The Lemon Index
202220245th generation
Too new: partial score · still collecting complaintsThe 2023 Cadillac Escalade hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2023 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.
232 owner complaints, first 3 years 13–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade
- Engine failure101 complaintsmostly at 30,000–62,000 miles (48,000–100,000 km)
- Engine stalling28 complaintsmostly at 28,000–60,000 miles (45,000–97,000 km)
- Throttle body / loss of power15 complaints
Specific parts named in the 240 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 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
Most problems on this year showed up between 17,000 and 45,000 miles (27,000–72,000 km) (the middle half of the 25 complaints, of all 232 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V274000 (engine), 24V674000 (brakes) and 23V642000 (suspension) done? It has 4 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.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
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 232 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 →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 45K miles (27K to 72K km) on the car (25 of all 232 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Engine was replaced at 70,000 miles by warranty by GM and now at 110,000 miles as in the new engine has the engine is given the same issue again
2023 Cadillac Escalade owner · NHTSA complaint 11757844
More owner reports
Total engine failure on the I-95 Express Lane in Miami.
NHTSA complaint 11759151
I was going down the highway at 75mph and all of sudden the engine started loud knocking and loss of power. Good thing I was able to get off the exit and stop safely. Car was towed to dealer. Needs new engine 48k miles
NHTSA complaint 11758989
Recalls 4
- 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.
- Brakes · recall issued 2024
The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs.
- Suspension · recall issued 2023
The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
Show all 4 recalls
- Lights · recall issued 2022
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
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–$5,800 (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. 2023 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.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2023 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-escalade/?y=2023" 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/2023/">Lemon Index</a> (2023 Cadillac Escalade reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn about 5 times the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 467; 100 is average). 2023 is one of the weaker years of a model that usually draws about two-thirds as many complaints as the average car. The Cadillac Escalade year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2011.
What are the most common 2023 Cadillac Escalade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (75%), transmission & drivetrain (18%) and electrical (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade have?
4 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade get?
13 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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.
At what mileage do 2023 Cadillac Escalade problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 17,000 and 45,000 miles (27,000–72,000 km) (the middle half of the 25 complaints, of all 232 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2023 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade cost in fuel a year?
About $4,000 to $5,800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac Escalade year is better than the 2023?
Nearby, the 2021 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car). 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