2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

10 safety recalls on file

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 3 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (54 reports).

10Recalls
74Owner complaints
2Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Escalade ESV?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls

Engine may fail unexpectedly, raising crash risk

Recall 25V274Apr 24, 2025597,571 vehicles affected

Certain 2021 full-size Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC SUVs and pickups equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine may have a connecting rod or crankshaft with a manufacturing defect.

Rear Wheels Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk

Recall 24V797Oct 24, 2024463,295 vehicles affected

Certain 2020-2021 GM full-size pickups and SUVs equipped with diesel engines may have a transmission control valve that can fail.

Daytime Running Lights May Stay On With Headlights, Causing Glare

Recall 22V827Nov 3, 2022338,735 vehicles affected

Certain 2021 full-size SUVs may have a software fault in the lighting control module that keeps the daytime running lights on when the headlights are also on.

Third-Row Seat Belts May Not Hold Occupants in a Crash

Recall 22V617Aug 11, 2022484,155 vehicles affected

Some 2021-2022 full-size SUVs with third-row seats may have a seat belt buckle assembly where the rivet attaching the buckle to its mounting bracket was improperly formed.

Rear driveshaft may fail, causing sudden loss of power

Recall 22V036Jan 27, 20221,789 vehicles affected

Some rear driveshaft assemblies may contain internal parts that were not heat-treated properly.

Fuel Pump Module May Fail, Causing Engine Stalls

Recall 21V739Sep 23, 202114,939 vehicles affected

The fuel pump power control module in these vehicles can cause the fuel pump to fail or run intermittently.

Software Flaw Can Cause Sudden Loss of Steering Assist

Recall 21V455Jun 17, 202126,847 vehicles affected

A software issue in the steering control module can cause a loss of power steering assist, either when the vehicle starts or while it is being driven.

Air Bag Warning Light May Not Alert You to Faults

Recall 21V421Jun 10, 2021285,622 vehicles affected

Some 2021 GM vehicles have a software problem in the communications gateway module.

Third-Row Seat Belts May Be Damaged, Risking Failure in a Crash

Recall 21V190Mar 18, 202194,641 vehicles affected

Some 2021 full-size SUVs have third-row outboard seat belts that may have been trapped or routed incorrectly behind the seat-folding mechanism.

Seat Belts May Not Be Securely Attached, Raising Crash Injury Risk

Recall 20V811Dec 23, 2020470 vehicles affected

Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more points where the seat belts attach to the vehicle.

Most common 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems

Problem areas named in the 74 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine54
Power Train12
Electrical System11
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Service Brakes4
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Seat Belts2
Unknown Or Other2
Steering1

What owners report

2026-10-07, Engine
My 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN [XXX]) developed an engine failure after receiving the recall remedy for NHTSA recall 25V-274 (GM 6.2L V8 connecting rod/crankshaft defect). Symptoms: engine misfiring, dashboard warning lights illuminated, engine stalling/misfiring at idle, loss of power on acceleration, and a valve-like knocking noise coming from the engine. The loss of power and stalling while driving put my safety and the safety of others at risk. The vehicle is currently at the Vera Cruz Cadillac dealership, where it has been sitting for almost a month while awaiting the warranty process. The dealer has not confirmed the root cause. This engine failure occurred AFTER the 25V-274 recall
2026-10-06, Engine
Body of what was just sent to GM- this should answer most/all questions: To the GM Executive Resolution Team, I am escalating a critical safety hazard and severe dealer misconduct involving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade (53,700 miles), which is fully covered under the GM Factory Powertrain Warranty and a GM Platinum Extended Warranty. This vehicle is experiencing its third catastrophic top-end valvetrain failure. The component history on this VIN is as follows: First Failure: Lifters replaced at a GM dealership in Miami, FL. The worn camshaft was left in place. Second Failure: Lifters replaced at AutoNation Cadillac West Palm Beach. The worn camshaft was left in place. Third Failure: The
2026-10-05, Engine
I was driving down the interstate going 80 miles an hour and my engine completely shut off. I had to cross four lanes of traffic, on an interstate where the speed limit is 75 miles an hour, to get over on the shoulder while my car was able to accelerate. It was traumatizing and extremely dangerous and a miracle that a wreck was not caused. Engine would not start up after that.
2026-08-30, Engine
While driving out of state the engine started knocking- I took it to the dealer before it left me stranded on the road. I was told the engine had failed and needed to be replaced.
2026-08-28, Engine
•Purchased the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury on XXX, at roughly 68,000 miles. •Within roughly 300 miles of ownership, the 6.2L engine suffered a catastrophic failure involving a rod and ultimately required a complete engine replacement by GM. •The incident involved a loss of propulsion while the vehicle was being driven, making the event more significant than an ordinary mechanical repair. •The incident occurred while transferring from the XXX North to the [XXX] on the turn with 7 people in the car (including 4 children ranging from [XXX]) No lights or warning signs prior to the event. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552

2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV questions

Does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV: Engine may fail unexpectedly, raising crash risk; Rear Wheels Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk; Daytime Running Lights May Stay On With Headlights, Causing Glare; Third-Row Seat Belts May Not Hold Occupants in a Crash; Rear driveshaft may fail, causing sudden loss of power. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (54), Power Train (12), Electrical System (11).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Cadillac Escalade ESV years

Other 2021 Cadillac models