How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have?

NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade model year. Whether one car had the recall work done depends on that car, so check its VIN with NHTSA.

What is the WhipWorthy verdict on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?

Pass. 13 times the usual owner complaints. The verdict weighs this year against the other years of the Escalade, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are unverified and not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

2021 Cadillac Escalade: problems, recalls, verdict

Our take: the data says look elsewhere. Owners filed 13 times the complaints of a typical year of this model.

Year verdict

Past 100,000 miles

Not judged

Too young to judge at high mileage. Most 2021 cars have not reached 100,000 miles yet, so their problems past it have not shown up.

How the dial was counted

Year verdict: Typical year: 7 complaints, the median of 5 nearby years, leaving out 2015, 2016 and 2017, which were high themselves. Each counted over its first 6 years and 10 months from January 2020; this one had 96.

Same car, better year: 2005 or 2013 Escalade (both Worthy)

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WhipWorthy sticker

2021 Cadillac Escalade

Complaints96Filed in all
Loading owner complaints
Recalls9On file
Loading recalls
Crash4 out of 5 starsBest of 2 versions
Loading crash ratings
MPG16 to 23Combined, EPA
Loading fuel economy

Complaints are unverified owner reports, not adjusted for how many were sold.

Compare this car Every Escalade year

Car report

Save this car to My Garage and see its recalls at a glance.Car Hunt Pass or Pro

Value signals

We do not price cars.

These help you judge whether this one is worth its price.

This year has one costly problem zone. Whether it lies ahead at your miles comes with a Car Hunt Pass or Pro. See plans
Loading costly problem zones ahead
Fuel: $4,100 to $5,000 a year.The EPA’s estimate for 15,000 miles a year, 55% in town, at its fuel prices. Each version
Loading the EPA's yearly fuel cost
Have the VIN? Check it is this car, and see its open recalls at NHTSA.
VIN
On the dash at the base of the windshield, or on the driver’s door sticker.

What about the price? Check the asking price on two listing sites. Buying from a dealer? Run its offer through the offer X ray.

Education, not financial or mechanical advice. Have any used car checked by a mechanic you trust before you buy.

The full record

Tap to open

What owners complain about

96 complaints; the part named most is the engine

Unverified reports, not adjusted for sales. One complaint can name several parts, so shares add up past 100%. Filed Dec 17, 2020 to Oct 28, 2026. 73% name a part that is usually costly to fix.

Owners reported 3 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.

Engine63 · 66%Usually costly to fix
Electrical13 · 14%

Seller kit

Questions for the seller, test drive checks and price points

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Walk up to the seller ready

Questions to ask the seller of a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, built from this year's owner complaints and recalls. What to feel, hear and look at on the test drive, with boxes to tick at the car. Honest points to raise on price, from the records and never from guesses. Copy the questions to your phone in one tap.

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Write your offer

A ready to send offer for the seller, by text or email

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Send the seller a fair offer

Type the asking price and your own offer for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, tick what you found, and get a polite message ready to text or email. Its reasons come from this year's owner complaints, recalls and crash ratings, and never from made up repair prices.

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When problems show up

Engine: the middle complaint around 35,000 miles

The bar holds the middle half of the complaints that gave a mileage; the dark mark is the middle one. 24 complaints of 96 gave one. Owners file when something fails, so this shows when problems were reported, not how long the cars last. These cars are young, so problems at higher miles have not had time to show.

EngineCostly15,000 to 65,000 mi
Half of these 18 complaints came between about 15,000 and 65,000 miles, the middle one around 35,000.

SourceMileage from owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. NHTSA, checked Nov 4, 2026.

Will it outlast the loan?

The month of your loan each problem zone lands in

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1 problem zone to lay against your loan, 1 usually costly

See whether each lands while you still owe, the month and what you would owe then, or whether your miles have already reached it.

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Recalls

9 recalls on file

Not every car needs every fix. Run the VIN at NHTSA to see which are still open. Repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand; ask before any work.

Fuel system
Sep 18, 2025 · Recall 25V619000
General 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.
What can happen
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix
Dealers 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.
Engine
Apr 24, 2025 · Recall 25V274000
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.
What can happen
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The 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 for this recall is N252494000.
Transmission and drivetrain
Oct 24, 2024 · Recall 24V797000
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.
What can happen
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Lights
Nov 3, 2022 · Recall 22V827000 · Fixable over the air
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."
What can happen
Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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
Aug 11, 2022 · Recall 22V617000
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.
What can happen
A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
Transmission and drivetrain
Jan 27, 2022 · Recall 22V036000
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.
What can happen
Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Show 3 more recalls

Fuel system
Sep 23, 2021 · Recall 21V739000
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.
What can happen
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Air bags
Jun 10, 2021 · Recall 21V421000 · Fixable over the air

SourceRecalls listed by NHTSA for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. NHTSA, checked Nov 4, 2026.

Crash ratings

4 of 5 stars overall, the best of 2 versions tested

NHTSA's stars out of five, for each version it tested. Front crash stars only compare cars of about the same size and weight.

2021 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
21.9% chance of a rollover in a one car crash, by NHTSA's estimate.
Stability control
Standard
Forward collision warning
Standard
Lane departure warning
Optional
2021 Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD
Overall
Front
Side

NHTSA investigations: 5

SourceNHTSA crash ratings for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. NHTSA, checked Nov 3, 2026.

Fuel economy

16 to 23 mpg combined, across 6 versions

The EPA's estimates for each engine and transmission, and its own yearly fuel cost. Yours depends on how you drive and the shape the car is in.

Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start
Escalade 2WD · Rear wheel drive · Premium gas
City
15 mpg
Highway
20 mpg
Combined
17 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,700
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
Escalade 2WD · Diesel · Rear wheel drive · Diesel
City
21 mpg
Highway
27 mpg
Combined
23 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,100
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI
Escalade 2WD · Rear wheel drive · Premium gas
City
14 mpg
Highway
20 mpg
Combined
16 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$5,000
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start
Escalade 4WD · 4 wheel drive · Premium gas
City
14 mpg
Highway
19 mpg
Combined
16 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$5,000
This one on fueleconomy.gov

Show 2 more versions

Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
Escalade 4WD · Diesel · 4 wheel drive · Diesel
City
20 mpg
Highway
26 mpg
Combined
22 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$4,300
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI
Escalade 4WD · 4 wheel drive · Premium gas
City
13 mpg
Highway
19 mpg

SourceEPA fuel economy data, fueleconomy.gov. EPA, checked Nov 4, 2026.

True cost to own

The loan, fuel, insurance and upkeep, a month and over 5 years

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What it really costs to own

What the 2021 Cadillac Escalade costs a month and over 5 years: the loan and its interest, fuel worked out from the EPA's figures for the version you pick, and your own insurance, registration and upkeep. A cost a mile, a link that reopens your numbers, and the breakdown copied to your phone in one tap.

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Every year of the Escalade

12 Worthy, 4 Maybe, 8 Pass, of 29 years on file

Owner complaints for each model year, this one outlined. Tap a year to open it. The newest 2 are not judged yet. Bars are totals, so older years stand taller; the verdict compares every year at the same age.

Before you buy this one

5 checks, with a close look at the engine

Built from this year's numbers. Whatever the data says, the car in front of you is the one that counts.

Run the VIN at NHTSA to confirm every recall was fixed.
This year has 9 recalls on file. Recall repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand. Ask the dealer to confirm before any work is done. Look up a VIN at NHTSA.
Ask the seller for the service records.
Look closely for any work on the engine. It is the part owners complain about most for this year.
Have a mechanic you trust inspect it before you pay.
Ask them to look hard at the engine. It is usually costly to fix.
Look at a vehicle history report.
It can show reported crashes, flood or salvage titles, and mileage that does not add up.
On the test drive, pay attention to the engine.

Going to see it? Take the checklist52 checks with the bad signs to look for, saved on your phone.

Check this exact car

The verdict is about the model year. These checks are about the one in front of you. Most are free or a few dollars.

VIN for these checks

Copy it, then paste it into each check. Nothing is sent until you open one.

