The 2021 Cadillac Escalade presents a mixed reliability outlook characterized by multiple recalls. The peak failure mileage suggests that issues may arise relatively early, particularly with critical systems such as the fuel pump and drivetrain.
Key Factor:Frequent recalls and complaints
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (9) than the average CADILLAC vehicle (1.5). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
9 recalls for this vehicle1.5 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The presence of nine recalls along with a significant number of complaints raises valid concerns for potential buyers and current owners of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Notably, the recurring issues primarily relate to fundamental vehicle functionalities such as the powertrain and fuel system, which are crucial for safe operation. The fact that these defects can lead to engine stalls or failures indicates serious implications for driver safety and reliability over time.
Additionally, the TSBs reveal ongoing efforts by General Motors to address these issues, but frequent service bulletins suggest that problems are not just isolated incidents. Instead, they reflect a more systemic challenge within certain components like the HVAC system and electrical systems, potentially leading to customer dissatisfaction if unaddressed.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Warning
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
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Summary: Year-over-year trends indicate that while Cadillac has been recognized for luxury and performance, this model year unveils a less favorable reliability picture due to its higher-than-average recall rate. Compared to competitors in its class, this Escalade falls short in maintaining an ideal safety reputation reflecting increased risks associated with essential systems.
Safety & Reliability Score
10/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-72
Complaint Impact-2.85
Investigation Impact-15
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 CADILLAC Escalade
Model Year2021
MakeCADILLAC
ModelEscalade
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Dec20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar22
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
14 complaints (25% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 57 consumer complaints by severity level.
π High
8(14%)
π‘Medium
11(19%)
π’Low
38(67%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that many drivers may face issues shortly after purchase. This early onset of problems typically correlates with potential manufacturing defects or design flaws, making it imperative for owners to remain vigilant during this initial period.
π Mileage data extracted from 18 of 57 complaints (32% coverage)
0-20k
5 reports (28%)
20k-40k
5 reports (28%)
40k-60k
2 reports (11%)
60k-80k
3 reports (17%)
80k-100k
2 reports (11%)
100k+
1 reports (6%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
Consequence
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V036000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Consequence
Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V421000
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
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Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
Consequence
The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V190000
SEAT BELTS
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Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
Consequence
A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 22V617000
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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Summary
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
Consequence
A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. 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 N222372380.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V827000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V797000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Consequence
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V274000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V619000
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 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 N252512770. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 18, 2025.
NHTSA Investigations
3 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Escalade.
INV-2021-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Escalade performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 15,615
INV-2021-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Escalade performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 36,429
INV-2021-1002π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Escalade performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 30,355
Consumer Complaints
57 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Escalade.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning25%
Stall12%
Noise12%
Check Engine Light11%
Display11%
Acceleration Issues11%
Fire7%
Crash/Accident5%
Smoke5%
Burn5%
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
General Motors issued a recall on various 2021-2024 Tahoes and Escalades with 6.2L V8 engines. Since issuing the recall, they have given no information and my Escalade has been sitting at the dealership for months with not ETA of the engine and parts needed ti fix the vehicle. GM is dragging this out slow and methodically!
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V274000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
Complete engine failure with vehicle only having 79615 miles on the vehicle. Vehicle was inspected by authorized Cadillac dealership and it was determined that the crank shaft/connecting rod had failed causing the engine to be replaced. Dealership communicated that issue was consistent with issue with known GM recall however vehicle was not covered under current recalled vin numbers at the time of engine failure.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V274000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/PowertrainπΆ Medium
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later examined by a mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 113,000.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V274000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint. IN RE: GM Recall N252494000 I received notice in May of 2025 that my 2021 Cadillac Escalade is involved in a recall. At first my dealer said the part to repair is not available? Then in September we stopped by my dealer and he said the recall does NOT involve my Cadillac. So I will attach a copy of my notice so there is no question they notified me I have a defective Cadillac. Please someone tell me Why this happened? I want a different automobile!!! By the way I find it very interesting that Regina A. Carto,, Vice President of Global Product Safety and Systems FAILS TO PROVIDE HER ADDRESS?
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V274000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
I have been waiting for GM to send authorization for the dealer to inspect and remedy the engine, as per the open recall, but have heard nothing since May 2025, when GM stated parts were not available.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V274000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
Engine failure Driver side seat belt light on dashboard.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V274000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/PowertrainπΆ Medium
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Prior to the letter being received, the message "Engine Oil Low" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the issue was with the engine. However, the part to do the repair was not available. The dealer topped off the engine oil. The contact stated that the messages remained displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the engine was tested. The engine passed inspection, and a higher viscosity oil was added, and 6 oil fill caps were installed. The contact stated that the messages persisted, and the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact received a 2nd recall letter regarding the engine. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired and that the only fix available was to keep adding oil to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V274000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V274000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that a customer was operating the vehicle through the Turo App when the vehicle lost motive power while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact was unaware whether any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Otherπ΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2021 Cadillac Escalade has an open recall with no remedy available. It has been over 3 months with no repair solution from Cadillac. This has left me unable to use the vehicle for its intended purpose, including loss of rental income through Turo. Cadillac has not provided alternate transportation or compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
Common problems include issues related to the fuel system which can affect engine performance as well as concerns regarding drivetrain failures. High complaint rates suggest that prospective buyers should be particularly aware of these aspects when considering ownership.
How does the reliability of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade compare with other luxury SUVs?
Compared to other luxury SUVs in its class, the 2021 Escalade has shown concerning trends in reliability due to multiple recalls affecting critical systems like powertrain and airbags. This places it at a disadvantage when assessing overall safety compared to its competitors.
πYear-over-Year Context
πElevated Activity
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new power train components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 350% versus the 2020 version.
π§What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
π
If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified CADILLAC service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in CADILLAC's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
π
If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every CADILLAC recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later Escalade iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a CADILLAC specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.