This page covers 3 recalls, 18 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade Esv.
The 2021 to 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The vehicle earned four stars in frontal crash protection and five stars in both side crash and side pole crash tests. It received three stars in rollover resistance. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2021 to 2024 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV owner reports, making up nearly half of all submissions. Owners frequently describe sudden and complete engine failure, often while driving at highway speeds, with little or no warning beforehand. Common symptoms include loud knocking or grinding noises followed by the engine seizing, and several owners report the vehicle needing a full engine replacement, in some cases at relatively low mileage. Lifter and camshaft failures appear in multiple accounts, sometimes followed shortly after repair by total engine seizure. Brake complaints come in second, though at lower volume, with owners noting various service brake concerns. A single report describes a wheel fully detaching from the vehicle at highway speed, which stands apart from the broader engine pattern but is worth noting as an isolated account.
18
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the 6.2L V8 engine, where internal components can fail and cause the engine to stop running while driving.
On the drivetrain side, a separate recall covers four-wheel and all-wheel drive models: a transfer case defect can cause either the front or rear wheels to lock up without warning, which can send the vehicle off its intended path. The third recall involves the brake control module's software, which may fail to trigger a dashboard warning light when brake fluid drops to a low level. Without that warning, a driver would have no indication that braking power is reduced, and stopping distances can increase significantly before the problem is noticed.
At a glance
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.
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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 →
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 electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when brake fluid is lost, leaving you without this important alert.
What the fix does
The brake control module software will be updated at no cost through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
