2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv Safety Report

2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Safety Report

74Complaints
10Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
85/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (29)Engine And Engine Cooling (6)Electrical System (5)Power Train,Engine (5)Electrical System,Service Brakes,Engine (3)Power Train (3)Seat Belts (3)Electrical System,Engine (2)Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Exterior Lighting (2)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenHigh (10)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsModerate (74)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports4Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubEngineCompare engine issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2020Compare against the 2020 Cadillac Escalade Esv with 16 complaints and 2 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2023Check the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv before buying across this generation.

Cadillac Escalade Esv Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Cadillac Escalade Esv years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Cadillac Escalade Esv Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv 44 4 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2020 Cadillac Escalade Esv 16 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv 57 4 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv 27 1 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2024 Cadillac Escalade Esv 17 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2018 Cadillac Escalade Esv 32 1 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.

2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Engine

29 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine issues Cadillac only

Engine And Engine Cooling

6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Cadillac only

Electrical System

5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System issues Cadillac only

Power Train,Engine

5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Power Train,Engine issues Cadillac only

Electrical System,Service Brakes,Engine

3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System,Service Brakes,Engine issues Cadillac only

Power Train

3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Power Train issues Cadillac only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv

The 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV has accumulated 74 complaints and 10 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Among the complaints, 3 involved crashes and 1 involved fires. There have been 3 reported injuries and 0 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are engine (29 complaints), engine and engine cooling (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints). Engine and engine cooling issues have been reported, with a recall by GM for certain models. Additionally, electrical system and power train problems have also been noted, including automatic transmission control module software issues and driveline driveshaft recalls. A critical fastener issue with seat belts has been identified, and a recall has been issued by GM. Power train driveline driveshaft failures have also been reported, causing sudden loss of power and mechanical issues. Key known issues to be aware of include Engine and Engine Cooling, Seat Belts, Power Train Driveline Driveshaft. Be aware of recalls and have your vehicle checked for known issues, especially with the engine, electrical system, power train, and seat belts.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★☆
4/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★☆
4/5
Side Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Rollover
★★★☆☆
3/5

Known Issues for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine And Engine Cooling
Recalled due to hard parts internal/mechanical issues, causing engine coolant control valve position sensor performance problems.
High Common 30k-60k miles
Seat Belts
Recalled due to critical fastener issues, posing a safety risk.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Power Train Driveline Driveshaft
Recalled due to driveline driveshaft failures, causing sudden loss of power and mechanical issues.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Electrical System
Recalled due to automatic transmission control module software issues, causing abnormal sounds and performance problems.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv:

Engine 29% of complaints

Issues with engine performance and cooling have been reported.

Electrical System 25% of complaints

Problems with the electrical system, including the automatic transmission control module, have been reported.

Power Train 23% of complaints

Driveline driveshaft failures have been reported, causing sudden loss of power.

Seat Belts 18% of complaints

Critical fastener issues with seat belts have been reported.

Recall Details for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv

The following 10 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv by NHTSA:

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
Campaign #25V274000 24/04/2025

Summary: 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.

Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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, Ch...

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module:Software
Campaign #24V797000 24/10/2024

Summary: 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.

Consequence: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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...

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Exterior Lighting:Lighting Control Module:Software
Campaign #22V827000 03/11/2022

Summary: 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."

Consequence: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Seat Belts:Critical Fasteners
Campaign #22V617000 11/08/2022

Summary: 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.

Consequence: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: 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 a...

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
Campaign #22V036000 27/01/2022

Summary: 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.

Consequence: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump:Control/Drive Module
Campaign #21V739000 23/09/2021

Summary: 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.

Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Steering:Steering Control Module
Campaign #21V455000 17/06/2021

Summary: 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.

Consequence: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Air Bags:Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light
Campaign #21V421000 10/06/2021

Summary: 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.

Consequence: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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 th...

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Seat Belts
Campaign #21V190000 18/03/2021

Summary: 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.

