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2021 Cadillac Escalade

GasDiesel
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
6 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical12
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA155
Crash ratingNHTSA overall4★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA23 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is sold in the U.S. as a gas and diesel midsize or large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Escalade 2WD, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 155 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Escalade 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl152017$4,550
Escalade 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl142016$4,850
Escalade 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl141916$4,850
Escalade 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl131916$4,850
Escalade 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo212723$3,900
Escalade 4WDDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202622$4,050

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 42616, 44033, 42625, 44042, 43492, 43593.

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Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Fuel System, Diesel

N252512770
12 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.FixDealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252512770. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 18, 2025.
NHTSA campaign 25V619000reported Sep 18, 2025General Motors, LLC
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

N252494000
597,571 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.RiskEngine failure increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number
NHTSA campaign 25V274000reported Apr 24, 2025General Motors, LLC
○minor

Power Train

N242454440
463,295 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.RiskRear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
NHTSA campaign 24V797000reported Oct 24, 2024General Motors, LLC
○minor

Exterior Lighting

N222382220
338,735 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."RiskDaytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
NHTSA campaign 22V827000reported Nov 3, 2022General Motors, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

N222372380
484,155 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.RiskA seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462
NHTSA campaign 22V617000reported Aug 11, 2022General Motors, LLC
▲high

Power Train

N212351030
1,789 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.RiskDriveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
NHTSA campaign 22V036000reported Jan 27, 2022General Motors, LLC
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

N212332040
14,939 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.RiskAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
NHTSA campaign 21V739000reported Sep 23, 2021General Motors, LLC
▲high

Steering

N212333900
26,847 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.RiskIncreased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.FixThe power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
NHTSA campaign 21V455000reported Jun 17, 2021General Motors, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

N212338110
285,622 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.RiskThe air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.FixThe communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
NHTSA campaign 21V421000reported Jun 10, 2021General Motors, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

N202313000
94,641 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.RiskA damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.FixGM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
NHTSA campaign 21V190000reported Mar 18, 2021General Motors, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

N202322230
470 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.RiskIf a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixGM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
NHTSA campaign 20V811000reported Dec 23, 2020General Motors, LLC
▲high

Electrical System

N202319980
3,203 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles. The front passenger seat belt and airbag status telltale lights located in the overhead console in these vehicles may be set to "night mode" when the vehicle is started using remote start or when the vehicle is turned off and re-started after approximately ten minutes without opening the door. In daytime, if night mode is active, the telltale lights may not be visible, and fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskIf the telltale lights are not visible, the driver and front passenger may not know that the front passenger is unbuckled or has a deactivated air bag, increasing the risk of passenger injury in a crash.FixThe body control module (BCM) software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319980.
NHTSA campaign 20V790000reported Dec 17, 2020General Motors, LLC

NHTSA defect investigations

Engine — Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy open

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, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change o

Opened Aug 20, 2026 · action EA26005

Engine — Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy closed

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, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change o

Opened Jan 16, 2026 · closed Aug 20, 2026 · action RQ26001

Engine — Loss of motive power due to engine failure open

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) 2019–2024 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 investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supp

Opened Oct 23, 2025 · action EA25007

Engine — Loss of motive power due to engine failure closed

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 GM’s 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 engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L8

Opened Jan 16, 2025 · closed Oct 23, 2025 · action PE25001

Air Bags:Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light — Air Bag Malfunction closed

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, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag

Opened Apr 9, 2021 · closed Aug 24, 2023 · action PE21010

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
155complaints filed

4 involved a crash · 2 a fire · 5 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2020: 1 · 2021: 10 · 2022: 11 · 2023: 9 · 2024: 6 · 2025: 70 · 2026: 48

Most-cited components

Engine97
Electrical System21
Power Train21
Engine And Engine Cooling17
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Service Brakes7

What owners describe

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who informed the contact that the engine and transmission might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or rep…”May 1, 2025 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“This vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure while traveling on the highway which caused an immediate loss of power. The safety of myself and my family was at risk as we exited the roadway to the shoulder without power and the vehicle shaking violently. Vehicle was towed to a dealership where upon inspection they f…”May 1, 2025 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“1st incident - Car stalled at a red light and had to be towed for repair. It was determined to be the fuel injector pump. No lights came on and there was no indication of an issue prior to it stalling. 2nd incident - On the intestate it started making a rattling noise and felt like it was losing power. No lights came o…”Apr 30, 2025 · Engine · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
SUV 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
SUV 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking.

Other Escalade model years

F

2026 Cadillac Escalade

4 recalls · 41 complaints

A

2025 Cadillac Escalade

1 recalls · 37 complaints

B

2024 Cadillac Escalade

2 recalls · 68 complaints

C

2023 Cadillac Escalade

4 recalls · 218 complaints

C

2022 Cadillac Escalade

4 recalls · 134 complaints

C

2020 Cadillac Escalade

2 recalls · 35 complaints

A

2019 Cadillac Escalade

1 recalls · 57 complaints

B

2018 Cadillac Escalade

2 recalls · 36 complaints

B

2017 Cadillac Escalade

2 recalls · 88 complaints

D

2016 Cadillac Escalade

4 recalls · 104 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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