Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 54/100 (MIXED)

2021 Cadillac Escalade Reliability Report

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade rates mixed and well below other 2021 SUVs, mainly because of sudden engine failure.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

16.8per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1007

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,500–$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity44/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact54/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity83/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

First year of the Fifth generation and the weakest Escalade year scored, with sudden engine failures and 12 recalls.

Top Issues to Watch

ENGINE (49)
POWER TRAIN (19)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2021 is the first model year of the Fifth generation (GMT1UL).

First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
Refreshed in 2025.
5th generation Escalade (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2021 pricing and recall counts against 2022+ before deciding.

2021: Fifth generation (GMT1UL) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?

Think twice before buying this one. Its reliability standing is mixed, but against other 2021 SUVs it falls well below average, and it is the weakest of the eight scored Escalade years. It is the first model year of the Fifth generation, and both the 2020 and 2022 rate better. The 2020 drew 29 owner complaints, compared with 68 here.

Engine failure is the problem to know about. Owners describe rattling or knocking, then power loss at highway speed, often with no warning. Dealers have found failed connecting rods, crankshafts, and rod and main bearings. Some engines failed at 2,000 to 3,000 miles, others between about 58,000 and 84,000. Some replacement engines failed too, and waits for new engines run for months. Many owners say a recall visit did not fix their car. Federal recall records list 12 recalls, including three for seat belts and two for the power train.

If you still want a 2021, check the VIN for open recalls and ask for service records on any engine replacement. Look for notes on oil use and low-oil warnings. The 2020 is the safer comparison.

Compared to the 2022 Cadillac Escalade, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2020 Cadillac Escalade for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+$120 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury fullsize SUVs
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

−Below-average reliability score
−Above-average recall count
−ENGINE: Sudden, total failure is the main problem, often with no warning, and many... (49 complaints)
−POWER TRAIN: Power drops at speed, the engine stalls, or it seizes (19 complaints)

Compare 2021 Cadillac Escalade With

2021 GMC Yukon

Reliability: 55/100

Mixed

2021 Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability: 60/100

Good

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Reliability: 60/100

Good

2021 Toyota Sequoia

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2021 Nissan Armada

Reliability: 74/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

12 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ENGINE (49)
POWER TRAIN (19)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has 12 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

16.8

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Cadillac Escalade Recall Details

12 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V6190002025-09-18

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy

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.

25V2740002025-04-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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, 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.

24V7970002024-10-24

POWER TRAIN

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 1-800-458-8006, 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.

Showing 10 of 12 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade? Check its history first

Engine problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, and 12 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 Cadillac Escalade NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 21.2%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Front Center Air Bag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Cadillac EscaladeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$1007

vs $1127 avg for luxury fullsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

20%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Escalade

$1007

Category Avg

$1127

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Cadillac Escalade Resale Value

The Cadillac Escalade is estimated to retain about 57.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Cadillac Escalade model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.

Value Retained: 57.8%
Depreciation: 42.2%
Listings Analyzed: 142

Listings observed in May 2021. This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Cadillac Escalade depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

16–23 MPG

Running cost: $4,500–$5,300/yr

Fuel + repair

13–21 city / 19–27 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Escalade 2WD 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	21	27	23	$3,500
Escalade 4WD 3.0L 6-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	20	26	22	$3,700
Escalade 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	15	20	17	$4,050
Escalade 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	14	20	16	$4,300
Escalade 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	14	19	16	$4,300
Escalade 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	13	19	16	$4,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Cadillac Escalade.

Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm any open recall work is finished, not waiting on parts.
Ask for service records showing any engine replacement, lifter or camshaft repair, or oil consumption complaints.
Check the dipstick and ask the seller how often oil gets added between changes.
Listen at cold start and idle for ticking, knocking, or rattling from the engine.
Drive at highway speed and watch for shaking, Rear Axle System Off, or Service Transmission messages.
Drive on an open road with cruise control set and watch for false automatic braking.
Open every door from inside and outside, and check that the backup camera shows the area behind the vehicle.
Inspect the areas around the B and C pillars for water leaks or mold.

2021 Cadillac Escalade Common Problems by Component

68 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ENGINE (49)POWER TRAIN (19)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (14)SEAT BELTS (6)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)Other (9)

ENGINE

49 complaintsSafety-related

Escalade engine problems across all model years

Sudden, total failure is the main problem, often with no warning, and many cases end in a full replacement. Reports describe rattling or knocking, loss of propulsion at highway speed, and dealer findings of failed connecting rods, crankshafts, or rod and main bearings. Failures appear as early as 2,000 to 3,000 miles and again between about 58,000 and 84,000 miles. Some replacement engines fail too. Heavy oil use with low-oil warnings between changes is another theme. One report involves smoke from under the hood. Many owners say a recall visit did not fix the problem, and waits for new engines run for months.

49 complaints total1 fire

POWER TRAIN

19 complaintsSafety-related

Power drops at speed, the engine stalls, or it seizes. Most reports describe engine damage rather than transmission faults. Failed lifters and camshaft parts come up repeatedly, along with knocking or ticking, a flashing check engine light, black smoke, and a fuel smell. Stalls and power loss are reported between 25,000 and 69,000 miles. Some owners see "Service Transmission Now" or recurring "Rear Axle System Off" messages with shaking. One crash with 2 injuries involved a vehicle that shifted gears on its own. Waits for replacement engines are long.

