2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spaciousness, powerful engine, and upscale features. It offered a comfortable ride and ample room for passengers and cargo. Many owners appreciated its towing capacity and distinctive styling. Downsides often cited include its large size making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, poor fuel economy, and some reliability concerns, particularly as the vehicle ages. The 2006 Escalade ESV came standard with a 6.0L Vortec V8 engine producing 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

6.0L Vortec V8 (LQ9)

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between oil changes. This can be caused by worn piston rings or valve stem seals. Symptoms include blue exhaust smoke and a low oil level warning.
  • Solution: Depending on the severity, the solution can range from using a higher viscosity oil to replacing the piston rings or valve stem seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ depending on the repair needed.
• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The knock sensors can fail due to age and exposure to heat and moisture, leading to a check engine light and potential reduction in engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty knock sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Spark Plug Blowout
  • Description/Symptoms: Stripped spark plug threads in the aluminum cylinder heads can cause spark plugs to eject from the engine, leading to misfires and engine damage.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the cylinder head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

Transmission

4L65-E Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping/Hard Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The 4L65-E transmission can experience slipping between gears, hard or delayed shifting, and a general lack of responsiveness. This is often attributed to worn clutches, valve body issues, or solenoid failure.
  • Solution: A transmission rebuild or replacement of the valve body and/or worn clutches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $4,000+
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds or stalling at low speeds due to the torque converter failing to lock up.
  • Solution: Replace the Torque Converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,500+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor can fail, causing the rear of the vehicle to sag.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
• Air Suspension Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Air struts can develop leaks, leading to a loss of ride height and poor ride quality. This can also cause the air compressor to run constantly and potentially fail.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+ per strut
• Autoride Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Autoride electronic shocks can fail, causing a poor ride.
  • Solution: Replacement of the shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per shock

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing a parasitic battery drain, causing the battery to die overnight or after a few days of inactivity. This can be caused by a faulty module or accessory not shutting down properly.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
• Instrument Cluster Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Instrument cluster failures can occur, resulting in inaccurate readings or complete loss of functionality. Common issues include flickering gauges, dim displays, and error messages.
  • Solution: Instrument cluster repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door lock actuators can fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking properly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per door

Exterior

• Rear Liftgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear liftgate struts can weaken, causing the liftgate to not stay open or to slam shut.
  • Solution: Replacing the liftgate struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+

Interior

• Steering Wheel Controls Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Steering wheel controls for audio, cruise control, and other functions can become unresponsive or intermittent.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the steering wheel control module or clock spring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Recalls

• Recall # 05V490000: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
• Recall # 05V224000: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
• Recall # 06V032000: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
• Recall # 07V049000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
• Recall # 07V454000: STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG LINK
• Recall # 14V118000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Summary

The 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV, while offering luxury and space, can suffer from a range of issues as it ages. Engine issues like oil consumption and knock sensor failure can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, particularly with the 4L65-E, are also a concern. Suspension issues, stemming from the air suspension system, are common and can impact ride quality. Electrical gremlins, ranging from battery drain to instrument cluster failures, can also arise. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their purchasing decision. Thorough inspection and a pre-purchase inspection are highly recommended.