Consequence: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: 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...

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Seat Belts
Campaign #20V811000 23/12/2020

Summary: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.

Crash Reports: 3 Injury/Fatality Reports: 2
Engine
03/16/2026

In early February, 2026, a check engine light produced code P1098, engine coolant control valve position sensor performance. Code caused the cooling fans to run continuously when the engine reached a certain temperature and the vehicle had reduced acceleration, which posed a safety hazard when driving the vehicle due to prolongated times to get to the posted speed limit and posed a hazard to other...

ODI #11724797
Engine
02/18/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the engine made ticking sounds. The check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine consumed an excessive amount of oil and that engine oil was added every two to three weeks. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to th...

ODI #11718846
Engine
02/10/2026

My 2021 Cadillac experienced a catastrophic engine failure that is mechanically identical to a known GM engine defect currently under recall. GM has denied coverage solely because my VIN is not included, despite the failure matching recall symptoms and diagnostics. This defect caused sudden loss of vehicle use and presents a safety and financial risk. GM is excluding vehicles with identical failur...

ODI #11717056
Electrical System,Structure
02/07/2026

I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s rear passenger door. The door frequently cannot be opened from either the inside or the outside. At first, I believed the problem was related to the child safety lock. However, even after confirming that the child safety lock is fully disengaged, the door still fails to open from both inside and outside. Occasionally, after turning the vehicle...

ODI #11716503
Electrical System,Service Brakes,Engine
02/05/2026

On 12/18/2025 at approximately 73,097 miles, while driving on I-75 near Wildwood, Florida at about 75 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure. The engine became seized/locked, the vehicle progressively lost power, and there were abnormal/loud mechanical noises. I was able to avoid a crash, but the event created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion at interstate speed. No accide...

ODI #11715994
Steering,Wheels
Crash 01/22/2026

The steering wheel locked up and the car shifted. I was unable to control the steering wheel it caused a crash

ODI #11712702
Electrical System,Service Brakes,Engine
01/02/2026

My wife was driving my kids to their nana and papas house when the vehicle loss power. The vehicle started to have a knocking noise and started to vibrate towards the engine compartment. The dash lit up like a Christmas tree. We took the vehicle to a local mechanic and he suggested that we might need a tune up. We purchased 8 brand new spark plugs, spark plug wires and 8 brand new coil packs. ...

ODI #11708463
Engine
12/18/2025

Since April 2025, my 2021 escalade has been losing oil quickly. No leak externally has been found. The recent recall found "no engine problems" and placed new thicker oil, but the leak continues with us losing significant amounts of oil every 500 miles. This engine remains defective, losing oil internally, and is putting 600,000 drivers+ at risk for engine failure or loss of propulsion. The re...

ODI #11706007
Engine And Engine Cooling
11/24/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local service center for routine maintenance and after an oil change was performed, the vehicle was started but immediately shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehi...

ODI #11701164
Electrical System,Engine
11/19/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel with an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the check engine warning light illuminated the following day. The con...

ODI #11700416
Engine
10/28/2025

The connecting rod and crankshaft failed while driving on the interstate causing loss of power.

ODI #11696120
Engine And Engine Cooling
10/24/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehi...

ODI #11695412
Engine And Engine Cooling
10/08/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power with several unknown warning lights on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to coast ...

ODI #11692159
Electrical System
09/17/2025

Car died in the middle of road. You pump the gas, nothing. This happened twice. Once at about 30000 miles and then at 60000 miles. The dealer had to replace a module or electrical box for fuel pump.

ODI #11687877
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System
09/09/2025

My vehicle has a recall and I took it to the dealer on the 28th of June and this is the date that I still do not have my vehicle. I have a report at Cadillac to replace the engine. The dealer sends all the information to GM Cadillac to authorize the engine replacement since it has metal inside due to the recall and the vehicle is off, it does not start, nobody tells me anything. I am renting anoth...

