37 recalls across 20 model years
The Cadillac Escalade ESV has 37 recalls spanning 2007 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2025–2026 models where incorrect front wheel hub bolts can loosen or break while driving, causing loss of vehicle control.
The 2025–2026 models also have a transfer case recall shared with 2015–2020 models where front or rear wheel lockup can occur while driving. On 2023–2024 models, the brake control module software can fail to illuminate a warning light when brake fluid drops low, meaning reduced braking performance goes undetected. The 2023 model year also has rear suspension outer control arm bolts that can fracture and cause rear wheel misalignment.
The 2021–2024 models with the 6.2L V8 engine have connecting rod and crankshaft defects that can cause engine failure while driving. On 2021–2022 models, a third-row seat belt buckle rivet can deform and fail to restrain an occupant in a crash. The 2022 model year has a transmission control valve that can lock up the rear wheels, and 2021 diesel models share a similar rear wheel lockup risk. The 2021 model year has several additional issues: electric power steering assist can cut out at startup or while driving; the rear driveshaft can fail and cause sudden loss of drive power; third-row seat belts can be misrouted and damaged; a fuel pump control module can cause unexpected engine stall; and the airbag warning light may fail to illuminate when an actual fault exists.
The 2020 model year has a fuel pump that can over-pressurize, crack, and leak fuel near ignition sources. On 2018–2019 models, certain rear seat belt retractors may not lock when fully extended, preventing a child safety seat from being properly secured. The 2018 model year has a vacuum pump that can reduce brake assist, resulting in a harder pedal and longer stopping distances. The 2016 model year has front upper control arm welds that can fail and allow the arm to separate, compromising steering. On 2015 models, the driver-side front airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, and a passenger-side instrument panel cover defect can cause inconsistent airbag deployment. The 2015–2017 models have a front airbag and seat belt pretensioner system where neither may deploy in a crash.
The 2011 model year has intermediate steering shaft bolts that may not have been adequately tightened, allowing the joint to separate and leaving the driver with no steering input. The 2007–2014 model years, particularly those registered in high-humidity states and territories, are covered by multiple recalls for Takata passenger-side front airbag inflators that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin.
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Latest: May 2026
Top 8 of 11 categories across CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV
| Component | Recalls | Share | Critical | High | Medium | Low | Informational |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 9 | 24% | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 19% | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lighting | 4 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 8% | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 5% | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission | 2 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 5% | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 16% | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Component categories are grouped from raw recall data and may not match manufacturer terminology exactly.