Cadillac Escalade ESV problems by model year

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

NHTSA has 372 owner complaints and 37 recalls on file for the Cadillac Escalade ESV (2005–2026). The 2021 Escalade ESV has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 372
Recalls: 37
Model years: 21
Worst year: 2021

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Cadillac Escalade ESV 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 ESV years to buy

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

2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV — 74 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Engine
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV — 90 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Engine
2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV — 56 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Engine
2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV — 29 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Engine
2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV — 31 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2014 (0 complaints).

Every Cadillac Escalade ESV model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2026 Escalade ESV	10	0	0	0	3	Engine
2025 Escalade ESV	13	0	0	0	1	Engine
2024 Escalade ESV	22	1	0	0	2	Engine
2023 Escalade ESV	90	3	0	0	4	Engine
2022 Escalade ESV	56	1	0	2	4	Engine
2021 Escalade ESV	74	2	0	3	10	Engine
2020 Escalade ESV	22	3	0	3	2	Engine
2019 Escalade ESV	31	0	1	1	1	Engine
2018 Escalade ESV	15	0	2	0	1	Engine
2017 Escalade ESV	29	2	0	5	1	Engine
2016 Escalade ESV	3	0	0	0	3	Suspension
2015 Escalade ESV	1	0	0	0	6	Engine
2014 Escalade ESV	0	0	0	0	2	—
2013 Escalade ESV	1	0	0	0	4	Engine
2012 Escalade ESV	1	0	0	0	3	Airbags
2011 Escalade ESV	1	0	0	0	5	Wheels & Tires
2010 Escalade ESV	0	0	0	0	3	—
2009 Escalade ESV	2	0	0	0	4	Engine
2008 Escalade ESV	0	0	0	0	3	—
2007 Escalade ESV	0	0	0	0	3	—
2005 Escalade ESV	1	0	0	0	0	Electrical System

Most common Cadillac Escalade ESV problem areas (all years)

Engine
267 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
73 complaints
Electrical System
51 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
36 complaints
Brakes
19 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
18 complaints
Suspension
12 complaints
Wheels & Tires
10 complaints
Acceleration & Cruise Control
9 complaints
Airbags
8 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Cadillac Escalade ESV received by NHTSA each month.

Cadillac Escalade ESV 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 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 21V455000Jun 17, 202126,847 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, 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 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 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 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 20V811000Dec 23, 2020470 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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