The Lemon Index
2020
20225th generation
Better than average · most complaints: engine
20 owner complaints, first 3 years 16–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Lincoln Navigator2021 Volvo XC90 402021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE 76
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
- Engine failure46 complaintsmostly at 35,000–90,000 miles (56,000–145,000 km)
- Engine stalling18 complaintsmostly at 26,000–70,000 miles (42,000–112,000 km)
- Throttle body / loss of power9 complaints
Specific parts named in the 154 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V619000 (fuel system, diesel), 25V274000 (engine) and 24V797000 (transmission & drivetrain) done? It has 11 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- NHTSA has an open investigation into loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Has this car had that problem?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 20 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Recalls 11
- Fuel system, diesel · recall issued 2025 Diesel only
The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
- Engine · recall issued 2025 6.2L engines only
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2024 Diesel only
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Show all 11 recalls
- Lights · recall issued 2022
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2022
The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2022
The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2021
The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
- Steering · recall issued 2021
A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2021
The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2020
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Cadillac Escalade recall, all years · All Cadillac recalls
Government investigations
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4,000–$4,700 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac Escalade year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-escalade/?y=2021" title="Cadillac Escalade reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="652" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-escalade/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Cadillac Escalade reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 51; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac Escalade year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2011.
What are the most common 2021 Cadillac Escalade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (55%), transmission & drivetrain (30%) and automatic emergency braking (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have?
11 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, diesel). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade get?
16 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 30% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade cost in fuel a year?
About $4,000 to $4,700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Is there a better Cadillac Escalade year than the 2021?
Not nearby: the 2021 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Cadillac Escalade years within 3 model years of it. Across every year, 2011 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works