What Cadillac Escalade ESV owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Cadillac Escalade ESV safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 216 |
| 2025 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 427 |
| 2024 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 349 |
| 2023 | 89 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 853 |
| 2022 | 56 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 991 |
| 2021 | 71 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1,137 |
| 2020 | 22 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 663 |
| 2019 | 34 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 778 |
| 2018 | 15 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 995 |
| 2017 | 38 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1,239 |
| 2016 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1,523 |
| 2015 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,066 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,331 |
| 2013 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,549 |
| 2012 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,526 |
| 2011 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1,431 |
| 2010 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,391 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Cadillac Escalade ESV complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
I am filing this safety complaint regarding a critical, unresolved mechanical defect in my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (approx. 80,000 miles). The dealership (Earnhardt Chandler Cadillac) notified me that my vehicle required an engine replacement under a recall/warranty service. Following their service, a brand-new replacement engine was installed. However, immediately after the replacement, the new engine developed a loud metallic knock upon cold starts, indicating severe internal mechanical failure, defective components, or improper assembly. Despite recognizing this critical defect, the dealership and General Motors failed to rectify it. Most dangerously, they recently delivered the vehicl…
My 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine, developed an abnormal engine knocking/clicking noise despite previously receiving the remedy for GM engine safety recall N252494000, NHTSA campaign 25V274. On August 21, 2025, at 37,437 miles, Costa Mesa GMC Cadillac performed the recall inspection. The repair invoice states that the engine passed the PicoScope inspection and that the dealer changed the oil and filter and installed a new oil-fill cap. On September 16, 2026, at approximately 49,000 miles, I first noticed an unusual engine noise while driving through a store parking lot. After returning home, I observed a clicking/knocking noise at approximately 1,500â2,000 R…
Vehicle Issues / Defects 1. Damaged Passenger Entertainment Screen at Delivery The passenger-side entertainment screen was damaged when the truck was delivered. The damage was present from the time the vehicle was received and was not caused by the owner. 2. Engine Failure at Approximately 7,000 Miles The vehicle suffered a complete engine failure at approximately 7,000 miles. Given the extremely low mileage, this represents a significant mechanical failure very early in the vehicleâs service life. These issues should be documented as part of the vehicleâs warranty and service history, including all repair orders, photographs, dates the vehicle was unavailable for use, and comm…
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, at approximately 10:38am, my wife was driving our 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Sport (VIN 1GYS9RKL8TR113098, ~9,000 miles) with multiple young children in the vehicle. The vehicle began making loud clicking noises and lost power at a busy intersection, with no prior warning lights or messages; the clicking was the only symptom before the sudden loss of power. She maneuvered it partially off the road; it would not restart. She removed the children onto the roadside while managing a disabled vehicle in active traffic, creating real risk of a secondary collision. I arrived at 11:00am and tried to restart it, including adding fuel, with no success, only inte…
About 11pm Driving 70 on freeway started feeling pull back and then started to hear a knock noise. So turned down the music and the knock noise was getting louder as I was driving so I went to the right lane as I went to the right lane I felt like the car was pulling back and slowing down even as I accelerated⦠knock got even louder and I decided to exit the freeway early instead of getting to my destination. As I exited the freeway the entire car shut down lights flickered check engine went on and low oil pressure flickered once but then turned off. I couldnât get it in park couldnât get the car to turn over. I was able to get out of the middle of the intersection turning off the free…
Vehicle: 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV VIN: [XXX] Engine: 6.2L V8 L86 Mileage: Less than 59,000 miles I am reporting a serious premature engine failure involving the 6.2L L86 engine in my 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The vehicle has been properly maintained with regular oil changes and routine service. On September 8, 2026, the vehicle developed a chirping sound during startup. After driving, the chirping stopped, but a ticking noise occurred when the vehicle was restarted. I immediately had the vehicle evaluated by an independent mechanic. The mechanic kept the vehicle for two nights so that a cold-start evaluation could be performed. On September 10, I was informed that the engine noise was ca…
On XXX, at approximately 6:30 AM, I was driving my Cadillac Escalade ESV when the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power while I was traveling on the roadway. The engine stopped without any warning.There were no warning lights, warning messages, unusual noises, or other indications that an engine failure was about to occur. The loss of propulsion was sudden and unexpected.I was barely able to maneuver approximately half of the vehicle onto the shoulder. A significant portion of the vehicle remained in the roadway, creating a serious safety hazard to me and other motorists. I was forced to remain in this dangerous position for approximately two hours while waiting for a tow truck.T…
Subject: 2019 Cadillac Escalade - Delayed Engagement 1st/2nd Gear - Dealer Unable to Diagnose Vehicle: 2019 Cadillac Escalade VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 111,590 Date of incident: XXX to present Dealer: Mark Christopher Auto Center, Ontario, CA I am reporting a transmission safety concern. My 2019 Cadillac Escalade experiences a delayed engagement into Drive and slipping/hesitation when shifting into 1st and 2nd gear, especially on initial launch from a stop. There is a 2-3 second delay before the vehicle moves, followed by a harsh engagement. On XXX I took the vehicle to Mark Christopher Auto Center Cadillac in Ontario, CA for diagnosis. The vehicle was retained for diagnosis. On XXX the dealersh…
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall. Certain vehicles may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow to the engine could be interrupted. Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module.
This preliminary information communicates an issue with of a service theft message after using the rear window defogger. Engineering is currently investigating.
This preliminary information communicates an issue with a service column lock message and DTC U3000. Engineering is working on the issue and in the meantime dealerships are to reset/clear the DTC and perform four sleep cycles to verify the DTC does not return.
This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
The Rear Camera Mirror display may appear angled downward. Investigation found that an aftermarket or dealer-installed rear license plate frame can contact the license plate lamp applique, pushing the applique upward and skewing the camera display angle. Remove or reposition the interfering frame, verify proper applique seating, and confirm the Rear Camera Mirror display is correctly aligned.
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall. Certain vehicles may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow to the engine could be interrupted. Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module.
If a vehicle has an issue with super cruise inoperative tech is directed to follow a diagnostic path before replacing the Image processing module.
This PI is to instruct dealer on diagnostic procedures that need to be completed prior to replacing a radio or IPC display
This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This preliminary information is to inform technicians and customers that GM is aware of the issue and the vehicle can still be driven. When a repair is available, this PI will be updated.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 20
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019â2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigate
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 20
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GMâs full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engineâs bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or en
On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs.Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005,
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as int
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2026, owners most often name: engine, power train, electrical system. 415 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
