Cadillac Escalade esv problems

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The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed by their luxury division Cadillac. It was the luxury brand's first major entry into the SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to an influx of new luxury SUVs in the late 1990s such as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Range Rover, Lexus LX, and (especially) Ford's 1998 debut of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. The term "escalade" refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers. More generally, it is a French word which is the noun-equivalent form of the French verb escalader, which means "to climb or scale".

The Escalade is currently sold in North America and select international markets (Europe and Asia) where Cadillac has official sales channels. The Escalade ESV (Escalade Stretch Vehicle) is sold in North America, Russia, and the Middle East, but is only available by special order in some international markets. The right-hand-drive Escalade and Escalade ESV are available through third-party conversion specialists without official agreement with Cadillac in Australian, Oceanic, and Japanese markets.

On August 8, 2023, GM unveiled the Escalade IQ, an all-electric version of the Escalade, and the third model in Cadillac's EV line, after the Celestiq, and Lyriq. It is expected to go on sale in late 2024 for the 2025 model year, with a starting price of $130,000.

photo of Cadillac Escalade esv car production

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Cadillac Escalade esv model years

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Escalade esv 2023
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Escalade esv 2022
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Escalade esv 2021
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Escalade esv 2020
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Escalade esv 2019
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22

2.5
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Escalade esv 2018
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22

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Escalade esv 2017
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22

2.1
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Escalade esv 2016
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15

2.2
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Escalade esv 2015
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4

2.5
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Escalade esv 2013
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1.9
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Escalade esv 2012
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23

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41

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Escalade esv 2011
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Escalade esv 2010
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Escalade esv 2009
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Common Cadillac Escalade esv problems

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is a luxury SUV that has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include:

  • Transmission Failure: Transmission issues are a common problem in the Escalade ESV, with numerous reports of hesitation, delay in shifting, and complete failures. These issues can be expensive to fix and may necessitate an expensive rebuild or replacement. The 2020 model, in particular, has been subject to a class-action lawsuit for transmission problems.
  • Engine Problems: Engine issues are another common problem in the Escalade ESV, with reports of violent and random shakes, mostly while driving at 50-70 mph. These issues have been particularly prevalent in the 2016 model, with many owners reporting engine and suspension problems.
  • Suspension Defects: Suspension problems have also been reported in the Escalade ESV, with some owners experiencing a constant vibration at speeds between 35 mph and 75 mph. This issue has been described as a "constant, steady vibration regardless of road conditions" and is most commonly reported in the 2016 model.
  • Fuel Pump Leak and Fire Risk: The 2020 Cadillac Escalade has been subject to a recall due to a malfunctioning fuel pump that may not have a pressure regulator, resulting in over-pressurization. An over-pressurized fuel pump can crack and leak, resulting in a fire risk. Fuel pumps will be replaced at no charge by GM dealers following notification of owners.
  • Tire Defects: The 2020 Cadillac Escalade has been recalled for defective tires that were overcured at the factory. Overcured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. GM will notify Escalade owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge.

These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the Cadillac Escalade ESV. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is important to seek professional help and have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Cadillac Escalade esv

What was the worst year for the Cadillac Escalade?

Q: Which Cadillac Escalade years should I avoid? A: IIt's best to steer clear of the 2007, 2008, 2015, 2016, and 2019 model years of the Cadillac Escalade. These years have been reported to have more issues and are considered the least reliable.

Do escalades have transmission problems?

Understanding Cadillac Escalade Transmission Problems

These problems may manifest as rough shifting, delays in gear engagement, or even complete transmission failure. While not all Escalades will encounter these issues, owners must be aware of the potential risks and take proactive measures.

How long will a Cadillac Escalade ESV last?

So, how long do Cadillac Escalades last? Expect to have between 200,000 to 250,000 miles on your Escalade, with proper care and maintenance.

Should I get Escalade or ESV?

The key difference between the 2022 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV is in their size. The Escalade ESV, or Escalade Stretch Vehicle, boasts a longer wheelbase, body, and significantly more cargo space. This chart contains comparisons of dimensions for the two models.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Cadillac Escalade esv years

We have researched Cadillac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Cadillac Escalade esv cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Cadillac Escalade esv model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Cadillac Escalade esv model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Cadillac Escalade esv years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Cadillac Escalade esv car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Cadillac Escalade esv , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Engine problems
  • Power train problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Cadillac Escalade esv vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Escalade esv model years

A total of 68 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Escalade esv model years

There were a total of 35 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Escalade esv model years

