2021 Cadillac Escalade Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 12% of the 78 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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 2026-01“Our 2021 Cadillac Escalade has experienced multiple ongoing issues. The “driver airbag warning” light has been a major concern, with the dealership stating that the airbag could malfunction at any moment. When we took the vehicle in for repairs, they determined that a previous maintenance job on the driver’s airbag was done incorrectly, which was causing the warning light to activate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11642093, filed 2025-02“While driving in a heavy rainstorm on October 15, 2026, the vehicle hydroplaned and every brake warning light came on at once, and the dashboard displayed a message that the brake system had failed and the brakes did not work. I believed I had no brakes while crossing a river bridge and thought I was going to die. The brakes actually worked and I got home, but a vehicle should never tell a driver its brakes have failed when they have not, especially in an emergency. All brake warning lights stayed on after I parked. The vehicle has not yet been inspected for this failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11771401, filed 2026-10“After soft-close, left-side passenger door won't open. Not form the outside, not from the inside. Happened before about a year ago. logged into dealer system but the were unable to identify (and correct) the issue. This presents a big hazard in case of an accident, roll-over etc - unable to exit the vehicle swiftly.”
NHTSA complaint #11771563, filed 2026-10“engine noise loud knocking feels like engine is going to stall, had in service 6-9-25 for 3 days technician heard noise stated could be related to recall but no fix available at this time electrical glitch radio navigation shuts off during while driving screen dash goes dark”
NHTSA complaint #11668888, filed 2025-06Related service bulletins
- 11024486May 16, 2025This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
- 11019017Apr 10, 2025This bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for a battery drain utilizing the Picoscope and how to measure the load on the system that may be causing a drain.
- 11017595Apr 3, 2025This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
- 11017244Mar 31, 2025The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11017207Mar 21, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
- 11016912Mar 5, 2025This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regard to the power sliding…
- 11014602Feb 17, 2025This bulletin provides information to the tech on how to diagnosis the EGR system from possible issue that may cause the DTCs to set and cause the customers concern of a MIL…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 11% |
| 2025 | 6 | 30% |
| 2024 | 8 | 15% |
| 2023 | 16 | 11% |
| 2022 | 8 | 9% |
| 2021 | 9 | 12% |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% |
| 2019 | 1 | 4% |
| 2018 | 3 | 14% |
| 2017 | 9 | 18% |
| 2016 | 15 | 17% |
| 2015 | 15 | 15% |
| 2014 | 8 | 40% |
| 2013 | 4 | 21% |
| 2012 | 9 | 45% |
| 2011 | 2 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 13% |
| 2009 | 14 | 24% |
| 2008 | 23 | 17% |
| 2007 | 34 | 15% |
| 2006 | 5 | 26% |
| 2005 | 11 | 26% |
| 2004 | 20 | 29% |
| 2003 | 23 | 28% |
| 2002 | 16 | 14% |
| 2000 | 7 | 10% |
| 1999 | 3 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
46 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology