Cadillac Escalade ESV reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 419 complaints about the Cadillac Escalade ESV with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and transmission and drivetrain. Cadillac has filed 15 warranty extensions and 62 service campaigns for it, and there are 35 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Cadillac Escalade ESV? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Escalade ESV a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 419
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 15
- Filed by Cadillac
- Service campaigns
- 62
- Filed by Cadillac
- Safety recalls
- 35
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Escalade ESV with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | Engine (100%) | 3 | 5 |
| 2025 | 13 | Engine (54%) | 1 | 4 |
| 2024 | 22 | Engine (64%) | 2 | 14 |
| 2023 | 90 | Engine (71%) | 4 | 26 |
| 2022 | 56 | Engine (77%) | 4 | 32 |
| 2021 | 74 | Engine (73%) | 10 | 22 |
| 2020 | 22 | Engine (64%) | 2 | 4 |
| 2019 | 34 | Engine (59%) | 1 | 5 |
| 2018 | 15 | Engine (60%) | 1 | 6 |
| 2017 | 38 | Brakes (29%) | 1 | 9 |
| 2016 | 15 | Suspension (47%) | 3 | 11 |
| 2015 | 8 | Electrical system (25%) | 6 | 16 |
| 2014 | 0 | — | 2 | 5 |
| 2013 | 2 | Electrical system (50%) | 4 | 4 |
| 2012 | 3 | Electrical system (67%) | 3 | 3 |
| 2011 | 13 | Airbags (38%) | 5 | 7 |
| 2010 | 4 | Airbags (100%) | 3 | 6 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Escalade ESV model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Cadillac
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Cadillac filed with NHTSA for the Escalade ESV, in its own words. A warranty extension means Cadillac pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionApr 2026· Wheels· model years 2022
Special Coverage. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionApr 2026· Wheels· model years 2022
Special Coverage. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2021–2022
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2021–2022
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Body and structure· model years 2017–2023
This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- Warranty extensionOct 2020· Brakes· model years 2015–2018
Special Coverage Adjustment - In some circumstances, some 2014-2018 model year Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and GMC Yukon vehicles may have a condition where customers may experience increased brake pedal effort, hard…
- Warranty extensionJul 2020· Engine· model years 2016
Special Coverage Adjustment - certain vehicles with a 6.2L engine may have a condition that affects the electrical connection to the transmission oil temperature sensor.
- Warranty extensionJul 2020· Engine· model years 2015–2017
Special Coverage (Parts Ordering Information Added). On some vehicles, may have a condition where thermal cycling on the combination transmission fluid/oil and AC condenser cooler creates a crack that may allow refrigerant to escape.
- Warranty extensionJul 2019· Fuel system· model years 2016–2017
N182198000 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Certain vehicles, equipped with a 5.3L or 6.2L engine, may have a condition which affects fuel injector function.
- Warranty extensionApr 2019· Brakes· model years 2014–2017
N182202780 - Special Coverage Adjustment. In some circumstances, some 2014-2017 model year Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and GMC Yukon vehicles may have a condition where customers may experience increased brake pedal…
- Warranty extensionAug 2018· Equipment and accessories· model years 2015–2017
17336 04 - Special Coverage (Warranty Information Revised). On some vehicles, may have a condition where thermal cycling on the combination transmission fluid/oil and AC condenser cooler creates a crack that may allow refrigerant to escape.
- Warranty extensionApr 2017· Steering· model years 2015–2017
17016 - Special Coverage - Certain vehicles may have a steering wheel in which the plating on the chrome trim bezel is separated from the plastic substrate.
- Warranty extensionDec 2013· Backup camera and rear sensors· model years 2010–2011
Special Coverage Adjustment ? Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
- Warranty extensionJun 2013· Electrical system· model years 2010–2011
11273A - Special Coverage (additional population added). The throttle position sensor may cause the engine to run rough and cause the malfunction indicator lamp and/or and Engine Reduced Power message to illuminate.
- Warranty extensionJun 2013· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010–2011
Special Coverage Adjustment ? Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
- Service campaignSep 2026· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2022
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall.
- Service campaignSep 2026· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2022
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall.
- Service campaignMay 2026· Engine· model years 2021
Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the cylinder 2 glow plug to fail.
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which hard braking may unexpectedly engage. Dealers will re-program the IPM or Front View Camera depending on what the vehicle is equipped with.
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which hard braking may unexpectedly engage. Dealers will reprogram the Image Processing Module.
- Service campaignJan 2026· Engine· model years 2021–2024
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Customer Satisfaction Program. On certain vehicles listed above, the customer was mistakenly double charged for components already included in the Cargo Convenience Package (RPO PDP).
- Service campaignNov 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which hard braking may unexpectedly engage. Dealers will reprogram the Image Processing Module.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which hard braking may unexpectedly engage. Dealers will reprogram the Image Processing Module.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the jack kit lifting rod is out of specification. Dealers will replace the jack handle components.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Steering· model years 2025
Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Bolt is below torque specification. Dealers will torque the Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Bolt to specification.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Engine· model years 2021–2023
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2023–2024
Certain vehicles will receive a software update to add to the existing Check Engine Light a Driver Information Center (DIC) warning message if DTC P0016 sets.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2021–2024
Certain vehicles will receive a software update to add to the existing Check Engine Light a Driver Information Center (DIC) warning message if DTC P0016 sets.
- Service campaignAug 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2021–2023
Certain vehicles will receive a software update to add to the existing Check Engine Light a Driver Information Center (DIC) warning message if DTC P0016 sets.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Escalade ESV model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine249 (59%)
- Transmission and drivetrain79 (19%)
- Electrical system58 (14%)
- Fuel and propulsion36 (9%)
- Other or unspecified29 (7%)
- Brakes22 (5%)
- Engine and cooling21 (5%)
- Suspension16 (4%)
Safety recalls
35 recalls cover at least one Escalade ESV model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.
A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ,…
The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs.
The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
And 20 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA26005Engineering analysis· opened Aug 2026, still open· Engine· model years 2021–2026
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
- RQ26001Recall query· opened Jan 2026, closed Aug 2026· Engine· model years 2021–2024
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
- EA25007Engineering analysis· opened Oct 2025, still open· Engine and cooling· model years 2021–2024
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
- PE25001Preliminary evaluation· opened Jan 2025, closed Oct 2025· Engine and cooling· model years 2021–2024
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Led to recall 25V274.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2014
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- PE21010Preliminary evaluation· opened Apr 2021, closed Aug 2023· Airbags· model years 2021
Air Bag Malfunction
- PE18012Preliminary evaluation· opened Nov 2018, closed Apr 2022· Brakes· model years 2015–2016
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Led to recall 19V645000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 419 owner complaints, 15 warranty extensions and 62 service campaigns Cadillac filed, and 35 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2023 (90), 2021 (74), 2022 (56). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Cadillac Escalade ESV?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (59%), transmission and drivetrain (19%), electrical system (14%). Cadillac has filed 15 warranty extensions covering the Escalade ESV, listed on this page.
Which Escalade ESV model years have the most complaints?
2023 (90), 2021 (74), 2022 (56). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Escalade ESV with each other rather than with other models.
Has Cadillac extended the warranty on the Escalade ESV?
Yes: wheels (model years 2022); wheels (model years 2022); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2021–2022), and 12 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Escalade ESV?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 35 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.