2021 Cadillac Escalade problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 160 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, filed between 2020-12-17 and 2026-09-20. The most common problem areas are the engine (101, 63%), power train (22, 14%) and electrical system (21, 13%). Owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Cadillac Escalade complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 101 | 63% | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Power train | 22 | 14% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 21 | 13% | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 17 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 9 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 9 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 6 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 101 complaints
- 101 complaints of 160 (63%) name the engine.
- 14 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade; the recall, campaign 25V274000, says: “The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”
Power train: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 160 (14%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 14 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade; the latest, campaign 24V797000, says: “The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.”
Electrical system: 21 complaints
- 21 complaints of 160 (13%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 8 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade covers this system.
Engine and engine cooling: 17 complaints
- 17 complaints of 160 (11%) name the engine and engine cooling — the engine and its cooling system.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade; the recall, campaign 25V274000, says: “The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 160 (8%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 10 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 160 (6%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 4 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 70 |
| 2026 | 53 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Cadillac Escalade recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade's most common problem areas are the engine (101 of 160 complaints), power train (22 of 160 complaints) and electrical system (21 of 160 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have?
NHTSA has 160 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, including 5 reported crashes and 2 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade's problems?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.