2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV has a complaint index of 60, ranking 9th worst among 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 13 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, or deaths reported, with engine problems the top issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 60/100
- #9 of 21 Escalade ESV years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 13
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- —
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine7 (54%)
- Electrical System4 (31%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (31%)
- Other2 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (8%)
- Lane Departure1 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine develops a ticking noise on startup, in one case tied to a blown piston rod requiring full engine replacement.
- Owners report the engine knocking or stuttering as if it will shut down, with vehicles returned to the shop multiple documented times.
- Headlights dim progressively or fail entirely, with dealers calling it a known issue and parts on backorder.
- The vehicle loses power and shuts down while driving, including the gas pedal becoming unresponsive and the engine failing to restart.
- The Forward Collision Avoidance system failed to alert the driver or engage braking behind another vehicle.
- A software update triggered a dashboard error message after routine maintenance and multiple reload attempts.
2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V304000May 14, 2026Suspension, Wheels & Tires2,457 vehicles
Wheels:hub
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025â2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. 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.
Risk: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262554630. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 14, 2026.
2025 compared with other Escalade ESV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
- NHTSA data gives it a complaint index of 60, a Caution verdict, and rank 9th worst out of 21 model years for the Escalade ESV. There have been no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths tied to these complaints.
- What is the main problem with the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
- Engine issues lead the complaints, accounting for 54% of the 13 filed, with a median mileage at failure of 5,200 miles. Electrical system and transmission/powertrain issues each account for 31% of complaints.
- Does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 26V304000, covering incorrect bolts installed on 24-inch wheels. It is not a do-not-drive recall; dealers replace the front wheel hub bolts free of charge.
- How does the 2025 Escalade ESV compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 60, the 2025 model ranks better than years like 2023 (100, Avoid) and 2021 (95, Avoid) but worse than years like 2018 (45, Good) and 2005 (25, Good).