2019 Cadillac Escalade Safety Report
2019 Cadillac Escalade plagued by widespread engine failures, no recalls despite similar issues in later models.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade
Reliability Score
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Active Fuel Management (Afm) Lifter Failure Loud knocking sounds, misfires, check engine light, and sudden power loss due to lifter and push rod failures, often requiring extensive repairs or engine replacement. Many owners report this issue is similar to recalled later model years. |
High | Common | 30000-70000 miles |
| Sudden Engine Power Loss/Shut Off Vehicle completely shuts off while driving on the interstate, posing a significant crash risk. Linked to engine malfunction. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Suspension System Failure/Damage Repeated suspension replacements, frame damage, and issues affecting alignment and tire wear. One complaint noted severe undisclosed frame damage. |
Medium | Occasional | 33000+ miles |
| Vehicle Locking With Key Fob Inside Electrical system malfunction causing the vehicle to lock itself with the key fob inside. |
Low | Rare | 33000+ miles |
| Blind Spots From Side Mirrors Placement and size of sideview mirrors create large blind spots, severely reducing sideview visibility and posing a safety hazard. |
Medium | Rare | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Cadillac Escalade:
Predominantly lifter failures, Active Fuel Management (AFM) system issues, loud knocking noises, and sudden power loss, often leading to engine replacement. This accounts for 14 out of 21 total complaints.
Issues including repeated replacements, frame damage, and alignment problems. This includes 'SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER' and 'SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE' complaints.
Vehicle locking with the key fob inside.
Large blind spots due to side mirror design.
Car seat detaching from base during a rear-end collision, and issues with seat cooling/heating.
Headlights reported as blindingly bright, posing a safety hazard to other drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Cadillac Escalade
Is the 2019 Cadillac Escalade safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade has a significant safety concern regarding its engine, with 14 out of 21 complaints (66.7%) detailing serious failures like lifter issues and sudden power loss. While it has a 5-star side impact rating and 3-star rollover rating, overall and frontal crash test ratings are unavailable. The high frequency of engine problems, some leading to dangerous situations on highways, suggests a notable reliability and potential safety risk.
What are common problems with the 2019 Cadillac Escalade?
The most reported issues for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade are overwhelmingly related to the ENGINE, specifically Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures, loud knocking sounds, and sudden power loss, accounting for 14 complaints. Other reported problems include suspension issues (3 complaints), electrical system malfunctions (1 complaint), and visibility concerns (1 complaint).
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade?
No, there are currently no official recalls issued by NHTSA for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade. However, many owners report that the engine issues they experience are identical to those in later model years (2021-2024) that have been subject to recalls, raising questions about the lack of a recall for the 2019 model.
How does the 2019 Cadillac Escalade perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade received a 5-star rating for Side impact and a 3-star rating for Rollover from NHTSA. However, there are no available ratings for Overall or Frontal crash tests, making a complete assessment of its crashworthiness difficult.
What are the risks of the engine problems in the 2019 Cadillac Escalade?
The engine problems, primarily AFM lifter failures, pose significant risks including sudden loss of power while driving, which can lead to dangerous situations on highways, as reported by several owners. These failures often result in expensive repairs or complete engine replacement, impacting both safety and reliability.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be highly cautious of the prevalent and severe engine issues reported for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade; a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, specifically focusing on the engine's Active Fuel Management system and lifters, is strongly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Cadillac Escalade
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade. The data includes 21 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.