2021 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 53 of 72 complaints (74%) filed on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, the highest share since at least 2010. GM issued recall 25V274000 covering the 6.2L V8 engine, and median mileage at failure was 53,500.
- Engine complaints
- 53
- 74% of 72
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 53,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine suddenly stalls or loses power while driving on the highway, sometimes with no warning lights.
- Knocking or rattling noises from the engine compartment precede seizure or complete failure.
- Some vehicles required a full engine replacement, and in at least one case the replacement engine failed again shortly after.
- Lifters, camshaft actuators, and rocker arms on intake valves have been cited as failed parts leading to stalling.
- One owner reported black smoke and a fuel smell from the exhaust along with a flashing engine warning light.
- A stall at highway speed led to a crash and a reported injury when the driver's head struck the steering wheel.
When 2021 Cadillac Escalade engine complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 22, 2024, latest Sep 20, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
- 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 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?
- Engine issues make up 53 of the 72 total complaints filed for the 2021 Escalade, or 74% of all complaints for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade engine?
- Yes. Recall 25V274000, filed April 24, 2025, covers 2021-2024 Escalade and Escalade ESV models with the 6.2L V8 engine; dealers will inspect and, if needed, repair or replace the engine.
- At what mileage do 2021 Escalade engine problems typically appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 53,500 miles at the time of failure.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to the 2021 Escalade engine complaints?
- NHTSA lists 1 crash and 1 injury among the 53 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Escalade; no fires were reported.
- How does the 2021 Escalade compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 74% share for 2021 is lower than 2022 (89%) and 2023 (85%), but well above earlier years like 2015 (34%) and 2016 (38%).