There were a total of 106 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Escalade esv model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 1148 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Cadillac Escalade esv . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Cadillac Escalade esv vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Cadillac Escalade esv 2021
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
  • VIN: 1GYS4MKL0MR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and decelerated before stalling. The vehicle was unable to be restarted and was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 25,000.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
  • VIN: 1GYS3CKJ9FR
  • Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: I was driving my vehicle, and it began to sputter, and steering wheel lock up almost causing an accident, plus I started the vehicle at home and within a few minutes I became unconscious from carbon Monoxide fumes and had to be rushed to the hospital and treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, also my family was in harm in which I was instructed to open all the windows and doors at home because the carbon monoxide detectors was going off at home.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
  • VIN: 1GYS3CKJ9FR
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lifters and the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,331.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-15
  • VIN: 1GYS4DKJ2GR
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the noticed a failure with the brake pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-03-22
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-13
  • VIN: 1GYS4NKL4NR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: See attached document for complaint
Cadillac Escalade esv 2018
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-28
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
  • VIN: 1GYS3CKJ4JR
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: On July 28th 2024 my wife backed the vehicle out of the garage and the vehicle locked out the steering wheel. The cluster and gauges went completely out. The vehicle did not start or turn on after that point. It was no longer drivable as we could no longer start the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to Penske Cadillac of Torrance where it took them a week to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle fuse box went out which locked out the steering wheel if my wife would of been driving the vehicle she would of been involved in a major accident. The problem was confirmed by the dealer a new fuse box was installed. I have the fuse box here as I requested it to follow up with the NHTSA. There was no warning that the vehicle had any malfuncitons. All electircal componenets and steering went out suddenly and abruplty.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2021
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-08
  • VIN: 1GYS4NKL7MR
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: My cameras are not working properly and have stopped working completely, I have seen online that theses car have problems like this and have recalls and my car has the same problem now but it’s says it’s not under a recall
Cadillac Escalade esv 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-05
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-01
  • VIN: 1GYFK63847R
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: My car shut down completely as I was driving it home last month [XXX] the cluster panel was showing charging system failure, stabilization and traction control coming on and off when not in use, the battery I bought was purchased in 2022 was completely drained and not rechargeable and even lights were staying on inside vehicle without out the battery connected, the driver door handle fell off not broken came loose and the tires had a locked lug nuts that never came with the vehicle when i purchased it, i had to buy a $103 unlocking key to remove the tire in order to get the brakes fixed and the spare tire was rusted and there wasn't a key to release it so i had it cut off Because i was stranded on the road with no help, the shift gear came undone as i had to put a paper clip in it as I didn't have a warranty to cover this expense, the starter and battery and alternator, serpinewas paid out of pocket as I was sold a 2007 Cadillac Escalade with 238,0000 miles with prior accident and the Carfax shows 50 different problems errors and the emergency break will shift out or on when not activated, the car has been without any power but yet the interior door lights and the radio would come on without any power, the car was in a prior accident before I became the owner, the gas costs me 140 weekly, I only used regular gas I only get 9miles to the gallon driving to nearest City but it costs me 40dollars total for round trip when I only drive 8 miles to culver Indiana from my home, the car doesn't have air as it was removed before I purchased it, it's hot without air as heat comes from the engine and hits my legs my feet and my face with the heat turned off, the engine light is currently on the car was sold to me as is but its not worth $$ 11, 800.00 with a 498.00 car note, and I have been in between jobs because of the car constantly breaking down and causing me to lose my job and I scheduled a air bag replacement recall with the dealer in Rochester, shepreds Chevrolet INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Cadillac Escalade esv 2009
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-08
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-30
  • VIN: 1GYFK26259R
  • Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: After driving car all day off and on, it suddenly went into limp mode. Multiple misfires. Service traction t control and service stabilitrak warnings. Engine light flashing. Car had oil. Replaced oil pressure sensor. Replaced spark plugs. Wires. And coils. Will not clear misfire and won’t go out of limp mode. $7500 fix. This is ridiculous. I have heard of 15 others with the same issue.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-29
  • VIN: 1GYS4CKJ1GR
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I own a 2016 Cadillac Escalade that has been experiencing issues with the DVD player unit, as described in Bulletin No.: PIT5370C, dated December 2015. The specific problem is that a DVD has been stuck in the unit and will not eject. Additionally, the DVD button does not light up or respond to any touch. This malfunction aligns perfectly with the condition outlined in the bulletin, where the Instrument Panel Multifunction Switch (Eject Button) has been found to be hypersensitive, causing these disc handling problems. The safety of my passengers and myself has been compromised due to this issue. For instance, the inability to use the DVD player has caused significant distraction while trying to manage the media system during travel. This has been particularly concerning on longer trips where the media system is intended to provide entertainment to backseat passengers, reducing driver distraction. The unexpected ejection of discs has also posed a potential hazard within the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center, where the technicians verified that the disc player is malfunctioning due to the hypersensitive multifunction switch as detailed in the bulletin. However, despite this confirmation, my vehicle's VIN has been erroneously excluded from the recall, leaving the DVD unit inoperable. Prior to the complete failure of the DVD player, there were no specific warning lamps or messages indicating the impending issue. The symptoms started appearing gradually and have now rendered the DVD player completely unusable. Given that the described issue and its symptoms match the conditions outlined in Bulletin No.: PIT5370C, I request that my vehicle be included in the recall for covered repair to replace the faulty Instrument Panel Multifunction Switch (Eject Button) and restore the functionality of the media disc player.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-07
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-26
  • VIN: 1GYS4HKJ7KR
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The tire pressure guage reads the opposite tire. Causes allot of confusion and is a safety concern for anyone who owns the car.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-07-22
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-22
  • VIN: 1GYS3NKJ2FR
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that both rear doors trim near the windows had been slowly detaching from the vehicle, causing a loud whistling sound while driving. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was inspected and determined that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-05-11
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-19
  • VIN: 1GYS4BKJ0HR
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: I have a 2017 Cadillac Escalade that is all black. This vehicle is now sitting a 140,000 miles now. but before the 140,000 miles I was experiencing horrible peeling, and discoloration of the black paint on the hood, and roof of my vehicle. This particular issue should not be happening in such a highly luxury vehicle. I have driven Lexus, Nissan, and other vehicles, that are way older, im still possession of those vehicle, and still have not experienced such issues, with the paint or coating. This paint peeling and discoloration began well before the 140,000 miles. I want to say at about 90,000 miles I observed issues with the paint located on the top of my hood, and roof. I have also done research on the class action law suit for such issues as well. So I have seen I’m not the only person experiencing the paint discoloration or peeling problem
Cadillac Escalade esv 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-07
  • VIN: 1GYEC63807R
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: N212328760 Recall preformed on 8/4/2022. Airbag warning light still coming on while driving! Evidently, my problem was never fixed.
Cadillac Escalade esv 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-24
  • VIN: 1GYS4KKL5NR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: I was driving up a hill passing a semi at 60 MPH. The engine suddenly stopped running without warning. No warning lights, only a restart engine notice. The vehicle rapidly slowed and I was able to pull over to the shoulder without being hit by the semi. Unfortunately the vehicle came to rest at the crest of a large hill, at the end of a merge lane. It was a very dangerous place to stop. Onstar Called the Missouri Highway Patrol, the officer arrived and agreed it was in a very dangerous location and called a local towing company to remove the vehicle as quickly as possible. The vehicle could not be restarted or pushed as the transmission was also locked when we came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the next day I was told the engine had seized and would need to be replaced. The Escallade only had 25,000 miles on the odometer and I had purchased it new 2021. The service manager stated the failed engine would be sent back to GM, but this was a common problem with that model engine (6.2L) and that it may take a while to find a new replacement engine