Official checks on this VIN

Open recallsFree
NHTSA
Safety recalls on this VIN that are not fixed yet, from the last 15 years.
A recall already fixed does not show.
Check recalls at NHTSAnhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)
Theft and total lossFree
NICB VINCheck
Whether an insurer reported it stolen and not found, or wrote it off as a total loss.
Only insurer records. Five checks a day.
Open NICB VINChecknicb.org (opens in a new tab)
Title brandsA few dollars
NMVTIS, the federal title system
Salvage, flood, junk and rebuilt brands from any state, and the last miles on the title.
No repairs, service or recalls. Sold by approved sellers listed on the site.
See the approved sellersvehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov (opens in a new tab)
Title statusVaries by state
The state motor vehicle office
Whether the title is branded in that state and, where the state offers it, whether a lender still has a lien.
It will not name the owner. Each state asks its own way, and some only by mail. Ask to see the seller’s title too.
Find your state’s officeusa.gov (opens in a new tab)

What a paid report adds

A history report such as Carfax or AutoCheck pulls in more of the car’s past than these checks can:

Crashes and damage reported by police, insurers or shops, even when it was fixed.
Service visits that shops reported, with the miles each time.
How many owners, for how long, and the states it was registered in.
Whether it was a rental, fleet or lease car, when that was reported.

It only knows what was reported to it. A clean report is not proof of a clean car. Ask the seller first: many dealers hand one over for free.

Red flags in a history

Salvage title
Usually an insurer called it a total loss. In most states it cannot be driven on the road until it is rebuilt and inspected.
Rebuilt title
A salvage car that was fixed and passed a state check. It can be fine, but it is worth less, can be harder to insure, and needs a careful inspection.
Flood damage
Water can ruin wiring and sensors months later. Be wary of a flood brand that vanished after a move to another state.
Lemon or maker buyback
The maker bought it back over a defect it could not fix. Ask what the defect was and how it was fixed.
Odometer rollback
A mileage reading lower than an earlier one, or a title marked not actual miles.
Many owners, fast
Three owners in two years can mean a problem each one passed along.
Gaps in the records
Years with no service or registration. Ask why: it may have sat, been off the road, or been rebuilt.

Title words and rules differ by state. Not legal advice.

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection
Have a mechanic you choose, not the seller, put it on a lift and look it over before you pay.
Insurance quote
Get a quote on this exact car before you sign. Ask your own insurer and one or two others.

Model year	Owner complaints	Verdict
1999	50	Worthy
2000	85	Worthy
2001	3	Not judged
2002	149	Maybe
2003	112	Worthy
2004	103	Worthy
2005	62	Worthy
2006	24	Worthy
2007	286	Pass
2008	167	Maybe
2009	58	Worthy
2010	43	Worthy
2011	65	Maybe
2012	26	Worthy
2013	19	Worthy
2014	20	Worthy
2015	106	Pass
2016	104	Pass
2017	89	Pass
2018	22	Worthy
2019	25	Not judged
2020	14	Not judged
2021	96	Pass
2022	86	Pass
2023	143	Pass
2024	52	Pass
2025	21	Maybe
2026	39	Not judged
2027	1	Not judged

The verdict on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade

Value signals

What owners complain about

Seller kit

Write your offer

When problems show up

Will it outlast the loan?

Recalls

Fuel system

What can happen

The fix

Engine

What can happen

The fix

Transmission and drivetrain

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Seat belts

What can happen

The fix

Transmission and drivetrain

What can happen

The fix

Fuel system

What can happen

The fix

Air bags

Crash ratings

2021 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD

2021 Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD

Fuel economy

Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start

Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo

Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI

Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start

Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo

Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI

True cost to own

Every year of the Escalade

Before you buy this one

Check this exact car

Official checks on this VIN

What a paid report adds

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection

Insurance quote

Fuel system

What can happen

The fix

Engine

What can happen

The fix

Transmission and drivetrain

What can happen

The fix

Lights

What can happen

The fix

Seat belts

What can happen

The fix

Transmission and drivetrain

What can happen

The fix

Fuel system

What can happen

The fix

Air bags

What can happen

The fix

Seat belts

What can happen

The fix

Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start

Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo

Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI

Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start