Cadillac Escalade ESV Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)

2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV Index 100 · 88 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2023 Escalade ESV has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, with 88 complaints. Engine issues represented 80% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 44,994.5. Owners reported engines making grinding noises before shutting down completely on the highway and vehicles stalling and shaking at stoplights. Four recalls apply, including engine inspection/replacement, electronic brake control module software, and rear suspension control arm bolt replacement.

2023 engine problems →2023 transmission & powertrain problems →

2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Index 95 · 71 complaints · 10 recalls

The 2021 Escalade ESV shows 71 complaints, the second-highest complaint index at 95. Engine issues made up 82% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 69,608, and transmission and powertrain problems had a median of 25,000 miles. Owners described engines rattling, shaking, and overheating past 240 degrees, plus vehicles shifting or dragging gears unexpectedly. Ten recall campaigns apply, including engine inspection/replacement, transmission control module software, and daytime running light software fixes.

2021 engine problems →

2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Index 90 · 56 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2022 Escalade ESV has 56 complaints and a complaint index of 90. Engine problems accounted for 82% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 42,765. Owners reported vehicles stalling at highway speed and being unable to restart, plus forward collision systems triggering false alerts and sudden braking. Four recalls apply, covering transmission control module software, engine inspection/replacement, and body control module software.

2022 engine problems →

2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV Index 85 · 38 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2017 Escalade ESV has 38 complaints and a complaint index of 85. Brakes topped the problem list at 29% of complaints with a median failure mileage of just 18,000, and transmission and powertrain issues showed a median of 26,500 miles. Owners reported brake pedals traveling to the floor with no warning light and failing to stop the vehicle, in one case while the vehicle was parked and off. One recall covers airbag sensing diagnostic module software.

2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Index 80 · 22 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2020 Escalade ESV logged 22 complaints for a complaint index of 80. Engine problems dominated at 64% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 115,118. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy properly during crashes and partial brake failure that recurred after repair. Two recalls apply: one for tires and one for a fuel pump missing a pressure component, which GM replaced free of charge.

2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV Index 75 · 39 complaints · 4 recalls

NHTSA lists 39 complaints for the 2007 Escalade ESV, giving it a complaint index of 75. Airbags led problem reports at 36% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 55,000, followed by structure and body issues also at 55,000 miles and engine complaints at a median of 98,000 miles. Owners reported wiring harness and connector overheating with a burning smell, and airbags that deployed with smoke and debris during a crash. Four recall campaigns cover this year, including two front passenger airbag inflator replacements and a heated washer fluid module disable/removal.