Latest 5 recalls Cadillac Escalade esv

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 57 recalls for different components of the Cadillac Escalade esv.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Cadillac Escalade esv 2023
  • Report Received Date: 2024-09-12
  • Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
  • Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
  • Consequence: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
  • Model: Cadillac Escalade esv 2023
  • Report Received Date: 2023-09-20
  • Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
  • Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
  • Consequence: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232415910.
  • Model: Cadillac Escalade esv 2023
  • Report Received Date: 2022-12-08
  • Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
  • Consequence: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
  • Model: Cadillac Escalade esv 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-12-08
  • Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
  • Consequence: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
  • Model: Cadillac Escalade esv 2021
  • Report Received Date: 2022-11-03
  • Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
  • Consequence: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

Latest negative Cadillac Escalade esv car reviews

  1. Fausto Dach 2025-07-26

    Vehicle year: 2017

    This is a 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV buyback. We purchased it with a new motor, but unfortunately, it has been experiencing intermittent starting issues. Despite our efforts to resolve the issue, including towing it to a dealership and contacting Cadillac customer service, we have not received the assistance we expected. We have identified the problem as a faulty starter, which was replaced shortly after the motor was installed, but we were not informed of this at the time of purchase. We are disappointed with the lack of response from Cadillac customer service and hope to resolve this issue soon.I am extremely disappointed with the service I have received from Cadillac Customer Service. Despite having a case number, I have had to make all the effort to contact them. I have called them nine times and sent five emails, but have only received one phone call from them, which I missed. When I called back, I was unable to speak to anyone and had to leave a message. I have since received a call from a senior customer representative, Sheila, who was unhelpful and denied my reimbursement. She suggested that I ask the dealership to reimburse me instead, which is not fair as it is not their fault that the vehicle stranded me nine hours from home, only five hours after I bought it. I explained that it is not about the money, but the principle that Cadillac is supposed to provide elite customer service. I requested to speak to her supervisor, but was told that it would take one to two business days for them to call me back. I am beyond frustrated that I am stuck with a Cadillac that I cannot depend on. I expect better from a company that prides itself on its customer service.

