NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
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
This page covers 3 recalls, 38 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2024 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2021 to 2024 Cadillac Escalade received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash testing for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash tests, it earned 4 stars. Side crash protection was rated at 5 stars, while side pole crash tests also achieved 5 stars. The rollover test resulted in 3 stars. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the entire 2021 to 2024 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2024 Escalade complaints centers heavily on the engine. Owners frequently report sudden, complete loss of power while driving at highway or city speeds, the engine shuts down without warning, taking power steering and brake assist with it. Several describe struggling to control the vehicle and guide it safely off the road. A smaller cluster of reports adds engine knocking and internal mechanical noise, with owners describing what sounds like bearing, rod, or lifter problems. The forward collision avoidance system draws a separate but notable group of complaints, with owners reporting unexpected behavior from the system, though in lower volume than the engine issues. The engine failure pattern is the clearest signal here, with multiple owners describing abrupt, total power loss as the primary event.
38
Total Complaints
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade has 3 recalls, the most serious being a transfer case defect that can lock up the front or rear wheels without warning, and a 6.2L V8 engine issue where internal components can fail and cause complete engine shutdown while driving.
On the engine side, certain connecting rods and crankshaft components can develop faults that lead to sudden engine failure, leaving the driver without power in traffic or at highway speeds. The transfer case issue is separate: in 4WD and AWD models, the transfer case can cause a wheel to lock up unexpectedly, making the vehicle difficult or impossible to steer through the problem. The third recall involves the brake control module software, which may fail to trigger the low brake fluid warning light when fluid levels drop. Because the light never comes on, a driver has no way of knowing brake fluid is low until braking performance has already started to degrade, increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash.
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
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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 →
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 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.