2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a full-size luxury SUV offering a spacious cabin, powerful engine options, and a plethora of features. It was available with two engine choices: a 6.2L V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-6 which creates 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission for both engines is a 10-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Escalade ESV for its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and ample cargo space, while common complaints include its large size making it difficult to maneuver, and its relatively high price tag.

Engine

6.2L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) / Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, check engine light illuminated. Often accompanied by codes related to cylinder deactivation. Loud ticking noise.
  • Solution: Replacement of failed lifters, potentially camshaft replacement if damaged.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs. Blue smoke from exhaust in some cases.
  • Solution: There isn’t one specific solution. Repair can range from installing a revised PCV valve to piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Inline-6

• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, difficulty starting, reduced power, and potential for increased emissions. Check engine light.
  • Solution: Injector replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1500 per injector, plus labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts between gears, hesitation when accelerating, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Some cases may be resolved with a software update or transmission fluid flush. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or complete transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $4,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride quality, excessive bouncing, clunking noises from suspension, “Service Suspension System” message.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per shock.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or leaning to one side, air compressor failure, “Service Suspension System” message.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the air compressor, air springs, or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity issues, navigation errors, volume issues, or complete system failure.
  • Solution: Software updates, system reset, or replacement of the infotainment screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $2,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting, requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of parasitic drain. Replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (battery) - $500+ (parasitic drain diagnosis and repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Image doesn’t appear, image is distorted, or the system displays an error message.
  • Solution: Check wiring and connections, replace the camera.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Running Board Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Running boards failing to extend or retract properly, making noise during operation, or getting stuck.
  • Solution: Lubrication, cleaning of hinges, or replacement of the motor or running board assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (lubrication) - $1,500+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: LED headlights flickering, dimming, or failing completely.
  • Solution: Headlight assembly replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater/Cooler Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters or coolers not working, only working intermittently, or getting excessively hot/cold.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the heating/cooling element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening/closing correctly, getting stuck, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV, while luxurious and capable, has a range of potential issues. Engine problems such as AFM/DFM lifter failure and oil consumption can be costly to repair. Transmission issues like harsh shifting are also concerning. Electrical problems with the infotainment system and backup camera are common and annoying. Suspension and exterior issues may also add to ownership costs. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision. While some issues are minor, others can be quite severe and expensive to fix.