Last updated: 2026-04-20

Cadillac Escalade
63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

Cadillac Escalade Reliability by Year

The Cadillac Escalade averages 63/100 across 7 model years, rated good.

39 recalls496 complaints$1007/yr repair costBest year: 2025

Cadillac Escalade Reliability Overview

The Cadillac Escalade, covering model years 2019 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 63/100, indicating generally good reliability, though certain years like 2021 and 2022 fall into the mixed category with scores of 54 and 59, respectively. Common issues reported by owners include engine failures, power train problems, and electrical system malfunctions, with notable safety implications due to sudden loss of power or control. Despite these concerns, the Escalade's estimated annual repair cost of $1007 is slightly below the luxury full-size SUV average, making it a consideration for those prioritizing lower maintenance expenses within this vehicle class.

Current generation: 5th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2025.

Best & Worst Cadillac Escalade Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Cadillac Escalade Years to Buy

The best Cadillac Escalade year is 2025 with a reliability score of 72/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (66/100) and 2019 (66/100).

Cadillac Escalade Years to Avoid

The worst Cadillac Escalade year is 2021 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to engine (22) issues. Also avoid 2023 (56/100).

Cadillac Escalade Reliability Score Trend

Cadillac Escalade reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 63/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better.

Cadillac Escalade reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201966/100Good
202066/100Good
202154/100Mixed
202259/100Mixed
202356/100Mixed
202465/100Good
202572/100Good

Year-by-Year Reliability

64
PredictedPredicted reliability score: 64 out of 100

2026 Cadillac Escalade

2 recalls · 8 complaints

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (4), Electrical System (2), Power Train (1).

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2025 Cadillac Escalade

0 recalls · 10 complaints

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (4), Power Train (2), Electrical System (2).

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Cadillac Escalade

4 recalls · 54 complaints

The 2024 Cadillac Escalade has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 54 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (28), Power Train (7), Engine And Engine Cooling (6).

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2023 Cadillac Escalade

8 recalls · 166 complaints

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade has mixed reliability. There are 8 recalls and 166 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (83), Power Train (25), Electrical System (17).

59
MixedReliability score: 59 out of 100, rated Mixed

2022 Cadillac Escalade

8 recalls · 110 complaints

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade has mixed reliability. There are 8 recalls and 110 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (61), Power Train (17), Engine And Engine Cooling (11).

54
MixedReliability score: 54 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Cadillac Escalade

12 recalls · 68 complaints

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has mixed reliability. There are 12 recalls and 68 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (22), Power Train (8), Electrical System (8).

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Cadillac Escalade

4 recalls · 29 complaints

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 29 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (15), Power Train (3), Engine And Engine Cooling (2).

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Cadillac Escalade

1 recalls · 51 complaints

The 2019 Cadillac Escalade has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 51 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (25), Power Train (9), Electrical System (4).

VIN History Report

Found Your Cadillac Escalade? Check Its History

Every Cadillac Escalade has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

Cadillac Escalade Repair Costs

Reliability Rating

2.5/5

Annual Repair Cost

$1007

Repair Frequency

0.3/yr

Major Repair Risk

20%

$120 below the luxury fullsize SUVs average of $1127/yr.

Ranked #6 of 19 among luxury fullsize SUVs.

Compare Cadillac Escalade With Similar SUVs

The Cadillac Escalade competes with other full-size suvs such as Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Lincoln Navigator.

Compare Cadillac vs Chevrolet

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cadillac Escalade reliable?
The Cadillac Escalade has good reliability with an average score of 63/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
What is the best year for the Cadillac Escalade?
The best year for the Cadillac Escalade is 2025 with a reliability score of 72/100, rated good. It has 0 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Cadillac Escaladeanalysis →
What are the Cadillac Escalade years to avoid?
The Cadillac Escalade years to avoid include 2021 (54/100), 2023 (56/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
How much does it cost to maintain a Cadillac Escalade?
The Cadillac Escalade has an estimated annual repair cost of $1007, which is $120 below the luxury fullsize SUVs average of $1127. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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