2021 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 59%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,650miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 59% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,650 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 2025-07“On Saturday August 16, 2026, my family and I were in Laredo Texas and when we were driving on the freeway the motor blew out on my 2021 Cadillac escalade. One month before this occurred the dealership contacted me to replace the oil to a thicker oil because my trucks vin was on the recall and replacing the oil would help fix the issue. Replacing the oil did not fix this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11765623, filed 2026-09“A major recall has been issued due to possible engine failure. It sounds like a ticking time bomb and the dealer and GM currently refuse to do anything about it because “remedy not available yet.” I’m stuck driving a vehicle where the engine could fail randomly at any minute putting my family in danger and there’s no fix being offered right now despite the massive recall. Replace my engine!”
NHTSA complaint #11681017, filed 2025-08“The same exact engine make and model was recalled and mine didnt fall under it but I am having the same exact issues. And now my car is in the shop and im having to pay an outlandish amount of money to get my car fixed from a known recall on my exact vehicle and engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11763552, filed 2026-09Related service bulletins
- 11032588May 11, 2026Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the cylinder 2 glow plug to fail. If this failure occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will…
- 11027714Jan 21, 2026Certain 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…
- 11025492Nov 6, 2025Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on vehicle engines within the identified suspect VIN population. If the engine…
- 11023152Sep 16, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test. If this condition were to occur…
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11018541May 23, 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…
- 11024486May 16, 2025This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 36 | 95% |
| 2025 | 12 | 60% |
| 2024 | 36 | 69% |
| 2023 | 110 | 77% |
| 2022 | 68 | 79% |
| 2021 | 46 | 59% |
| 2020 | 6 | 43% |
| 2019 | 17 | 68% |
| 2018 | 10 | 45% |
| 2017 | 22 | 43% |
| 2016 | 31 | 35% |
| 2015 | 27 | 28% |
| 2014 | 3 | 15% |
| 2013 | 3 | 16% |
| 2012 | 3 | 15% |
| 2010 | 3 | 8% |
| 2009 | 9 | 16% |
| 2008 | 13 | 10% |
| 2007 | 33 | 14% |
| 2006 | 3 | 16% |
| 2005 | 5 | 12% |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% |
| 2003 | 4 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 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