2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV has a complaint index of 95, ranking 2nd-worst of 21 model years, with 71 complaints and 10 recalls. Engine problems account for 82% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,608 miles, earning this year an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 95/100
- #2 of 21 Escalade ESV years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 71
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 10
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- —
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine58 (82%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (17%)
- Electrical System11 (15%)
- Fuel System6 (8%)
- Brakes4 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (3%)
- Other2 (3%)
- Seat Belts2 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)
- Steering1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine rattles, shakes, and overheats to 240-260 degrees, sometimes with dashboard lights flashing and loss of power while towing.
- Vehicle loses power or stalls suddenly at low speeds with no warning light, leaving it undrivable.
- Engine lifters break, causing rough idling and sudden power surges that lunge the car forward at stops.
- Transmission gear shifts on its own or drags without a diagnosed cause found by the dealer.
- Steering wheel locks up unexpectedly, leading to loss of control and a crash.
- Owners report long waits for recall parts covering seat belt buckles and driveshaft assemblies to become available.
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls
10 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine597,571 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
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. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
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. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
- NHTSA 24V797000Oct 24, 2024Transmission & Powertrain463,295 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve body
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 engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
- NHTSA 22V827000Nov 3, 2022Electrical System338,735 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Exterior lighting:lighting control module:software
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
2021 compared with other Escalade ESV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Escalade ESV ranks 2nd-worst out of 21 model years with a complaint index of 95 and 10 recall campaigns, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
- Engine problems dominate, making up 82% of complaints (58 of 71), with a median failure mileage of 69,608 miles.
- Does the 2021 Escalade ESV have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 25V274000 covers the 6.2L V8 engine, and separate recalls address the fuel pump control module (21V739000) and transmission control module software (24V797000).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?
- NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2021 Escalade ESV, covering the engine, transmission, electrical system, fuel system, steering, airbags, and seat belts.