2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

◆ Worse than typical

2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:38:01.141Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2021: 71 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	12
2004	22
2005	14
2006	5
2007	39
2008	17
2009	6
2010	4
2011	13
2012	3
2013	2
2014	0
2015	8
2016	15
2017	38
2018	15
2019	32
2020	21
2021	71
2022	54
2023	83
2024	22
2025	13
2026	8

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 72%

72% of complaints: engine — 51 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with L87 6.2L V8, subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-274 / GM N252494000. The recall inspection was completed and the vehicle passed, so GM performed the 0W-40 higher-viscosity-oil remedy rather than engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260810

My 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV with the 6.2L L87 engine received the remedy for Safety Recall 25V-274 (GM recall number N252494001) on July 30, 2025. The dealer inspected the engine, passed it, and performed the higher viscosity oil remedy.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260809

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260713

POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I had my 2021 Cadillac Escalade esv vehicle service twice at the dealership of purchase regarding the vehicle gear shifting on its own and dragging. The service advisor said they couldnât find a problem with the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240216

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Bought vehicle brand new in 2021 took delivery in 2022. Had to have a full transmission replacement and radiator that was cracked replaced at 30,000 miles. Over the next few years have had fuel delivery issues due to fuel pump.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260816

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2021 — complaint volume: 71

R 20210129 — seat belts

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021.

Campaign 20V811000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210409 — PE (closed 20230824)

Air Bag Malfunction

R 20210421 — seat belts

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021.

Campaign 21V190000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210701 — air bags, electrical system

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles.

Remedy: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021.

Campaign 21V421000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210713 — steering

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

Remedy: The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021.

Campaign 21V455000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20211014 — fuel system, gasoline

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021.

Campaign 21V739000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220314 — power train

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022.

Campaign 22V036000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221101 — seat belts

General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 22V617000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221215 — exterior lighting

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.

Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022.

Campaign 22V827000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20241212 — power train

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel...

Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve.

Campaign 24V797000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20250116 — PE (closed 20251023)

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

R 20250618 — engine and engine cooling

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual.

Campaign 25V274000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20251023 — EA (open)

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

I 20260116 — RQ (open)

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy