2013 Cadillac Escalade Problems
- Complaints
- 19filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 81,750miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel RWD · 14 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Cadillac Escalade (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2013 Cadillac Escalade. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 5 complaints (26% of the total), followed by electrical system (4) and air bags (3). 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 81,750 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,664 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 140 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 301 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 21%
- Air bags3 16%
- Engine3 16%
- Seat belts2 11%
- Steering2 11%
- Fuel system1 5.3%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving the vehicle, a complete stop was made at a stop sign on a residential street. When attempting to make a right hand tun from the stop, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn and the vehicle had a loss of powertrain when the accelerator was depressed. The power steering did not come back and the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was place into park, shutdown completely and restarted. The power steering and acceleration returned. The cause is unknown to me.”
NHTSA complaint #11150780, filed 2018-11, 96,000 milesElectrical system: “I was on the highway going about 65mph and the vehicle started turning off and on. Pushed on the gas pedal and the engine just revved up. This isn't the first time it has done this.”
NHTSA complaint #11302338, filed 2020-01, 87,500 milesAir bags: “Airbag light is on and dealer stated it has something to do with the seat belt (diver side) also the Cadillac Escalade from the past and present years have a airbag and seatbelt issue and I believe my vehicle has the same issue. But no one will listen please look into the issue with my vehicle please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10945238, filed 2017-01, 76,000 milesEngine: “I am currently experiencing a concerning issue with my hybrid car, which has been stalling unexpectedly and shutting itself off while driving. This alarming behavior poses a significant safety risk, as it could potentially lead to a crash in critical situations, especially if it occurs during high-speed travel or in heavy traffic. Despite regular maintenance and inspections, the problem persists, and I am worried about the reliability of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11648387, filed 2025-03Mileage when problems were reported
14% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 55,000 and 96,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Cadillac Escalade. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
| Escalade · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 24.6% risk |
| Escalade Hybrid · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
| Escalade Hybrid · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 24.6% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Cadillac Escalade version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Escalade AWD | 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Escalade Hybrid 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Escalade Hybrid 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V053000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2009–2010, 2013, Chevrolet Tahoe 2009–2010, 2013, GMC Sierra 1500 2009–2010, 2013 +11 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold…
- 21V054000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2010–2014, Chevrolet Tahoe 2010–2014, GMC Sierra 2500 2010–2014 +11 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of…
- 14V614000Oct 1, 2014Electrical systemCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2013–2014, Chevrolet Suburban 2013–2014, Cadillac CTS 2013–2014 +12 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and…
- 13V001000Jan 2, 2013Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2013, GMC Sierra 2013, Chevrolet Suburban 2013 +9 more
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles…
Recall details for the 2013 Cadillac Escalade → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,664 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027698Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from…
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Cadillac Escalade
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 39 | 7,000 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 21 | 12,000 | 1 | 5 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 52 | 17,500 | 2 | 4 | 16 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 143 | 30,000 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 86 | 37,600 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 78 | 42,500 | 9 | 4 | 17 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 14 | 55,571 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 25 | 41,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 22 | 42,116 | 1 | 4 | 17 | — | Rising |
| 2017 | 51 | 29,000 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 89 | 38,000 | 4 | — | 17 | 86 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 98 | 61,000 | 9 | — | 17 | 90 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 20 | 40,500 | 2 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 19 | 81,750 | 4 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 20 | 66,000 | 3 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 49 | 104,762 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 38 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 58 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 15 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 136 | 98,000 | 4 | — | 14 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 230 | 89,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 19 | 88,000 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 43 | 89,053 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 69 | 84,244 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 81 | 71,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 115 | 78,780 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 71 | 80,943 | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 39 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Cadillac Escalade model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Cadillac Escalade have?
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2013 Cadillac Escalade as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 5 complaints (26% of the total), followed by electrical system with 4.
Has the 2013 Cadillac Escalade been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 Cadillac Escalade do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Cadillac Escalade 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Cadillac Escalade get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Cadillac Escalade (Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Cadillac Escalade reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 81,750 miles and the middle half falls between 55,000 and 96,000 miles; 14% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.