Cadillac Escalade Recalls

The Cadillac Escalade has 40 recalls spanning 1999 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2025–2026 models equipped with 24-inch wheels, where incorrectly installed front wheel hub bolts can loosen or break while driving and cause loss of vehicle control.

The 2025–2026 model years also have a transfer case defect shared with earlier production (see below) where wheel lockup can occur without warning. On 2026 models, an owner's manual documentation issue means some owners may not have proper operating instructions for the vehicle.

The 2023–2024 models carry a brake control module software defect that fails to illuminate a warning light when brake fluid drops to a low level, meaning a driver could continue operating the vehicle with reduced braking performance. The 2023 model year has rear suspension outer control arm bolts that can fracture, causing rear wheel misalignment. Daytime running lights on 2022–2023 models can stay on when the headlights are active, creating glare for oncoming drivers.

The 2021–2022 generation carries a significant number of recalls. On 2021–2024 models with the 6.2L V8, internal engine components including connecting rods and crankshaft parts can develop damage that leads to sudden engine failure and loss of drive power. The 2022 model year has a transmission control valve that can lock up the rear wheels unexpectedly. On 2021 models, a separate transmission issue on diesel-equipped vehicles can also cause rear wheel lockup. The 2021 model has a driveshaft that can fail and cut drive power suddenly, and a fuel pump that may crack and leak from over-pressurization, creating a fire risk. A fuel pump control module on 2021 models can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. Third-row seat belt issues affect 2021–2022 vehicles in two ways: the belt buckle rivet may be deformed and fail to restrain an occupant in a crash, and on 2021 models the belt webbing can be misrouted and damaged behind the seat-folding mechanism. The 2021 model year also has an airbag warning light that can fail to alert the driver to a system fault, and daytime running lights that stay on with the headlights active.

The 2015–2020 era has several safety-critical issues. The transfer case on 2015–2020 models (continuing through 2026 production) can cause front or rear wheel lockup. On 2015 models, the driver-side airbag inflator can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. Multiple 2015 model year issues affect the passenger airbag: a weld on the airbag mounting can be insufficient, the instrument panel top cover can cause irregular deployment, and an infrared weld securing the airbag module to the chute can be inadequate, all of which raise the risk of injury in a crash. Electric power steering on 2015 models can drop out and return suddenly at low speeds, making the vehicle difficult to steer. Front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners on 2015–2017 models can fail to deploy in a crash. The vacuum brake booster on 2015–2017 models degrades over time, requiring more pedal force and longer distances to stop; the same issue extends into the 2018 model year on 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines. The front upper control arms on 2016 models can separate from