2021 Cadillac Escalade Problems
Compared with other Cadillac Escalade years
Typical for this model
40/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Cadillac Escalade year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 1 of its 78 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported problem: Recall notice but no repair available / VIN excluded (22 complaints, median 33,500 mi).
- 9 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Open NHTSA investigationLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2019
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 78filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,500miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 9campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 6.2L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year center heavily on the 6.2L V8, where owners describe sudden engine failure — stalling, loud knocking, metal debris or seized internals — often with no warning light beforehand and frequently resulting in an engine replacement. A second, smaller cluster describes fuel pump control module failures that cut fuel flow and stall the vehicle, and owners also report door latches that will not release, transmission harshness, and automatic emergency braking that engages with no obstacle present.
- Engine
Sudden engine failure (stall, knock, seized engine)
Mentioned in 29 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine quitting without warning — at a stoplight, on an interstate, or while merging — sometimes accompanied by loud knocking, ticking or metallic noise and a drop in oil pressure, sometimes with no warning lights at all. Several complaints state dealers found internal damage such as collapsed lifters, bent pushrods, camshaft wear, or crankshaft and connecting rod failure, and that the engine needed replacement; some owners report repeat failures after a repair. Many complaints mention that the dealer or manufacturer told them the vehicle identification number was outside the engine recall even though the symptoms matched it, and others describe waiting months for parts under the recall. Reported across a wide mileage range, from roughly 26,000 to over 113,000 miles, with many failures described between about 35,000 and 80,000 miles.
Recall 25V2740006 related service bulletins
What to check: Have a mechanic check for the recall remedy status by vehicle identification number and listen for lifter or bottom-end noise on a cold start; ask for oil change records and whether the engine has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There was knocking and stalling happening. I looked up the issue and saw that there was a recall on all 2021 Cadillac escalades with my exact engine. Unfortunately my vin did fall in the recall but I have the same issues and now my car has been at the service station for almost 2 weeks trying to figure this out and get the situation taken care of.”
NHTSA complaint #11764394, filed 2026-09“The engine. I’m told my engine is not part of the recall but makes an extremely loud sound on start up. Been to dealer just for them to say the vehicle is not part of the recall. Recently called roadside assistance because the vehicle shut off in the middle of traffic. Took it back to dealer, Nothing they can do, just keep bringing it back! Now warranty has expired & sound is getting worse”
NHTSA complaint #11727375, filed 2026-03 - Engine
Recall notice but no repair available / VIN excluded
- 22 complaints (28%)
- median 33,500 mi at 4.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2025–2026
A recurring theme in the sample is owners receiving a recall notice, or seeing the same failure described in a recall, and then being told either that parts are not available yet or that their vehicle identification number is not covered. Complaints describe the vehicle sitting at the dealer for weeks or months awaiting authorization or parts, and owners paying for repairs out of pocket on vehicles whose symptoms match the recalled condition. Complaints in the sample cluster in 2025 through 2026, generally on vehicles in the 40,000 to 80,000 mile range and above.
Recall 25V2740003 related service bulletins
What to check: Check open recalls for the specific vehicle identification number before purchase and ask the dealer in writing whether any engine-related campaign applies and what remedy has been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11683306, filed 2025-08“I own a 2021 Cadillac Escalade that falls under the manufacturer recall issued by GM/Cadillac for engine problems associated with this specific make, model, and year. I received an official recall notice via both email and U.S. Postal Service, instructing me to take my vehicle to my local dealership to have the recall addressed. I promptly complied and took my vehicle to the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11677948, filed 2025-08
Buying note. The engine is the main thing to verify on this model year: confirm recall and campaign status by vehicle identification number, ask for service records showing whether the engine has been replaced, and have a pre-purchase inspection listen for lifter or bottom-end noise. Also check door latches and transmission behavior on a test drive, since owners report both.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 58% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,500 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 813 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Cadillac Escalade model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 40 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Engine46 59%
- Engine cooling10 13%
- Electrical system9 12%
- Fuel system8 10%
- Other or unknown6 7.7%
- Seat belts3 3.9%
- Brakes2 2.6%
- Exterior lighting2 2.6%
Also reported: Lane departure (2), Steering (2), Body and structure (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Air bags (1), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “I was sitting in a drive through when the car just stopped running. I could not get it to restart. Engine light had come on and gone off a few times. I had it towed to a Firestone next door , they advised it needed to go to dealership for engine recall. Dealership did not look at it for 3 days so I had it towed to Cadillac- waiting for them to call.”
