NHTSA (USA)High Risk
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
This page covers 4 recalls and 17 owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Na.
Engine complaints dominate the 2021 Escalade complaint set, with owners describing a range of internal failures. The most serious recurring report involves crankshaft bearing failure, multiple owners describe being told by dealers that internal engine components had failed, often leading to full engine replacement. Separately, a handful of owners report unexpected acceleration events, typically at low speeds in parking situations, where the vehicle surged forward despite brake input. Brake-related complaints, while fewer in number, include at least one report of complete brake pedal loss at low speed. Exterior lighting issues round out the complaint picture, though those reports are limited and don't describe a consistent failure mode. The engine bearing failures appear to cluster at relatively modest mileage, with some owners reporting the issue before 40,000 miles.
17
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has 4 recalls, the most serious involving seatbelts that may not hold in a crash because incorrect bolts were used to fasten the belt assemblies to the vehicle.
Two other recalls affect driving safety. The fuel pump control module can cause the fuel pump to fail or run intermittently, cutting fuel flow to the engine and stalling the vehicle without warning. A separate software issue in the power steering system can cause the steering to lose its electric assist at startup or while driving, making the wheel significantly harder to turn, especially at low speeds. There is also an electrical concern specific to the Escalade and Escalade ESV: when the vehicle is started remotely or restarted within about ten minutes without opening a door, the overhead console warning lights for the front passenger seatbelt and airbag status can dim to night mode and become invisible, leaving the driver unaware that the passenger is unbuckled or has a deactivated airbag.
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
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 →
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
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.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat belt and airbag warning lights in the overhead console may stay in night mode after remote start or restart, making them invisible in daylight when they should be visible.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the body control module software at no cost, or the update will be sent to your vehicle automatically over the air.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.