repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 96 owner complaints about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-274 the manufacturer reports only 88% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 11, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV has problems
96 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
68Engine3 crash/fire/injury
21Power train1 crash/fire/injury
12Fuel/propulsion system
11Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
7Engine and engine cooling
5Forward collision avoidance
5Service brakes
4Suspension
3Steering
106 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 68 | 3 |
| Power train | 21 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 10 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2023 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
Brake fluid low warning: lamp
Risk. Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Suspension: rear
Risk. A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Lighting control module: software
Risk. DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2023 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
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV safety ratings
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 3 stars (0.0% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard & Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard & Optional
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2023 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
- 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.
While driving at highway speeds of approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly suffered a catastrophic loss of propulsion/motive power in active traffic. The engine oil temperature surged, and the vehicle completely lost power, forcing me to navigate across lanes to the shoulder without engine…
Since May 24, 2026, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV has repeatedly experienced reduced engine power, check-engine warnings, multiple dashboard alerts and loss of propulsion. During one incident, the motor stopped responding, the vehicle lost power and came to a complete stop in the middle of a public…
On September 24, 2024, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV stalled while I was driving in traffic and would not restart. I was unable to proceed normally at a green light, creating a risk of a rear-end or other collision. I have video footage of the vehicle unable to proceed. The authorized dealership…
Own a 2023 Escalade ESV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.