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

NHTSA has 77 owner complaint(s) on record for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, cited in 42 of 77 filed complaints (55%).

Problems › Cadillac › 2021 Escalade

2021 Cadillac Escalade Problems & Owner Complaints

77 NHTSA owner complaints

2 crash 2 fire 2 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~12.8 complaints per year on the road — ranking 4 of 15 Cadillac Escalade years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, cited in 42 of 77 filed complaints (55%).

Electrical System is next (10 complaints, 13%), followed by Engine And Engine Cooling (9), Power Train (8), Forward Collision Avoidance (7).

Across all complaints, 2 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 2 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Engine: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 77.

Engine 42 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph on the highway, a knocking noise emanated from the engine compartment, and the vehicle suddenly stopped and stalled. The contact head struck the steering wheel, and he sustained a head injury. The vehicle failed to restart. The safety restraint light was illuminated. The contact was going in and out of the vehicle to direct traffic around his disabled vehicle. A 2018 Ford Escape crashed into his vehicle, which was stranded on the side of the highway. The contact sustained a broken leg, and medical attent…”
NHTSA complaint #11680600, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound and then saw smoke coming from under the hood. Other drivers were honking at the contact and alerted him that there was oil leaking from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the axle rod had detached causing an engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The dealer was awaiting a new replacement engine. The man…”
NHTSA complaint #11427220, 2021 · fire

“On 7/14/26, I scheduled Escalade to be serviced at local dealership (MT) when A/C went out on drivers/middle vents and I noticed a faint ticking noise under hood. Was told engine lifters were damaged & needed to be replaced. Service was completed 7/21 and I picked it up that evening. On [XXX] my husband and I departed for San Diego; stayed overnight in St George UT. On [XXX] around [XXX] pm, I was driving in second from left lane on [XXX] San Bernadino area. I braked quickly as traffic from far left lane merged right to avoid debris from a refrigerator that had shattered all over the highway…”
NHTSA complaint #11754806, 2026

Electrical System 10 1 fire 1 injury

“When I was driving my Cadillac Escalade, when I stopped at the stop light, the car caught fire, it was later towed and totaled”
NHTSA complaint #11652848, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rearview backup camera system seems to be misaligned or improperly calibrated or connecting to the wrong camera when put into reverse. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, the camera image points downward and primarily shows the rear bumper rather than the area behind the vehicle. This significantly limits the rear field of view that the camera is intended to provide. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the backup camera view points downward and does not cle…”
NHTSA complaint #11723005, 2025

“I purchased this vehicle on October 20, 2025. I took it to the Cadillac dealership and was told a list of over 20 issues involving the vehicle. The tires have holes in them. The suspension is at Rick of failing, wiring and components are missing. The night vision camera and radars on the vehicle and not functioning. I was told this vehicle should not have been on a lot to be sold.”
NHTSA complaint #11709410, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 9

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while approaching a red light and slowing down, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000(E…”
NHTSA complaint #11751066, 2026

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11717280, 2026

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later examined by a mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE…”
NHTSA complaint #11695997, 2025

Power Train 8

“The engine. I’m told my engine is not part of the recall but makes an extremely loud sound on start up. Been to dealer just for them to say the vehicle is not part of the recall. Recently called roadside assistance because the vehicle shut off in the middle of traffic. Took it back to dealer, Nothing they can do, just keep bringing it back! Now warranty has expired & sound is getting worse”
NHTSA complaint #11727375, 2026

“Due to issues identified in - Safety Recall N252494001 L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion We have had to get our Escalade [XXX] ) repaired with a cost of circa $9500. We are due to pick this up tomorrow. There was an issue with the lifters which caused damage to the engine and the crankshaft, the engine made a very louder noise so we pulled over . From that point on the vehicle would not start consistently, when it did it would not go into gear and would not go into neutral. My issue here is that although the issues that caused the repair to be neeed directly correlate to the recall my VIN is not…”
NHTSA complaint #11667184, 2025

“I purchased my Vehicle a little over a year ago and have had multiple engine repairs. The first issue started with the lifters going out. Shortly after the lifters were repaired, the engine seized, causing us to get an engine replacement. A few days after having the new engine, we had the same knocking/ticking noise coming from the engine which was also repaired once again. Then yesterday, 3/13/25, the engine started to knock/tick once again, but this time more aggressively. (New engine had only 15,000 miles.)”
NHTSA complaint #11648258, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 7

“I SCHEDULED SERVICE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH RICK HENDRICK CHEVROLET IN NAPLES, FL. AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE AS SCHEDULED THE SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE SAFETY COVERED RECALLS AND STATED DUE TO THE ISSUE OF THE VEHICLE HAVING A BRANDED TITLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11724838, 2026

“Engine Shut off, misfires, put me on side of road twice. Dealer replaced engine with remanufactured engine, took car home, next day same thing happen, misfired, and put me on side of road again! Car been at dealer for 2 months Cadillac refuses to acknowledge.”
NHTSA complaint #11652190, 2025

Unknown Or Other 6

“My 2021 Cadillac Escalade has an open recall with no remedy available. It has been over 3 months with no repair solution from Cadillac. This has left me unable to use the vehicle for its intended purpose, including loss of rental income through Turo. Cadillac has not provided alternate transportation or compensation.”
NHTSA complaint #11683306, 2025

“While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade to Utah, the engine completely locked up and failed without warning. The vehicle had to be towed to a GM-authorized dealership. Upon inspection, the dealership confirmed the failure was directly related to an active safety recall on the vehicle. Prior to the failure, there were no check engine lights or no other warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. The failure occurred suddenly and without additional notice. The dealership stated the needed part is currently on national backorder and that the vehicle cannot be repaired or safely driven until the part…”
NHTSA complaint #11678340, 2025

“Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software.Consequence Rear Wheel Lock-Up CAN Increase THE Risk OF A Crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11647743, 2025

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Exterior Lighting 4

“Driving home going 60-70 miles an hour I lost power in the middle of the highway and cruised off to the emergency lane. Engine completely shut off out of nowhere. Spedeometer went down even though i was pressing the accelerator . Starter burned out as well. Dealership says there was metal in the engine. Ordered a new engine and that engine was also defected. Now going into my third engine. In less than 2 months. If traffic would have been worse the possibility of safely maneuvering to a emergency lane could be fatal. Also one of the day running lights on multiple 2021 escalades go off.”
NHTSA complaint #11644365, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V827000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN tool showed no present recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11515958, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“Engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt Also the fuel pump power control nodule failed”
NHTSA complaint #11719071, 2026

“1st incident - Car stalled at a red light and had to be towed for repair. It was determined to be the fuel injector pump. No lights came on and there was no indication of an issue prior to it stalling. 2nd incident - On the intestate it started making a rattling noise and felt like it was losing power. No lights came on to indicate any issue. Luckily we were able to exit the interstate but it stalled on the middle of the exit ramp. We were 5 hours away from home and it was towed to the nearest Cadillac dealership. They had the car for approximately 2 months and replaced the engine. 3rd inc…”
NHTSA complaint #11658046, 2025

“There was a recall on the L87 propulsion. The dealer changed the oil and said it was fixed. I left the dealer and the issue still persists. They refuse to address it.”
NHTSA complaint #11725927, 2024

Seat Belts 4 1 crash 1 injury

“Engine failure Driver side seat belt light on dashboard.”
NHTSA complaint #11688796, 2025

Service Brakes 4 1 crash

“On 2/21/23, at 1245, I hit the rear bumper of my 2021 Cadillac Escalade when I backed up after I had scraped the driver side of my door panel as I drive thru a gated parking area. I started driving forward, turned left onto the back row of parking area. Suddenly the car accelerated very fast like from 0-60 mph. I quickly tried to step on the brake but the car kept accelerating. I tried to steer the steering wheel away from a parked car that it was headed directly for. The steering wheel locked & wouldn’t turn. The car proceeded to hit a Hyundai. It knocked the Hyundai out of its way & con…”
NHTSA complaint #11517768, 2023 · crash

“My wife pulled out of a parking lot and was driving down the road at approximately 30mph when the brakes stopped working entirely. There was no response when she pushed on the brake pedal. The car displayed 3 warnings on the driver display: BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE 62 MPH TOP SPEED SERVICE STABILITRAK SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM My wife was able to coast into the next parking lot and go uphill to bring the car to a stop. If this had happened on the highway, this brake failure could have killed my wife and children because the BRAKES ENTIRELY STOPPED WORKING. This is a critical safety iss…”
NHTSA complaint #11509670, 2023

Lane Departure 3

“I recently purchased a 2021 Cadillac Escalade with Supercruise driver assistance system. There have been at least 5 instances where I attempted to turn off the Supercruise function and the system does not allow me to regain control of the vehicle. For example, I will turn off the Supercruise fuction by hitting the Supercruise function on the steering wheel and it will begin to flash red on the steering wheel. I will move the steering wheel slightly to let the system know I am taking control of the vehicle but the vehicle does not recognize my input. The car will start to slow down, turn on…”
NHTSA complaint #11422643, 2021

“DRIVERS SIDE BLIND SPOT MONITORING AND REAR PARKING DEFECTIVE. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND STAYS ON OVER 35 MILES PER HOUR. UNDER 35 MILES PER HOUR IT TURNS ON AND OFF AT RANDOM TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11408144, 2021

Air Bags 2 1 crash

“Our 2021 Cadillac Escalade has experienced multiple ongoing issues. The “driver airbag warning” light has been a major concern, with the dealership stating that the airbag could malfunction at any moment. When we took the vehicle in for repairs, they determined that a previous maintenance job on the driver’s airbag was done incorrectly, which was causing the warning light to activate. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently displays warnings for the “service system restraint system,” “service power steering column,” “reducing features to save battery,” and “service driver assist system.” Desp…”
NHTSA complaint #11642093, 2025

Structure 2 1 crash

“The latch on the doors malfunction and you get trapped in the car. This happens on a recurring basis every few months. It can sometimes take days to get a door to open again. Most recently this has happened to our driver side door and we have been unable to get it open again. The dealership has also been unable to get it open and have said they will need to break the door to then make the fix, which will be a costly repair that they will expect us to pay for. There is clearly a defect here, being able to open a door should be a minimum expectation of any car and it also a safety concern f…”
NHTSA complaint #11738111, 2026

Visibility/Wiper 2

“When the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the backup camera intermittently does not display an image. Instead, the screen shows a blue hourglass, leaving me without rear visibility while backing up. This creates a safety risk because I may not be able to see pedestrians, children, vehicles, or objects behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. GM has issued Service Bulletin 23-NA-084 for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, titled “Blue Hourglass and No Gridlines on Radio Rear View Camera Display While in Reverse.” The bulletin identifies software anomalies in the Video Processing Mo…”
NHTSA complaint #11746716, 2026

Back Over Prevention 1

Fuel System 1

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11710307, 2026

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's side front door failed to unlock as intended. The contact stated that the driver's side front door failed to unlock from inside or outside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the key fob was inside the vehicle at the time of the failure. The contact crawled to the front passenger's side to exit the vehicle. The contact stated that because of the failure, the contact had been locked inside and outside the vehicle several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however…”
NHTSA complaint #11639702, 2022

Steering 1

Suspension 1

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade draws about 12.8 complaints per year on the road, ranking 4 of 15 among the Cadillac Escalade model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.