KnownCarProblemsHome › Cadillac › Escalade Esv › 2021
2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv, most often about the engine (82% of complaints, typically around 69,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Escalade Esv model year since 2000 and has 10 recalls.
Most common 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv problems
Engine
61 complaints · 82%Half of these problems showed up before 69,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv. The contact stated that while returning from vacation, the vehicle stalled while the contact's wife was driving at 70 MPH. The contact's wife managed to pull to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed over 100 miles to the nearest dealer. The dealer diagnosed…
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…
Transmission
12 complaints · 16%The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and decelerated before stalling. The vehicle was unable to be restarted and was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The…
Electrical
11 complaints · 15%The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv. The contact stated while her husband was driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electrical system…
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…
Fuel system
6 complaints · 8%Brakes
4 complaints · 5%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv recalls
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
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 for this recall is n252494000.
Full defect 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.
Transmission: valves/valve body
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. Gm's number for this recall is n242454440.
Full defect 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.
Lights: software
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.
Full defect 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."
Seat belts: critical fasteners
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 1-800-462-8782. Gm's number for this recall is n222372380.
Full defect 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.
Transmission: driveshaft
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.
Full defect 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.
Fuel system: control/drive module
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.
Full defect 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.
Steering: steering control module
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.
Full defect 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.
Air bags: srs malfunction warning lamp/light
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.
Full defect 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.
Seat belts: rear/other
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.
Full defect 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.
Seat belts: critical fasteners
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.
Full defect 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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Summary
On january 16, 2026, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query rq26001.â 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. Gmâs recall remedy for recall 25v-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Summary
On january 16, 2026, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query rq26001.â 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. Gmâs recall remedy for recall 25v-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Summary
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) 2019â2024 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).â gm determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. Gm issued recall 25v-274 to address the suppl
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Summary
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 gmâs 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 engineâs 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 l8
Air bag malfunction
Summary
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, issued in march 2021, addresses air bag mil illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) b0001-1b or b0012-0d. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag
Questions about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (61 complaints, typically around 69,500 miles); transmission (12 complaints); electrical (11 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv have?
- 10 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 24, 2025 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Cadillac Escalade Esv?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Escalade Esv model year since 2000, with 74 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.