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2024 Cadillac Escalade

Gas Diesel
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
5 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
B
Safety Signal
87 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 2
Complaints1 crash · 1 injured reported 74
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 4★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 23 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2024 Cadillac Escalade is sold in the U.S. as a gas and diesel large SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Escalade 2WD, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of B. Owners have filed 74 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

Cadillac Escalade — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Cadillac Escalade · Photo: BuickCentury04 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Trims & pricing

Source: manufacturer press kitCompare a trim →
TrimPowertrainDriveMSRPHPTorqueCargo (2nd row)Wheels
LuxuryGas2WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in
LuxuryGas4WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in
Premium LuxuryGas2WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in
Premium LuxuryGas4WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in
Premium Luxury PlatinumGas2WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in
Premium Luxury PlatinumGas4WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in
SportGas2WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in
SportGas4WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in
Sport PlatinumGas2WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in
Sport PlatinumGas4WD—420 hp460 lb-ft72.9 cu-ft22 in

MSRP excludes destination. Open a trim for the complete spec sheet and standard/optional equipment. Have the car in front of you? Decode its VIN to see which of these trims it is and what it was priced at.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Escalade 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl141916$5,150
Escalade 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl141816$5,150
Escalade V AWDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl111613$6,300
Escalade 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo212723$4,150
Escalade 4WDDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202622$4,350

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 47394, 47415, 47179, 47395, 47416.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Escalade 2WD, Escalade 4WD6 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 50 / California LEV-III ULEV50All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Escalade 2WD, Escalade V AWD3 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 / California LEV-III ULEV125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Escalade 4WD3 / 10California LEV-III ULEV125 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

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The cheapest ownership win

Insurers price the 2024 Escalade very differently, and the gap between the best and worst quote on the same car and driver is usually larger than any option you are weighing on this page.

How to compare cover →

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Recalls (2)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

N252494000
597,571 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem General 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. Risk Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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 25V274000 reported Apr 24, 2025 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

N242447990
449,671 vehicles 91% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems." Risk Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. Fix The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
NHTSA campaign 24V674000 reported Sep 12, 2024 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

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 or a

Opened Aug 20, 2026 · action EA26005 · the investigation’s page →

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 or a

Opened Jan 16, 2026 · closed Aug 20, 2026 · action RQ26001 · the investigation’s page →

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 supplie

Opened Oct 23, 2025 · action EA25007 · the investigation’s page →

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 L87 en

Opened Jan 16, 2025 · closed Oct 23, 2025 · action PE25001 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Escalade

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2024 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Cadillac publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2024 Cadillac Escalade, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
74complaints filed

1 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 1 injuries · 0 deaths reported

18 per 10,000 built · Cadillac reported 41,076 Escalade built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2024: 2 · 2025: 39 · 2026: 33

Most-cited components

Power Train 13
Electrical System 8
Fuel/Propulsion System 7
Forward Collision Avoidance 5
Unspecified 4

In depth: engine problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

On August 17, 2026, at approximately 96,685 miles, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine lost motive power while I was driving on Highway 101 in California. The vehicle stalled, I pulled over, and I was unable to restart it. The vehicle was towed to the dealer.
Engine Sep 8, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11762937
Clicking that the dealer stated was normal. It was not loud knocking saying that is how the high flow fuel pump worked. Safety braking did not work at all. And there was a water intrusion in the trunk
Service Brakes Oct 14, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11693478
Coffee was spilled on center console while transferring cup from Starbucks employee to cup holder. Cup was overfilled and lid wasn’t on properly. Immediately the dash panel started flashing and the service transmission light came on.
Electrical System May 3, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11658632
The Forward Collision Warning system will shut off while driving and an error message will appear. Also, the entire dashboard and radio goes blank and restarts while driving. Also, the backup camera often does not work, instead of an image the screen will flash purple then go black without any image at all.
Vehicle Speed Control Aug 29, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11760521
There was a vibration in the rear then the wheel flew across the 4 lane hwy. Wheel completely detached from the SUV
Wheels Feb 2, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11715124
**Exhaust Emissions System Issues** I have visited the dealership four times for the same problem that was fixed. Unfortunately, the system broke again within three days of each visit. This repeated issue has resulted in a significant amount of wasted time and effort
Fuel/Propulsion System Sep 14, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11687141

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.

Reported by Cadillac itself: 6 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 10 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 15 per 100,000 built. Every Escalade model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

Crash ratings

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

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

Driver-assist crash reports (3)

Source: NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01
3reports filed

3 severity unknown

Nov 2024 to Jun 2026 · 3 with an air bag deployment · 2 towed

What was engaged, and what was hit

System named: Level 2 (2), Super Cruise 1.0 (1)

Crash partner: Other 2 · Unknown 1

Filed by: General Motors, LLC

IncidentSystemStruckInjury allegedStateSpeedReport
Jun 2026Level 2 · Super Cruise 1.0UnknownunknownMD—540-15575
Sep 2025Level 2 · Level 2OtherunknownOH59 mph540-11788
Nov 2024Level 2 · Level 2OtherunknownCO65 mph540-9243

From the manufacturer’s own filing

The reporting entity’s narrative as NHTSA published it, with anything identifying removed and nothing added. A narrative is a notice, written before the entity had verified what happened.

