Cadillac and Chevy Recall: The Towbar Height Issue You Need to Know

Wouter Smit · 2026-09-08

If you own a Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, or Chevrolet Tahoe from model years 2015 to 2020, there's something you should know. General Motors is recalling 9,662 of these vehicles because of a towbar height problem that could affect safety. It's not a massive recall, but if your vehicle is on the list, it's worth paying attention. ### What Exactly Is the Problem? The towbar on these vehicles doesn't meet the requirements of UN-ECE Regulation No. 55. That's a fancy way of saying the height is off. And when the towbar height is wrong, it can mess with how a trailer behaves behind you. Think about it: if you're towing a boat or a camper, you want that connection to be just right. If it's not, the trailer could sway, or worse, detach. That's a scary thought at 60 mph on the highway. ### Which Vehicles Are Affected? The recall covers: - Cadillac Escalade (2015-2020) - Cadillac Escalade ESV (2015-2020) - Chevrolet Tahoe (2015-2020) Specifically, these were built between July 15, 2014, and February 26, 2020. If you're not sure about your build date, you can check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb. It'll give you the month and year. ### What Should You Do? First, don't panic. This isn't a "stop driving immediately" kind of recall. But you should definitely get it checked. Here's the plan: - **Check if your vehicle is included.** Go to the NHTSA website and enter your VIN. It's free and takes two minutes. - **Call your dealer.** If your vehicle is part of the recall, schedule an appointment. They'll inspect the towbar and fix it if needed. The repair is free. - **Don't ignore it.** Even if you don't tow often, a faulty towbar could affect resale value or become a safety issue down the road. ### Why This Matters Recalls like this are a reminder that even small details—like the height of a towbar—can have big implications. Automakers catch these things through testing and real-world feedback. It's a good sign that they're being proactive. > "A properly functioning towbar is critical for safe towing. Even a few inches off can change the dynamics completely." — Anonymous safety engineer ### The Bottom Line If you own one of these vehicles, take a few minutes to check your VIN. It's better to know than to wonder. And if you're in the market for a used Escalade or Tahoe, ask the seller if the recall has been addressed. A quick check could save you a headache later. Stay safe out there, and happy towing!