NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
This page covers 13 recalls, 61 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2021 Escalade ESV complaints centers on the engine. Owners frequently report sudden, complete loss of power while driving, often preceded by rattling, knocking, or unusual noises from the engine bay. Several owners describe full engine failure requiring replacement, and a recurring detail is that replacement engines have themselves failed within tens of thousands of miles, putting some vehicles on their second or third engine. The failures tend to occur at highway speeds, with the engine shutting off entirely while the vehicle is in motion. Powertrain complaints, which largely overlap with the engine category, reinforce this pattern of drivetrain-level failures rather than minor drivability issues. A smaller number of owners report a coolant control valve sensor fault triggering a check engine light, though that appears less frequently than the mechanical failure reports.
61
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 13 recalls, the most serious involving drivetrain and engine failures that can cut drive power or stop the engine entirely while driving.
Several powertrain recalls overlap in consequence. The driveshaft can fail and drop power to the rear wheels without warning. On 6.2L V8 models, internal engine components can fail and cause the engine to seize. Diesel-equipped vehicles face a transmission control valve that can lock the rear wheels, and four-wheel and all-wheel drive models have a separate transfer case issue that can also cause wheel lockup. A faulty fuel pump control module can stall the engine by interrupting fuel flow.
Three recalls involve seatbelts. Incorrect mounting bolts may leave belts inadequately anchored, third-row outboard belts may have been routed behind the seat-folding mechanism and damaged, and third-row buckle assemblies may have a deformed rivet or detach entirely in a crash.
On the electrical side, a software fault can cause the power steering to lose assist at startup or while moving, making the wheel noticeably harder to turn. The airbag warning light may not illuminate reliably when the airbag system has a fault, leaving the driver unaware of a problem. The daytime running lights may stay on when the headlights are active, creating glare for oncoming traffic.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod and crankshaft in the 6.2L V8 engine may have manufacturing defects that cause engine damage and failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and repair or replace it if needed. Passing engines receive higher viscosity oil, new oil filter, and manual updates.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control valve may fail, causing the rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will install updated transmission control module software and repair or replace defective control valves as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running lamps stay on when the headlamps are turned on. Canadian regulations require the daytime running lamps to turn off when headlamps are on.
What the fix does
General Motors will send a wireless software update to your vehicle's body control module, or you can schedule a dealer appointment to install the update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running lights stay on when the headlights are turned on, instead of turning off as they should.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a free software update to the Body Control Module over the internet.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left and/or right third-row seat belt buckles may not be properly attached, which could cause them to detach during a crash.
What the fix does
GM will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will inspect and replace the third-row seat belt buckle assemblies if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rivet holding the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right third-row seat belt buckle assembly may not have been formed properly, potentially affecting the buckle's retention.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may contain internal components that were not properly heat-treated, which could cause the driveshaft to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump power control module may fail or work inconsistently, interrupting fuel delivery to the engine and causing unexpected stalling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the power steering module may cause loss of power steering assist when the vehicle starts or while driving.
What the fix does
The power steering module software will be updated at a dealer or through an over-the-air update, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communications gateway module doesn't properly handle lost connection with the sensing diagnostic module, causing the air bag warning light to turn on and off unpredictably.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communications gateway module software for free, or the update will be sent to your vehicle wirelessly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Third-row outboard seat belts may be trapped or misrouted behind the seat-folding mechanism, causing damage to the belts.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect third-row outboard seat belts, replace any damaged ones, and reroute them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat belt fastening bolts may be incorrect, causing seat belts to not attach properly to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the suspect bolts with correct ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
