2021 Cadillac Escalade Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 13%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 13% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 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.
“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“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 2025-03“I bought this car used and within a couple hundred miles the car would just shut off and the dash lights came on. I took it in and they diagnosed it and replaced the camshaft actuator. Within a few hundred more miles the same symptoms appeared as I was driving on a 70mph freeway. I had to pull over to the shoulder and this time noticed a metallic smell. Car would not turn on. Had to get it towed back to the dealer. After a month there they informed me the engine seized and needs to be replaced. Approximately 6 weeks and still no estimate to when I will get my car back.”
NHTSA complaint #11636615, filed 2025-01“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who informed the contact that the engine and transmission might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11658084, filed 2025-05, 45,000 miles“Driving my 2021 Escalade on interstate and engine began emitting sudden, loud metallic tapping. Oil pressure dropped off and a reduced power warning came on HUD. Acceleration dropped off, forcing him to coast dangerously across three lanes of traffic to the shoulder. Coasted to dealership—-somehow the VIN didn’t fall within the 2021-2024 recall despite exhibiting the exact same failure. Catastrophic engine failure needing full engine replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #11759568, filed 2026-08Related 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 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 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 | 4 | 10% |
| 2025 | 2 | 10% |
| 2024 | 9 | 17% |
| 2023 | 21 | 15% |
| 2022 | 16 | 19% |
| 2021 | 10 | 13% |
| 2020 | 3 | 21% |
| 2019 | 1 | 4% |
| 2018 | 3 | 14% |
| 2017 | 12 | 24% |
| 2016 | 17 | 19% |
| 2015 | 28 | 29% |
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 | 5 | 26% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 2 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 14 | 6% |
| 2005 | 7 | 16% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 9% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 3 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
46 complaintsEngine cooling
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 29, 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