ODI #11685884
Engine And Engine Cooling
09/02/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet availab...

ODI #11684587
Engine
08/30/2025

My 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV experienced a complete engine failure at approximately 83,000 miles. I purchased it used at around 23,552 miles. Despite having been properly maintained, the engine failed and GM denied powertrain warranty coverage, stating the warranty had expired. I was forced to pay $7,300 out-of-pocket for a full engine replacement. This was an extremely dangerous mechanical failu...

ODI #11684037
Engine And Engine Cooling
08/25/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the...

ODI #11682917
Power Train,Engine
08/20/2025

While driving there was a loud noise and car started shaking and continued making clunking sounds. Had to pull over. Vehicle is not drivable. Had it towed to the dealership, they are saying the ther is an issue with a rod and engine is blown and needs a new engine. They are describing the same exact issue that this motor is on recall for other vehicles with the same motor and same year, but for...

ODI #11681970
Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes,Engine
1 Injured 08/08/2025

My vehicle comes to an abrupt stop while driving or when I’m pulling off at an intersection. This has happened on 4 different occasions in which I’ve injured my knee due to the vehicle stopping at random while I’m driving or pulling off. I’ve stated this to Cadillac of Memphis and to Landers GMC. The first time I happened I hit my knee by the control panel on the driver side. I’m in a brace becaus...

ODI #11679462

Showing 20 of 74 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv

NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
NHTSA RQ26001 Open

Component: Engine

Opened 2026-01-16

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 36 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V274. In each VOQ, the engine had the recall remedy completed prior to the reported failure incident. Recall 25V-274 addresses vehicles equipped with a L87 6.2L V8 gas engine that experienced engine damage or failure. Recall 25V-274’s remedy includes an engine inspection.  Based on the results of the inspection the vehicle will receive an oil chang...

Loss of motive power due to engine failure
NHTSA PE25001 Closed Recall 25V274

Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical

Opened 2025-01-16 · Closed 2025-10-23

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...

Air Bag Malfunction
NHTSA PE21010 Closed

Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Opened 2021-04-09 · Closed 2023-08-24

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,...

Loss of motive power due to engine failure
NHTSA EA25007 Open

Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical

Opened 2025-10-23

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 ...

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv

Has the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV been recalled?

Yes, the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV has 10 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV have?

The 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV has 74 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?

The 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 3/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV involve engine (29 complaints), engine and engine cooling (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints). Other affected components include power train,engine, electrical system,service brakes,engine, power train.

How many crash reports does the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV have?

There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV out of 74 total complaints (4.1% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV have?

There are 1 fire reports for the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV out of 74 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV.

How many injuries are reported for the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?

3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV is acceptable with caveats. It has 74 complaints, 10 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?

The components with the most failures on the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV are: 1. ENGINE (29 complaints), 2. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (5 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE (3 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 29 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?

Be aware of recalls and have your vehicle checked for known issues, especially with the engine, electrical system, power train, and seat belts. The 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV has 74 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).

How reliable is the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?

The 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 74 owner complaints, 10 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Engine Cooling and Seat Belts.

What are the known issues with the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?

Known issues with the 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV include: Engine and Engine Cooling, Seat Belts, Power Train Driveline Driveshaft, Electrical System. These are based on patterns found across 74 NHTSA complaints. 10 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

What are the most common issues with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Common issues include engine and engine cooling problems, electrical system issues, driveline driveshaft failures, and critical fastener issues with seat belts.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Yes, there are recalls for engine and engine cooling issues, automatic transmission control module software problems, and driveline driveshaft failures.

What should I do if I experience sudden loss of power in my 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Check for recalls and have your vehicle inspected for driveline driveshaft issues. If the problem persists, contact a certified mechanic.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls and have your vehicle checked for known issues, especially with the engine, electrical system, power train, and seat belts.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv. The data includes 74 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 10 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13