2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 16%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 16% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Experienced engine failure as outline in recall for 6.2liter L87 engines. Engine failure occured on 5/28/2025. Confirmed engine failure by Cadillac dealer on 5/29/2025. Vehicle is still in repair shop with no ETA on replacement motor. Cadillac has failed to provide a comparable loaner vehicle. This is creating financial impact as I use my vehicle for work.”
NHTSA complaint #11669906, filed 2025-06“I drive it from Gilbert Az to San Diego California The car lost power all of sudden Almost killed with my family I left at dealer in California and went back to Gilbert Arizona No diagnosis yet by dealer But I suspect gas pump failure Reported on Internet that Cadillac Recalled some 2021 Escalade For gas pump failure But there is no recall on my car It is now at Simpson GMC Cadillac dealer Buena Park California”
NHTSA complaint #11543825, filed 2023-09“While on a family vacation in the Black Hills, I began to hear a knocking sound from the front right of the vehicle. Shortly after the engine began to sputter and multiple warning lights/ messages began to appear. Just prior to this, everything on the vehicle was functioning perfectly. We stopped operating the vehicle immediately when it began to malfunction and pulled over, leaving me and my young family stranded over an hour away from our rental cabin. …”
NHTSA complaint #11669682, filed 2025-06“Bought vehicle brand new in 2021 took delivery in 2022. Had to have a full transmission replacement and radiator that was cracked replaced at 30,000 miles. Over the next few years have had fuel delivery issues due to fuel pump. This fuel pump was not fixed. As of this year 2026 i've had the vehicle in the shop just shy of every single month. I have had a thermostat sensor that caused the engine fan to go into high RPM causing limp mode on the freeway with a family of 5 in the vehicle. Ive had breaks replaced and not mounted correctly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11757312, filed 2026-08“Ever since the lifters broke in the new vehicle (which the dealer now tells us is a defect in the engine and that the lifters keep breaking; it was not a bad delivery of lifters as we were initially told), the car idles very rough and has power surges. Today sitting at a red light with the foot lightly on the break, the car lunged forward against the break during one of the power surges. If we had been closer to the vehicle in front of us, or if we had been up against a cross walk, there would have been a collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11499497, filed 2022-12Related recalls
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade…Covers: Cadillac Escalade ESV 2021, GMC Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
- 22V036000Jan 27, 2022General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The…Covers: Cadillac Escalade ESV 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, GMC Yukon 2021 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 11024189Oct 9, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11019752Jun 26, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to…
- 11023369May 16, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician to check if the transmission cooler lines are twisted to correct customer concerns of Harsh Shift, Shudder, Surge, Stall…
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11014565Feb 13, 2025This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11013150Jan 28, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012943Jan 9, 2025This Preliminary information communicates a possible retainer ring dis-lodged for a DTC P2714, may not have reverse as well.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 4 | 29% |
| 2024 | 4 | 18% |
| 2023 | 20 | 22% |
| 2022 | 13 | 22% |
| 2021 | 12 | 16% |
| 2020 | 2 | 9% |
| 2019 | 9 | 26% |
| 2018 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 9 | 24% |
| 2016 | 5 | 33% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2008 | 1 | 6% |
| 2007 | 5 | 13% |
| 2006 | 1 | 20% |
| 2005 | 2 | 14% |
| 2004 | 5 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
54 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology