Cadillac Escalade problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 761 owner complaints and 40 recalls on file for the Cadillac Escalade (2005–2026). The 2023 Escalade has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 761
Recalls: 40
Model years: 21
Worst year: 2023

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Cadillac Escalade model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Cadillac Escalade years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2023 Cadillac Escalade — 140 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Engine
2015 Cadillac Escalade — 55 complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
2022 Cadillac Escalade — 85 complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
2021 Cadillac Escalade — 73 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
2007 Cadillac Escalade — 48 complaints, 5 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Airbags

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2013 (11 complaints).

Every Cadillac Escalade model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2026 Escalade	36	0	0	0	3	Engine
2025 Escalade	20	0	0	0	1	Engine
2024 Escalade	50	0	0	1	2	Engine
2023 Escalade	140	3	0	2	4	Engine
2022 Escalade	85	4	1	3	4	Engine
2021 Escalade	73	2	1	2	9	Engine
2020 Escalade	14	2	1	0	2	Engine
2019 Escalade	23	1	0	1	0	Engine
2018 Escalade	17	0	0	0	1	Engine
2017 Escalade	36	0	1	0	2	Engine
2016 Escalade	60	0	2	2	4	Engine
2015 Escalade	55	4	2	11	9	Engine
2014 Escalade	10	1	1	0	2	Airbags
2013 Escalade	11	0	0	0	4	Engine
2012 Escalade	7	1	0	1	3	Airbags
2011 Escalade	13	0	0	0	6	Airbags
2010 Escalade	10	0	0	0	3	Airbags
2009 Escalade	15	1	0	2	4	Engine
2008 Escalade	28	2	1	0	3	Airbags
2007 Escalade	48	5	3	3	3	Airbags
2005 Escalade	10	1	1	0	0	Transmission & Drivetrain

Most common Cadillac Escalade problem areas (all years)

Engine
467 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
115 complaints
Electrical System
113 complaints
Airbags
71 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
54 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
45 complaints
Brakes
31 complaints
Suspension
30 complaints
Steering
23 complaints
Body & Structure
17 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Cadillac Escalade received by NHTSA each month.

Cadillac Escalade recalls

Recall 26V329000May 21, 20265,014 vehiclesModel years 2015
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 26V304000May 14, 20262,457 vehiclesModel years 2025–2026
Risk: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 26V289000May 7, 202666 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2015–2026
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 26V114000Feb 26, 20265,861 vehiclesModel years 2026
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Recall 26V085000Feb 13, 202643,743 vehiclesModel years 2022
Risk: Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 25V619000Sep 18, 202512 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Recall 25V274000Apr 24, 2025597,571 vehiclesModel years 2021–2024
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 24V797000Oct 24, 2024463,295 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 24V674000Sep 12, 2024449,671 vehiclesModel years 2023–2024
Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 23V642000Sep 20, 2023189 vehiclesModel years 2023
Risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V903000Dec 8, 2022740,108 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V827000Nov 3, 2022338,735 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V617000Aug 11, 2022484,155 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022
Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Recall 22V036000Jan 27, 20221,789 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V739000Sep 23, 202114,939 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V421000Jun 10, 2021285,622 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 21V190000Mar 18, 202194,641 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Recall 21V115000Feb 25, 202133,838 vehiclesModel years 2020
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V053000Feb 5, 2021692,526 vehiclesModel years 2009–2013
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 21V050000Feb 5, 20212,641,272 vehiclesModel years 2007–2011
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 21V051000Feb 5, 2021284,645 vehiclesModel years 2012
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 21V052000Feb 5, 2021557,023 vehiclesModel years 2007–2009
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 21V054000Feb 5, 20211,778,128 vehiclesModel years 2010–2014
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 20V603000Oct 1, 202014,620 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V837000Nov 21, 2019502 vehiclesModel years 2020
Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Other Cadillac models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology