2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a full-size luxury SUV, known for its spaciousness, premium features, and powerful engine. It was offered with a single engine option, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission (8L90). People generally like the Escalade ESV for its luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and ample cargo space. Common dislikes include its large size making it difficult to park and maneuver, lower than average fuel economy, and some reported reliability issues.

Engine

6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (L86)

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, and potential engine damage. Often presents as a ticking or knocking noise from the top of the engine. Diagnostic codes related to misfires on specific cylinders may be present (e.g., P0300, P0301, P0302, etc.). This issue occurs when the AFM lifters collapse and fail to properly engage or disengage cylinders as needed, because the VLOM (valve lifter oil manifold) is not operating properly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty AFM lifters with updated lifters. Often recommended to replace all lifters while the engine is disassembled. Replacement of the VLOM. In some cases, a complete AFM delete kit is installed, which disables the AFM system altogether (requires tuning).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Blue smoke may be visible from the exhaust.
  • Solution: In some cases, replacing the valve cover with the updated version is a possible fix. In other cases, the oil rings on the pistons are replaced to prevent oil from seeping through.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (8L90)

• Harsh Shifting/Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting between gears, particularly at lower speeds. Torque converter shudder, feeling like a vibration or shaking during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. Replacement of the valve body. Replacing the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride quality, excessive bouncing, and potential leaks from the shock absorbers. Diagnostic trouble codes related to the MRC system may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed MRC shock absorber.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ per shock absorber
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, inability to maintain ride height, and error messages related to the suspension system. The air compressor may be excessively loud or not running at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• CUE (Cadillac User Experience) Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Unresponsive touchscreen, delamination of the screen, ghost touch (screen responding to inputs without being touched), and complete failure of the CUE system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the CUE screen or the entire CUE module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight or within a short period of time, difficulty starting the vehicle, and needing to jump-start the battery.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the parasitic drain. Common sources include faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, and wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (Diagnosis and repair costs vary greatly depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Liftgate Issues (Power Liftgate)
  • Description/Symptoms: Power liftgate failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, making unusual noises, or not responding to the remote or button.
  • Solution: Replacement of the liftgate struts, motor, or latch mechanism. Diagnosis and repair of any wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard. A cheaper option could include purchasing a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a luxurious and spacious SUV that can be prone to a few common issues. The most concerning and potentially expensive issues revolve around the engine (AFM lifter failure and oil consumption) and transmission (harsh shifting). Electrical issues with the CUE system and suspension problems with the MRC system are also frequently reported. While some issues may be minor and relatively inexpensive to fix, others can be quite costly. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchase, including checking the service history and considering a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.