repaired · 2026 Q3
Wheels: hub
NewRisk. A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
2026 Cadillac Escalade ESVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: BuickCentury04, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV has problems
12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
12Engine
3Electrical system
1Exterior lighting
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Power train
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 12 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2026 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
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Do not driveNewRisk. Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Other: owners/service/other manual
NewRisk. Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in 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
2026 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
2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV safety ratings
2026 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV SUV N/A 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyOpen
In owners' words
What Escalade ESV owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Andrew’s Cadillac dealership in Mount Juliet Tennessee called and stated our 2026 Escalade esv had a catastrophic engine failure and would require a new engine.
On Friday, XXX, my 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX]), with approximately 10,000 miles, experienced a sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on a busy highway exit ramp. My wife, [XXX] daughter, and dog were in the vehicle. The engine died without warning, resulting in total…
Vehicle Issues / Defects 1. Damaged Passenger Entertainment Screen at Delivery The passenger-side entertainment screen was damaged when the truck was delivered. The damage was present from the time the vehicle was received and was not caused by the owner. 2. Engine Failure at Approximately 7,000…
Own a 2026 Escalade ESV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.