Brake and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
In terms of luxury SUVs, few can compete with the 2020 Cadillac Escalade. This model has long been known as the pinnacle of making a name. Even the automaker claims it is the “original icon of arrival.” However, some owners are having trouble arriving anywhere, thanks in part to the defective service brakes and malfunctioning powertrain.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2021 2023
The powertrain must be fully operational to provide a smooth, reliable ride. Yet, this is a system that seems to disappoint customers driving an Escalade.
Here is one NHTSA complaint worth reading. “Car starts but will not go into Drive or Reverse. Upon restarting the car, it may or may not go. When it does work the car will not shift into a higher gear.”
What could be worse than having an expensive SUV that won’t drive? How about issues that could lead to a car fire? According to NHTSA Campaign Number 19V837000, some models might have a missing pressure regulator in the fuel pump. This defect allows for over-pressurization of the system. If the system suffers from over-pressurization, the fuel pump could crack and leak. Where leaking fuel is a problem, there is also the threat of a vehicle fire. With this in mind, it might be better if the Escalade doesn’t move at all. It’s much safer sitting in the driveway than actually operating on the road.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Wheels | |
| Air Bags | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Electrical System | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | |
| Power Train |
When the time comes to stop a vehicle, the service brakes must be in proper working order. Otherwise, an accident is imminent, which could lead to serious injuries or even death. Still, some vehicles take the braking too far and become overly sensitive.
Here’s one example from a KBB customer review. “So many problems and service department says not throwing any codes so can’t find any problems. Brakes for no reason throwing everyone forward and engine just dies for no reason.”
These are serious concerns that must be addressed, but there’s no information in the communications about the situation. Instead, Service Bulletin #19NA137 simply talks about how customers are hearing a squeaking noise coming from under the vehicle while driving at slower speeds. It turns out that the parking brake cables might be rubbing together, creating this noise. One would think that a luxury automaker, such as Cadillac, would create a sophisticated repair to address this issue. However, the automaker simply instructs technicians to apply some PET tape to the cables to alleviate the rubbing. This goes back to the thought that duct tape will fix anything – apparently even a vehicle.
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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