risk
Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Sep 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V645000 · 3,456,719 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Sep 7, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V586000 · 1,015,918 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
Risk
If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18289.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, 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 17287.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, 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 16007.
Air Bags · Oct 6, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V624000 · 1,046 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles. The passenger side instrument panel top cover on the affected vehicles may have been manufactured using an incorrect spacer fabric, causing a reduction of adhesion between the spacer fabric and the vinyl show surface. This reduced adhesion may result in inconsistent passenger air bag deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Inconsistent air bag deployment increases the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel top cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14686.
Air Bags · May 16, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V259000 · 2,838 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles manufactured April 6, 2014, through May 13, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the air bag module is secured to a chute adhered to the backside of the instrument panel with an insufficiently heated infrared weld. This may result in only a partial deployment of the front passenger air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
In the event of an accident, an air bag that only partially deploys increases the risk of occupant injury.
Fix
GM sent the owners an interim notification letter on May 16, 2014 to advise owners of the recall, and will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. When the parts are available, dealers will replace the instrument panel right side upper trim panel, free of charge. The recall began on June 9, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14220. Note: Owners are advised that until the vehicle has been remedied, occupants should not sit in the front passenger seat position.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System · Jan 13, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V007000 · 325,213 vehicles

Problem
General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
Risk
The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Fix
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Cadillac Escalade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

106Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
11Injuries reported
57,213 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine29
Power Train28
Unknown Or Other19
Electrical System16
Steering10
Service Brakes8
Suspension8
Vehicle Speed Control7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/04: 123/08: 123/10: 123/12: 124/03: 224/05: 124/07: 124/09: 224/12: 125/01: 125/02: 125/03: 225/05: 225/07: 225/08: 225/09: 125/10: 225/11: 125/12: 126/02: 126/03: 226/04: 126/07: 126/09: 323/0423/1224/0725/0125/0525/0925/1226/04max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Cadillac Escalade buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,213 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Cadillac Escalade. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Escalade years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Escalade17228.3 inNot rated00
2026 Escalade17227.2 inNot rated454
2025 Escalade17227.2 in★★★★★139
2024 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★274
2023 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★4234
2022 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★4143
2021 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★12169
2020 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated236
2019 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated159
2018 Escalade17203.9 in★★★★★237
2017 Escalade17203.9 in★★★★★289
2016 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated4104

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →