NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 12 recalls, 54 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
16–22 mpg combined
10.7–14.7 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2021 Escalade centers on the engine, which draws more reports than any other system by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe the engine shutting off without warning while driving, no unusual sounds beforehand, just a sudden loss of power in traffic. Several reports describe the vehicle rolling to a stop and failing to restart, sometimes leaving occupants stranded in live lanes. A secondary cluster of engine and cooling complaints adds to the powertrain picture, with owners noting persistent issues that dealerships haven't resolved to their satisfaction. A smaller group of reports involves the forward collision avoidance system behaving unexpectedly. One recurring frustration in the engine complaints is that dealer visits result in no lasting fix, with some owners reporting the problem continuing after service and eventually outlasting the warranty period.
54
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has 12 recalls, the most serious involving engine and drivetrain failures that can cause a sudden loss of power or wheel lockup while driving. On 6.2L V8 models, internal engine components can fail, causing the engine to stall or seize without warning. The rear driveshaft can also fail and cut drive power abruptly, and on 4WD and AWD vehicles, the transfer case can cause front or rear wheels to lock up. Diesel-equipped models have two additional concerns: a transmission control valve can lock the rear wheels, and an incorrect replacement fuel tank can leak fuel in a rollover, raising the risk of fire.
There are two third-row seatbelt recalls worth noting. The belt webbing on outboard third-row seats can become trapped behind the seat-folding mechanism and fray or cut, and a poorly formed rivet in the buckle assembly can allow the buckle to fail in a crash. On the fuel side, a faulty fuel pump control module can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. The lighting recalls cover daytime running lights that stay on when the headlights are active, causing glare, and automatic headlamps that may not switch on quickly enough at dusk. There is also a recall where the airbag warning light may not reliably illuminate when the airbag system has a fault.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 →
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 fuel tank may be incorrect, which can cause fuel to leak during a rollover crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace it with the correct one if needed, at no cost.
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
Connecting rods or crankshaft components may be improperly manufactured, causing abnormal engine noise and warning lights. Continued driving risks engine failure.
What the fix does
Dealer will inspect the engine. If needed, repair or replace it. Passing vehicles get new high-viscosity oil, oil fill cap, filter, and manual insert.
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 automatic headlamps may turn on later than they should as daylight fades, not meeting the required light level threshold.
What the fix does
GM will send a wireless software update to your vehicle's control module, or you can have it installed at a dealership.
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 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
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.
