Last updated: 2026-04-20

Cadillac Escalade

2 Cadillac Escalade Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Cadillac Escalade average of 63/100

The Cadillac Escalade years to avoid are 2021, 2023 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 54/100. The best Cadillac Escalade year to buy is 2025 72/100.

Verdict

The 2021, 2023 Cadillac Escalade score significantly below the model average of 63/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 54/100 due to engine (22) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 66/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Cadillac Escalade Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Cadillac Escalade average of 63/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202154/100Mixed1268Engine (22)
2202356/100Mixed8166Engine (83)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

54
MixedReliability score: 54 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Cadillac Escalade

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).

12 recalls68 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (22), Power Train (8), Electrical System (8), Engine And Engine Cooling (8), Seat Belts (4), Unknown Or Other (4)

View full 2021reliability report →
56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2023 Cadillac Escalade

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).

8 recalls166 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (83), Power Train (25), Electrical System (17), Engine And Engine Cooling (16), Unknown Or Other (8), Service Brakes (4)

View full 2023reliability report →

What Are Common Cadillac Escalade Problems?

Top reported issues across all Cadillac Escalade model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

269 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

POWER TRAIN

82 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

58 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

49 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES

7 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2024

Best Cadillac Escalade Year to Buy Instead

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Cadillac Escalade

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).

Score: 66/100 (Good)1 recalls51 complaints
View full 2019reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Cadillac Escalade year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Cadillac Escalade Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2019–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Cadillac Escalade years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Cadillac Escalade years: 2021 (score: 54/100), 2023 (score: 56/100). These model years score significantly below the Cadillac Escalade average of 63/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 10 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Cadillac Escalade have?
Across all years in our database, the Cadillac Escalade has a total of 39 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Cadillac Escalade worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 72/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 63/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Cadillac Escalade problems?
The most common Cadillac Escalade problems are engine (269 complaints), power train (82 complaints), electrical system (58 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Cadillac Escalade reliable long-term?
The Cadillac Escalade has an average reliability score of 63/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Cadillac Escalade generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Cadillac Escalade generation is the Fourth generation (GMT K2UL) with an average score of 66/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Cadillac Escalade?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Cadillac Escalade is $1,007 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 72/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 10 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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