The Lemon Index
20245th generation
Too new: partial score · still collecting complaintsThe 2025 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 2025 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.
33 owner complaints, first 3 years 13–17 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2025 Cadillac Escalade
- Engine failure14 complaints
Specific parts named in the 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2025 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
Only 5 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recall 26V304000 (wheels) done? 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.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
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 33 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 5K to 20K miles (8K to 33K km) on the car (5 of all 33 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
My engine started to make noise so I took it in for service and was told by Cadillac service it was a blown piston rod and it required a full engine replacement.
2025 Cadillac Escalade owner · NHTSA complaint 11730621
Recalls 1
- Wheels · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.
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
- 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 RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4,400–$5,800 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac Escalade year. 2025 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 2025 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-escalade/?y=2025" 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/2025/">Lemon Index</a> (2025 Cadillac Escalade reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn a bit more than the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 111; 100 is average). The Cadillac Escalade year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2011.
What are the most common 2025 Cadillac Escalade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (58%), electrical (27%) and transmission & drivetrain (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade have?
1 safety recall (latest: wheels). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade get?
13 to 17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2025 Cadillac Escalade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade cost in fuel a year?
About $4,400 to $5,800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade have?
6.2L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac Escalade year is better than the 2025?
No year within 3 model years of it drew fewer complaints. Across every year, 2011 drew the fewest (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car).
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