The Lemon Index
2005
20072nd generation
7 owner complaints, first 3 years 13–14 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
When problems show up
Only 6 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 05V552000 (equipment) and 05V455000 (steering) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the headlights, taillights and turn signals work?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Cadillac sent dealers 823 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Intermittent no start, service stability message, anti-lock brake system (abs) light…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 7 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 36K miles (10K to 59K km) on the car (6 of all 7 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 823 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Intermittent no start, service stability message, anti-lock brake system (abs) light…
- Heated seat inoperative or shut off in 30 seconds
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Equipment · recall issued 2005
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LAB…
- Steering · recall issued 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Cadillac Escalade recall, all years · All Cadillac recalls
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side — · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $5,350–$5,800 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 6.0L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac Escalade year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2006 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-escalade/?y=2006" title="Cadillac Escalade reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="652" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-escalade/2006/">Lemon Index</a> (2006 Cadillac Escalade reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2006 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 7 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2006 Cadillac Escalade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (29%), engine (29%) and electrical (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade have?
2 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade get?
13 to 14 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade cost in fuel a year?
About $5,350 to $5,800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2006 Cadillac Escalade have?
6.0L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac Escalade year is better than the 2006?
Nearby, the 2004 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2011 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works