repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 74 owner complaints about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, most often about the engine. It is covered by 10 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-797 the manufacturer reports only 78% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV has problems
74 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
54Engine1 crash/fire/injury
12Power train1 crash/fire/injury
11Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
7Engine and engine cooling
6Fuel/propulsion system
4Service brakes
2Seat belts
2Forward collision avoidance
1Structure
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 54 | 1 |
| Power train | 12 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 1 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Control module: software
Risk. Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Lighting control module: software
Risk. Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Seat belts: critical fasteners
Risk. A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Show 6 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q4
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Fuel pump: control/drive module
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Steering: steering control module
Risk. Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Air bags: SRS malfunction warning lamp/light
Risk. The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Seat belts
Risk. A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Seat belts
Risk. If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Escalade ESV year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Escalade ESV median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV safety ratings
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of motive power due to engine failureOpen
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyOpen
- Air Bag MalfunctionNo recall
- Loss of motive power due to engine failureLed to recall 25V-274
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyNo recall
In owners' words
What Escalade ESV owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN [XXX]) developed an engine failure after receiving the recall remedy for NHTSA recall 25V-274 (GM 6.2L V8 connecting rod/crankshaft defect). Symptoms: engine misfiring, dashboard warning lights illuminated, engine stalling/misfiring at idle, loss of power on…
Body of what was just sent to GM- this should answer most/all questions: To the GM Executive Resolution Team, I am escalating a critical safety hazard and severe dealer misconduct involving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade (53,700 miles), which is fully covered under the GM Factory Powertrain Warranty and…
I was driving down the interstate going 80 miles an hour and my engine completely shut off. I had to cross four lanes of traffic, on an interstate where the speed limit is 75 miles an hour, to get over on the shoulder while my car was able to accelerate. It was traumatizing and extremely dangerous…
Own a 2021 Escalade ESV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.