19 complaints total1 crash2 injuries

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

18 complaintsSafety-related

Many of these filings actually describe engine failure: power loss, knocking, vibration, and seizure. Electrical faults include dashboards that flicker or go blank, radio and navigation screens shutting off, and a failed fuel pump control module that caused stalls. Others report TPMS module errors on long drives, a rear door that will not open, and a backup camera that points down at the bumper. False automatic braking and rear axle warnings also appear. One report describes a fire at a stop light, with 1 injury and the vehicle totaled.

18 complaints total1 fire1 injury

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (14 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

14 complaints

Escalade engine problems across all model years

Stalls and engine failure at speed lead to tows and engine replacements. Owners report failures at 40 to 70 MPH and as late as 96,000 miles. Most filings, though, are about a recall: owners describe getting notices, dealers saying repair parts are not available, and vehicles sitting at dealers for months. Several owners with failed engines say their VIN was not included. Low-oil warnings, ticking sounds, white smoke, and a replacement engine that failed again also appear.

14 complaints total

SEAT BELTS (6 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

6 complaintsSafety-related

Few of these filings describe a belt failing. Most are about seat belt recall work. Owners describe waiting months for parts, dealers finding no repair needed after inspection, and one dealer refusing recall work on a vehicle with a branded title. Two reports describe engine failure with the seat belt warning light on. In one, the driver hit his head on the steering wheel when the vehicle stalled. Another car then struck the disabled vehicle, and he was injured.

6 complaints total1 crash1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 complaints

The SUV comes to abrupt stops while driving or pulling away from intersections. One owner reports a knee injury after repeated events that a battery replacement did not fix. Other filings cover an open recall with no remedy for over 3 months, a water leak causing mold between the B and C pillars, and a driver assist warning that dealers cannot trace because no code appears. One filing mentions transmission control software and a risk of rear wheel lock-up.

5 complaints total1 injury

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

Daytime running lights go out, and one report calls the tail lights intensely bright. One owner is waiting on an exterior lighting recall repair with parts unavailable, though the VIN tool showed no open recall. Another filing here is mostly about engine failure at highway speed, with metal found in the engine and more than one replacement engine. With only 3 complaints, no clear lighting pattern exists.

3 complaints total

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

The SUV brakes hard with nothing ahead. Reports include a full panic stop at 65 mph on cruise control and brakes locking up at the approach to a steel bridge deck. Drivers saw no warning lights beforehand, and one dealer found no fault. In another report, Super Cruise would not hand control back after the driver switched it off. The vehicle slowed and turned on its flashers instead. Each of these events risks a rear-end collision.

3 complaints total

STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaintsSafety-related

A wheel that locks up while the vehicle shifts caused a crash in one report. The other report describes recurring warnings for the driver airbag, the restraint system, the power steering column, and driver assist, plus a message about reducing features to save battery. A dealer traced the airbag light to an earlier airbag repair that was done incorrectly. The other warnings kept appearing after several dealer visits, and the dealer's diagnostic tools did not explain them.

2 complaints total1 crash

FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2026-01-11

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. While the contact's wife was driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while a tractor-trailer was driving closely behind the vehicle. The contact stated that an error code indicated a failure with the fuel pump drive module. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,500.

When Do 2021 Cadillac Escalade Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

2,000–3,000 milesEarly engine failure

25,000–45,000 milesSudden power loss or stall

45,000–84,000 milesEngine seizure requiring replacement

Best & Worst Cadillac Escalade Years

Best Cadillac Escalade Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Cadillac Escalade Years to Avoid

Mixed

2021

(Current Model)

12Recalls

68Complaints

See full Cadillac Escalade years-to-avoid analysis

Cadillac Escalade Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Cadillac Escalade reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2019	66/100	Good
2020	66/100	Good
2021	54/100	Mixed
2022	59/100	Mixed
2023	56/100	Mixed
2024	65/100	Good
2025	72/100	Good
2026	68/100	Good

Cadillac Escalade Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	68/100	-4	Good	2	8
2025	72/100	+7	Good	0	10
2024	65/100	+9	Good	4	54
2023	56/100	-3	Mixed	8	166
2022	59/100	+5	Mixed	8	110
2021(selected)	54/100	-12	Mixed	12	68
2020	66/100	0	Good	4	29
2019	66/100	—	Good	1	51

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

Not very. Its standing is mixed, and it is well below average against other 2021 SUVs. It is also the weakest of the eight scored Escalade years. The 2020 and 2022 both rate better. Sudden engine failure drives most of the owner complaints, and 12 recalls are on record.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?

Engine failure leads by a wide margin. Owners report knocking, power loss at speed, and stalls, with dealers finding failed rods, crankshafts, or bearings. Heavy oil use and low-oil warnings also come up. Electrical complaints include flickering dashboards, screens shutting off, and a failed fuel pump control module that caused stalls.

Does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have engine problems?

Yes. Engine and power train filings make up most of the 68 complaints. Failures are reported as early as 2,000 to 3,000 miles and again from about 58,000 to 84,000 miles. Some replacement engines failed too, and owners describe waits of months for new ones.

How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have?

Federal recall records list 12. They cover seat belts (three), power train (two), engine and engine cooling, steering, air bags, exterior lighting, electrical system, and both diesel and gasoline fuel systems. Check the VIN to see which are open on a specific vehicle.

Is the 2020 or 2022 Cadillac Escalade better than the 2021?

Both rate better. The 2020 is rated good and had 29 complaints and 4 recalls. The 2022 is mixed, with 110 complaints and 8 recalls, though it has been on the road longer than a newer year would. The 2021 had 68 complaints and 12 recalls.

Don’t buy a 2021 Cadillac Escalade without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2021 Cadillac Escalade

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade does best on how many systems draw complaints (83/100) and worst on complaint severity (44/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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