Cadillac Escalade Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
The Cadillac Escalade years to avoid are 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024, with complaint index scores of 87, 93, 100, and 80 out of 801 total complaints. The best years are 2012, 2013, 2018, and 2020, each with a complaint index under 20.
Avoid 2015Avoid 2022Avoid 2023Avoid 2024Best 2012Best 2013Best 2018Best 2020
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 801
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Crashes reported
- 28
- Fires reported
- 13
- Top problem area
- Engine
Escalade Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Cadillac Escalade problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Good | 27 | 38 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Airbags | 16 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 47 | 49 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Airbags | 16 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Best | 20 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 16 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Best | 0 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Engine | 16 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Good | 40 | 20 | 4 | 1 | 2 | Electrical System | 15.5 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 87 | 97 | 4 | 3 | 9 ! | Engine | 17 | — |
| 2016 | Caution | 67 | 89 | 2 | 3 | 4 ! | Engine | 17 | — |
| 2017 | Caution | 53 | 51 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 17 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Best | 7 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Engine | 17 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Good | 33 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 17 | — |
| 2020 | Best | 13 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 17 | — |
| 2021 | Caution | 73 | 72 | 2 | 1 | 9 | Engine | 16.5 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Avoid | 93 | 82 | 4 | 1 | 4 | Engine | 16 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Avoid | 100 | 136 | 3 | 0 | 4 | Engine | 16 | 4★ |
| 2024 | Avoid | 80 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 16 | 4★ |
| 2025 | Caution | 60 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 16 | 5★ |
Escalade years to avoid: what went wrong
2023 Cadillac Escalade Index 100 · 136 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2023 Escalade has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 136 total complaints. Engine problems represent 85% of complaints at a median 30,000 miles, and transmission issues make up 14% at the same median mileage. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes, brake pedals not responding as intended, and back-up lights failing due to a software issue. Four recalls were filed, including a rear suspension outer control arm bolt recall and a brake control module software recall.
2023 engine problems →2023 transmission & powertrain problems →2023 electrical system problems →
2022 Cadillac Escalade Index 93 · 82 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2022 Escalade shows 82 complaints and a complaint index of 93, the second worst of any year. Engine complaints dominate at 89% of all reports, with a median failure mileage of 37,600 miles. Owners described engines locking up while driving and, in one case, a fire with smoke filling the cabin. Transmission and electrical issues followed at 16% and 9% respectively. Four recalls were issued, covering the 10-speed transmission control module software, the 6.2L V8 engine, and body control module software.
2015 Cadillac Escalade Index 87 · 97 complaints · 9 recalls
The 2015 Escalade logged 97 complaints and a complaint index of 87, with 9 recalls including one do-not-drive recall. Engine problems made up 34% of complaints at a median 69,250 miles, and transmission issues accounted for 28% at a median 46,500 miles. Owners also reported electrical faults near 92,000 miles and brake problems around 15,279 miles. Some owners described repeated shop visits covering brakes, transmission, suspension, electrical, and HVAC systems in the same vehicle. A brake recall addressed reduced vacuum assist, and an airbag inflator recall covered rupture risk during deployment.
2015 engine problems →2015 transmission & powertrain problems →2015 electrical system problems →
2024 Cadillac Escalade Index 80 · 48 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2024 Escalade carries a complaint index of 80 from 48 complaints, with engine issues making up 83% of reports at a median 15,000 miles. Owners described engines shutting off unexpectedly at highway speed, failing to restart, and one case of main bearing failure requiring engine replacement. Transmission complaints followed at 17%, with a median 8,000 miles. Two recalls apply to this year, covering the 6.2L V8 engine inspection and electronic brake control module software.
Most common Cadillac Escalade problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine438 (55%)
- Electrical System127 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain124 (15%)
- Other83 (10%)
- Airbags77 (10%)
- Brakes58 (7%)
- Fuel System46 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires43 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras34 (4%)
- Steering32 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Cadillac Escalade years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Escalade. These years have complaint index scores of 87, 93, 100, and 80, all well above the other model years.
- What are the best Cadillac Escalade years?
- The 2012, 2013, 2018, and 2020 Escalade are the best years, with complaint index scores of 20, 0, 7, and 13 respectively, the lowest across the 2010-2025 range.
- What is the most common problem with the Cadillac Escalade?
- Engine problems are the top issue overall, accounting for 438 of 801 total complaints, or 55%. Electrical system issues rank second at 16%, followed by transmission and powertrain problems at 15%.
- Does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?
- Yes, the 2023 Escalade has 4 recall campaigns, including a rear suspension outer control arm bolt recall and an electronic brake control module software update.
- Is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
- Compared to other Escalade model years, 2022 ranks among the worst, with a complaint index of 93 out of 801 total complaints and 89% of its complaints tied to the engine.