2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 21 Escalade ESV years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 88 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 21 Escalade ESV model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (70 complaints, 80% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes.
- Complaints
- 88
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine70 (80%)
- Transmission & Powertrain20 (23%)
- Fuel System11 (13%)
- Electrical System9 (10%)
- Other6 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (5%)
- Brakes3 (3%)
- Steering2 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (2%)
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls
4 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 24V674000Sep 12, 2024Brakes449,671 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module:software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
- NHTSA 23V642000Sep 20, 2023Suspension, Wheels & Tires189 vehicles
Suspension:rear
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
Risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232415910.
2023 compared with other Escalade ESV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV ranks worst among Escalade ESV model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 88 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (70 complaints), transmission & powertrain (20 complaints), and fuel system (11 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 40,000 miles.
- Does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, most recently reported 2025, covering engine, brakes, suspension, wheels & tires, and electrical system.