NHTSA complaint #11674782, filed 2025-07Engine cooling: “See attached document for complaint. Text from attached document: Last week [ went to get the oil changed at my local Jiffy Lube and was told, We can' t service Lhis vehicle any longer because it has been re-called. I asked, what I am supposed to do? They said Cadiliac is supposed to Lake care of it. After calling Mark Christopher Cadillac in Ontario, Cali fornia they said they can't help me until they get parts and have no idea when that will be.”
NHTSA complaint #11682316, filed 2025-08Transmission and drivetrain: “I purchased my Vehicle a little over a year ago and have had multiple engine repairs. The first issue started with the lifters going out. Shortly after the lifters were repaired, the engine seized, causing us to get an engine replacement. A few days after having the new engine, we had the same knocking/ticking noise coming from the engine which was also repaired once again. Then yesterday, 3/13/25, the engine started to knock/tick once again, but this time more aggressively. (New engine had only 15,000 miles.)”
NHTSA complaint #11648258, filed 2025-03Electrical system: “I purchased this vehicle on October 20, 2025. I took it to the Cadillac dealership and was told a list of over 20 issues involving the vehicle. The tires have holes in them. The suspension is at Rick of failing, wiring and components are missing. The night vision camera and radars on the vehicle and not functioning. I was told this vehicle should not have been on a lot to be sold.”
NHTSA complaint #11709410, filed 2026-01Mileage when problems were reported
58% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 34,918 and 67,300 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 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 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Escalade · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2022: 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 2021 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 | 10-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Escalade 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Escalade 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Escalade 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Escalade 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel | 10-speed automatic | 21 | 27 | 23 | $4,150 |
| Escalade 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel | 10-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $4,350 |
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
- 25V619000Sep 18, 2025Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, 2023–2024, GMC Yukon 2022, 2024
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…
- 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanicalCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2021–2024, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021–2024, GMC Yukon 2021–2024 +5 more
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…
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Valves/valve bodyCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2021, GMC Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
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…
- 22V827000Nov 3, 2022Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › SoftwareCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, GMC Yukon 2021 +3 more
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…
- 22V617000Aug 11, 2022Seat belts › Critical fastenersCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2021–2022, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021–2022, GMC Yukon 2021–2022 +3 more
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…
- 22V036000Jan 27, 2022Power train › Driveline › DriveshaftCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, GMC Yukon 2021 +3 more
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…
See all 9 recalls for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA26005Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyOpen · Aug 20, 2026
- RQ26001Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyClosed · Jan 16, 2026
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. 813 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038139Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary PI was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a GDS automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037260Sep 10, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11036689Aug 27, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates ordering process for the night vision camera that are on restriction for all listed vehicles for Technical Assistance review.
- 11036702Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides a diagnostic tip when fuse F4DR is opening and dealerships are to inspect the wiring at the center console lid.
- 11036392Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11035351Jul 24, 2026Other or unknown. This PI Communicates information to ensure Memory Recall is enabled to ensure memory mirrors return to set position after curbview assist is used.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11035308Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
Other model years of the Cadillac Escalade
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 | 7,000 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 20 | 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
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
Complaints on this model year center heavily on the 6.2L V8, where owners describe sudden engine failure — stalling, loud knocking, metal debris or seized internals — often with no warning light beforehand and frequently resulting in an engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Sudden engine failure (stall, knock, seized engine); Recall notice but no repair available / VIN excluded.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have?
NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 46 complaints (59% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 10.
Has the 2021 Cadillac Escalade been recalled?
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Cadillac Escalade do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 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 2021 Cadillac Escalade get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Cadillac Escalade (Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,500 miles and the middle half falls between 34,918 and 67,300 miles; 58% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.