2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (39) · Power Train (11) · Engine And Engine Cooling (7)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Cadillac Escalade Esv model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (10)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/Mechanical 2025-04-24 · campaign 25V274000 · 597,571 vehicles
Defect: 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
Power Train:automatic Transmission:fluid/Lubricant:valves/Valve Body 2024-10-24 · campaign 24V797000 · 463,295 vehicles
Defect: General 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.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers 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.
Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software 2022-11-03 · campaign 22V827000 · 338,735 vehicles
Defect: General 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."
Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers 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.
Seat Belts:critical Fasteners 2022-08-11 · campaign 22V617000 · 484,155 vehicles
Defect: General 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.
Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers 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
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 2022-01-27 · campaign 22V036000 · 1,789 vehicles
Defect: General 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.
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump:control/Drive Module 2021-09-23 · campaign 21V739000 · 14,939 vehicles
Defect: General 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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers 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.
Steering:steering Control Module 2021-06-17 · campaign 21V455000 · 26,847 vehicles
Defect: General 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.
Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: The 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.
Air Bags:srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light 2021-06-10 · campaign 21V421000 · 285,622 vehicles
Defect: General 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.
Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: The 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.
Seat Belts:rear/Other 2021-03-18 · campaign 21V190000 · 94,641 vehicles
Defect: General 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.
Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Fix: GM 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.
Seat Belts:critical Fasteners 2020-12-23 · campaign 20V811000 · 470 vehicles
Defect: General 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.
Risk: If 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.
Fix: GM 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.
Service bulletins (1,138)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-05 · PIT6477D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-26 · PIT5698F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi provides diagnostics tips on how the lin bus works and how to diagnosis it.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-10 · PIT5801F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-04 · PIP4902W · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-27 · PIT6516C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates ordering process for the night vision camera that are on restriction for all listed vehicles for technical assistance review.
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-26 · PIT5869B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi provides a diagnostic tip when fuse f4dr is opening and dealerships are to inspect the wiring at the center console lid.
Showing the 6 most recent of 1,138 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-07 · Engine“my 2021 cadillac escalade esv (vin [xxx]) developed an engine failure after receiving the recall remedy for nhtsa recall 25v-274 (gm 6.2l v8 connecting rod/crankshaft defect). symptoms: engine misfiring, dashboard warning lights illuminated, engine stalling/misfiring at idle, loss of power on acceleration, and a valve-like knocking noise coming fro…”
2026-10-06 · Engine“body of what was just sent to gm- this should answer most/all questions: to the gm executive resolution team, i am escalating a critical safety hazard and severe dealer misconduct involving my 2021 cadillac escalade (53,700 miles), which is fully covered under the gm factory powertrain warranty and a gm platinum extended warranty. this vehicle…”
2026-10-05 · Engine“i was driving down the interstate going 80 miles an hour and my engine completely shut off. i had to cross four lanes of traffic, on an interstate where the speed limit is 75 miles an hour, to get over on the shoulder while my car was able to accelerate. it was traumatizing and extremely dangerous and a miracle that a wreck was not caused. engine w…”
2026-08-30 · Engine“while driving out of state the engine started knocking- i took it to the dealer before it left me stranded on the road. i was told the engine had failed and needed to be replaced.…”
2026-08-28 · Suspension“•purchased the 2021 cadillac escalade esv premium luxury on xxx, at roughly 68,000 miles. •within roughly 300 miles of ownership, the 6.2l engine suffered a catastrophic failure involving a rod and ultimately required a complete engine replacement by gm. •the incident involved a loss of propulsion while the vehicle was being driven, making the even…”
2026-08-27 · Fuel/Propulsion System“i had two issues while the car was still under warranty one occasion while driving on a road the engine failed during my trip and i was stranded on the side of the road had to get it towed to the dealer. second time. i was pulling out of the grocery store and my vehicle lost power as well so on two occasions while driving my car lost power while be…”
2026-08-18 · Engine“on xxx i had been driving my vehicle with no issues. i had drove from [xxx] to [xxx]. my vehicle had no warnings or issues prior and my vehicle has been properly cared for and all oil and maintenance has been done through the cadillac dealership in [xxx]. on my way to [xxx] i stopped at the local gas station and filled my gas tank fully up, when …”
2026-08-16 · Power Train“bought vehicle brand new in 2021 took delivery in 2022. had to have a full transmission replacement and radiator that was cracked replaced at 30,000 miles. over the next few years have had fuel delivery issues due to fuel pump. this fuel pump was not fixed. as of this year 2026 i've had the vehicle in the shop just shy of every single month. i have…”
2026-08-10 · Engine“2021 cadillac escalade esv equipped with l87 6.2l v8, subject to nhtsa recall 25v-274 / gm n252494000. the recall inspection was completed and the vehicle passed, so gm performed the 0w-40 higher-viscosity-oil remedy rather than engine replacement. the vehicle has a history of unexplained oil loss with no obvious external leak, including a prior lo…”
2026-08-09 · Engine“my 2021 cadillac escalade esv with the 6.2l l87 engine received the remedy for safety recall 25v-274 (gm recall number n252494001) on july 30, 2025. the dealer inspected the engine, passed it, and performed the higher viscosity oil remedy. the engine was not repaired or replaced. on [date], while driving, the vehicle hesitated and lost power under…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.