Buying a 19-20 Escalade Platinum - What should I be on the lookout for? Known issues?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

rscalfani

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2016
Posts
38
Reaction score
11
Hi all,

My 08 Yukon XL went bye bye a little while ago, but looking for a 19-20 Escalade Platinum now. Are there any known problems I should be aware of while searching for a vehicle? Thanks in advance.
 

B-train

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2022
Posts
2,410
Reaction score
4,199
There will be issues with anything, but those years seem to be less problematic than much of the newer stuff. Also, depends on mileage.

1. Coolant temp sensor and thermostat
2. Potential valve body issues with 10 speed. (Not sure if 19-20 years were affected)
3. Coolant T fittings at firewall
4. Corroded coolant and A/C lines along passenger frame rail (if in a salt road area)
5. Leaking front struts - replace with OEM
6. Rear air shocks and compressor - OEM only recommended
7. Vacuum pump for brake assist (TSB about low assist - again not sure if 19/20 affected)
8. Potential AFM problems if oil not changed religiously or driven like it was on the set of The Fast and Furious.

This is just a cliff notes version of what has been discussed over the years here. Others will chime in and correct me if needed and add to the list.

Overall, they are well built vehicles. I love my 2017, but it had its growing pains along the way. I'd buy it again though.
 
OP
OP
rscalfani

rscalfani

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2016
Posts
38
Reaction score
11
There will be issues with anything, but those years seem to be less problematic than much of the newer stuff. Also, depends on mileage.

1. Coolant temp sensor and thermostat
2. Potential valve body issues with 10 speed. (Not sure if 19-20 years were affected)
3. Coolant T fittings at firewall
4. Corroded coolant and A/C lines along passenger frame rail (if in a salt road area)
5. Leaking front struts - replace with OEM
6. Rear air shocks and compressor - OEM only recommended
7. Vacuum pump for brake assist (TSB about low assist - again not sure if 19/20 affected)
8. Potential AFM problems if oil not changed religiously or driven like it was on the set of The Fast and Furious.

This is just a cliff notes version of what has been discussed over the years here. Others will chime in and correct me if needed and add to the list.

Overall, they are well built vehicles. I love my 2017, but it had its growing pains along the way. I'd buy it again though.
Thanks for that. I fully expect problems...that's just a normal thing with cars. All of those, apart from the valve body issue, seem to be relatively normal issues. The AFM problem is just one of those things I know can happen. Thanks again!
 

Seamus

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2019
Posts
301
Reaction score
399
Location
Palm Beach
We went with the same game plan and 2018-2020 is the way to go on the escalade because you get the 10 speed. We bought a 2018 ESV and love it. The 10 speed are pretty bulletproof. Very few have a pump gear issue, and its not a bad fix. AFM delete should be planned when that failure comes. The Escalade has the surround view camera which my wife loves. The CUE screens can go bad (ours did) easy 120 dollar fix with aftermarket upgraded screen. Check front struts. New GM struts today have lifetime warranty when you replace, so get GM ones. Big upgrade from LS platform with better fuel mileage. You will be happy. Good luck
 

Forum statistics

Threads
133,689
Posts
1,889,463
Members
98,958
Latest member
Scrivers

Latest posts

Top