2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 58 engine complaints for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 82% of all complaints filed for this model year, with a median failure mileage of 69,608 miles. A related engine recall (campaign 25V274000) covers 2021-2024 Escalade and Escalade ESV models with the 6.2L V8.
- Engine complaints
- 58
- 82% of 71
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 69,608 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of engine power while driving, sometimes followed by stalling on highways or busy roads.
- Some describe the engine rattling, shaking, and overheating with dashboard warnings before the vehicle shut down.
- Multiple owners report catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement, with parts sometimes on backorder for months.
- Several complaints mention lifter valve failures diagnosed by dealers as the cause of engine breakdown.
- One owner reported unusually low oil levels between changes along with smoke coming from the oil cap area.
- A few owners noted the vehicle would not restart after stalling and had to be towed to a dealer.
When 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 30, 2021, latest Aug 30, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 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.
Engine complaints by Escalade ESV model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
- NHTSA lists 58 engine-related complaints for the 2021 model year, accounting for 82% of all complaints filed for that year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV engine?
- Yes. Recall campaign 25V274000, reported April 24, 2025, covers 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, along with related GM 6.2L V8 vehicles, for engine inspection and repair or replacement as needed.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on this model year is 69,608 miles.
- Have engine failures caused any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 1 injury tied to engine complaints for the 2021 Escalade ESV, out of 58 total engine complaints filed.