2013 Cadillac Escalade
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 115 |
| 2003 | 81 |
| 2004 | 69 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 229 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 58 |
| 2010 | 38 |
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2015 | 94 |
| 2016 | 86 |
| 2017 | 49 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 57 |
| 2022 | 71 |
| 2023 | 119 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 17 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
ON 5/12/18 VEHICLE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF 16 MILES ON WESTWIND, EL PASO, TX 79912.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180815
4 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
SEAT HEATER CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT
NHTSA ODI report, 20191221
ON 5/12/18 VEHICLE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF 16 MILES ON WESTWIND, EL PASO, TX 79912.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180815
3 of 17 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND DEALER STATED IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SEAT BELT (DIVER SIDE) ALSO THE CADILLAC ESCALADE FROM THE PAST AND PRESENT YEARS HAVE A AIRBAG AND SEATBELT ISSUE AND I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170114
2 of 17 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED MAKING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140320
2 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts.
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savan
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-
Campaign 13V001000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia,...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014.
Campaign 14V614000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021.
Campaign 21V053000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021.
Campaign 21V054000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Cadillac Escalade — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V001000 (power train, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V614000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V053000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V054000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Cadillac Escalade?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Cadillac Escalade have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.