Summary
The Cadillac Escalade has 14 recalls spanning the 1999 through 2023 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2021 models equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine, where internal engine components can fail and cause a sudden loss of drive power while in motion.
The 2021 and 2022 model years carry several additional safety concerns. Third-row seat belt buckle rivets on 2021-2022 vehicles can be improperly formed and fail to restrain an occupant in a crash. On 2021 models specifically, third-row outboard seat belts can become trapped behind the seat-folding mechanism and fray or break under crash loads. The 2022-2023 model years have a lighting software issue where the daytime running lights can remain on when the headlights are active, creating glare for oncoming drivers.
The 2015 model year has a cluster of airbag and steering concerns. The passenger-side airbag mounting weld and the airbag module's attachment to the instrument panel can each be insufficient, causing the airbag to deploy only partially or irregularly in a crash. The instrument panel top cover on some 2015 vehicles can also be shaped incorrectly, leading to an irregular passenger airbag deployment. There is also a software condition on 2015 models where the electric power steering assist can cut out briefly during low-speed turns and then return abruptly.
Going back to the 2011 Escalade EXT, the rear axle cross pins can fracture and shift out of position, locking the rear axle and causing sudden loss of directional control. The 2007 model year has a Takata-style passenger front airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment, sending fragments into the cabin.
On 2003 all-wheel-drive models, the positive battery cable can lack a proper support bracket and contact the steering shaft, wearing through the cable insulation and causing electrical shorts. The 1999 model, when fitted with a floor-mounted Rosen video entertainment center, can fail to contain fuel properly in a crash, creating a fire risk.