GM is submitting a third update to the initial report of this incident submitted on November 27, 2024. GM received a police report on April 21, 2025, that indicated one involved individual was transported by ambulance and that the other involved vehicle was a 2002 Mazda Tribute.
General Motors, LLC report 540-9243 Nov 2024 NHTSA SGO filing
On September [redacted], 2025, a 2024 Cadillac Escalade was travelling southbound on [redacted] in Cincinnati, Ohio, with Super Cruise engaged and active. Crash data indicates there was a frontal impact that deployed the front seat belt pretensioners and airbags. The driver was wearing their seat belt at the time of crash.
General Motors, LLC report 540-11788 Sep 2025 NHTSA SGO filing
On June [redacted], 2026, a 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV was travelling westbound on [redacted] in Hancock, Maryland with Super Cruise engaged and active. Crash data indicates there was a rollover, rear impact, front impact, and right impact that deployed the front occupant airbags and seat belt pretensioners and that the driver and passenger were wearing…
General Motors, LLC report 540-15575 Jun 2026 NHTSA SGO filing

A report under the General Order is a notice the manufacturer or operator must file within days of hearing of a crash in which a Level 2 driver-assist or automated-driving system was engaged within 30 seconds of impact. It is filed before anything is verified, and entities with telematics hear of far more crashes than entities that rely on complaints, so counts say as much about the reporting as about the car and are not comparable across makes. Nothing is normalised by fleet size. Every report on file, by make and year → · NHTSA’s page and files

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 4 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every GM warranty extension (33) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 992
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-07
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 945 service bulletins, 33 service campaigns, 11 over-the-air updates

Most often about: Unknown Or Other, Electrical System, Engine, Power Train, Equipment.

  • PIT6110L Service bulletin
    2026-10-07 · Unknown Or Other
  • This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the SES MIL and DTC P062B and engineering is currently investigating.
  • PIT6477D Service bulletin
    2026-10-05 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary PI was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a GDS automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool
  • PIT6457C Service bulletin
    2026-09-28 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary information is for technicians that may see DTCs that are history and should not perform any part replacements. They should follow the notes mentioned prior to anything being replaced.
  • PIC6540K Service bulletin
    2026-09-28 · Unknown Or Other
  • This Preliminary information communicates to dealers a procedure to reset the radio.
  • PIT6368E Service bulletin
    2026-09-28 · Unknown Or Other
  • This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the virtual garage door opener not programming to a garage opener. Engineering is working on a new module.
  • PIT5698F Service bulletin
    2026-09-26 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
  • PIT5801F Service bulletin
    2026-09-10 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
  • PIP4902W Service bulletin
    2026-09-04 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P062B
P062B on Cadillac →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Unknown Or Other21 bulletins
C1197
C1197 on Cadillac →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Suspension · Struts and shocks →13 bulletins
U3000
U3000 on Cadillac →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Forward Collision Avoidance9 bulletins · 1 owner report
P2714
P2714 on Cadillac →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Unknown Or Other9 bulletins
C055F
C055F on Cadillac →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Unknown Or Other8 bulletins
C1114
C1114 on Cadillac →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Unknown Or Other8 bulletins
P0562System voltage is below the operating range.Service Brakes · Alternator →8 bulletins
P0606
P0606 on Cadillac →
An internal processor fault in the engine control module.Service Brakes · Brake pads →8 bulletins
P0016
P0016 on Cadillac →
The crankshaft and camshaft are not where they should be relative to each other — timing, chain or phaser.Unknown Or Other4 bulletins · 3 owner reports
P0202Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Fuel injector →7 bulletins
P060CManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Unknown Or Other6 bulletins
P0102Mass air flow sensor signal too low.Engine · Mass air flow sensor →4 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade failed the emissions check on 3.1% of first inspections — higher than the 1.5% for every 2024 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.37% (every 2024 vehicle: 0.74%).

New York inspections 3.1%

failed emissions

1,643 initial inspections of 1,605 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2024 EscaladeEvery 2024 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check3.1%1.5%1,290
Failed the safety inspection0.37%0.74%1,643
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.18%0.17%1,643
Miles driven a year9,9369,424odometer at inspection
Average odometer22,55821,104odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2024 vehicle” is every 2024 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Common questions about the 2024 Escalade

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2024 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 2 recall campaigns for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade. The most serious on file is 25V274000, covering Engine And Engine Cooling. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?

NHTSA gave the 2024 Cadillac Escalade 4 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 3-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it B (87/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?

Across the 5 EPA-rated configurations of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade, the best EPA combined figure is 23 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What do owners complain about on the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?

Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about the 2024 Cadillac Escalade, most often about engine, power train, electrical system. Of those, 1 involved a crash, 1 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?

The EPA smog rating for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade runs 3 to 6 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV50, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 50 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?

The manufacturer has filed 992 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade, most often covering unknown or other, electrical system, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-10-07. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2024 Cadillac Escalade do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade failed the emissions check on 3.1% of first inspections — higher than the 1.5% for every 2024 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.37% (every 2024 vehicle: 0.74%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations5 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates5 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls2NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints74NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins992NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations4NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reports3NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01Crashes the manufacturer or operator reported with a Level 2 or automated-driving system engaged. Notices, filed before verification; not comparable across makes.
Specifications filed with NHTSAnoneNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWe had no VIN pattern to decode for this model year, or the manufacturer filed nothing usable.
Trims, pricing & equipment10 trimsManufacturer press kitTranscribed from the manufacturer's own press material, every value carrying the document it came from.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

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). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly. Trim-level specifications and pricing are transcribed from the manufacturer's official press kit; every value carries its source in the data file.

JSON for this page · API