  2. Okey Hill 2025-07-23

    Vehicle year: 2011

    I noticed a couple of issues mentioned in reviews that I'd like to address. Firstly, I swapped out my 22

  3. Wilber Emmerich 2025-07-23

    Vehicle year: 2017

    If you're considering buying the Escalade, I would recommend taking it out for a test drive for a day or two. My family and I traded in our 2018 Traverse for a 2016 Escalade because we needed more luggage room for our four girls, one of whom is a year and a half old. However, we did experience some issues with the vehicle. After a week of driving it, we heard a ticking sound in the engine. We took it back to the dealer and they changed the oil, which seemed to fix the issue. However, the next day my wife heard the ticking noise again, which eventually turned into a clunking noise. We took it back to the dealership and they told us we needed a new engine, which was covered under warranty. Although we were shocked that a vehicle with only 38,000 miles needed a new engine, the dealership fixed it and also addressed a recall issue. After driving it for a couple of weeks, we noticed that the transmission was slipping. We brought it back to the dealership, but they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Despite these issues, the Escalade is a beautiful truck and we still have it, although it doesn't get driven often since I travel for work. We recently purchased a Mercedes GLC for my wife to use for work. While we are disappointed with the issues we experienced with the Escalade, we still appreciate its beauty and hope that Cadillac will improve their quality and customer service in the future.

  4. Torey Olson 2025-07-22

    Vehicle year: 2009

    After experiencing transmission issues with my vehicle multiple times over the course of 5 years, I took it to the dealership for repairs. Despite their attempts to fix the issue, it persisted and I had to return to the dealership shortly after leaving. Although they were able to finally resolve the issue, I was disappointed with their response when I expressed my frustration about the recurring transmission issues during long trips. The dealership simply dismissed my concerns by stating that all cars have issues. As a confident customer, I expect better service and accountability from the dealership.

  5. Howell Conroy 2025-07-20

    Vehicle year: 2016

    $130,000 for this car? Seriously? Unfortunately, I've had a few issues with it. The AC stopped working properly, but thankfully I was able to get it fixed by replacing the condenser for $650. The entertainment center, called 'Cue', also needed some attention and cost me $1150. I had to replace the fluid and heat sensor for $1400 to fix a hard shift, and the fuel injectors cost me $1980. The dash also bubbled up, and I'm currently waiting on a fix for the Adaptive Cruise Control module which will cost $950. The brake pedal was hard, and I was told I needed 4 new rotors and pads which was quite expensive, over $1,000. On the bright side, the seat massage and door handle were covered under warranty. The front suspension was a bit of a mystery, but after some investigation, it turned out that the right front adjuster nuts were loose. It cost me $108 to fix. I've also had some trouble with the camera alignment, which has cost me $100 each time I've had it realigned. Despite all of this, I'm still a bit nervous to start it up. The manager at the Cadillac dealership told me that my vehicle has 103,000 miles and may need to be replaced soon, but I'm hoping to get a bit more life out of it. I've had some complaints since 2017, around 35k miles, but unfortunately, the issues were only addressed with temporary solutions until my warranty expired.

Latest positive Cadillac Escalade esv car reviews

  1. Clifton Durgan 2025-08-01

    Vehicle year: 2004

    I purchased this car used about 3 years ago and, as expected with a 15-year-old car, I had to get some repairs done. However, overall I am quite happy with this car. It has proven to be very durable and dependable. Even a year later, I am still very satisfied with my purchase. Although I recently had to replace the fuel pump, which was a bit pricey at around $800 (as of 8/23/19), the motor and transmission are holding up very well. We make sure to do the necessary maintenance to keep it in good condition. As of 8/29/20, I am still very happy with this car and the engine and transmission continue to run strong.

  2. Boyd Dicki 2025-07-28

    Vehicle year: 2013

    This is a very capable car overall. It has excellent cargo capacity and third row room, which is especially important for a family of 8 and three dogs, all of which fit comfortably. Although it lacks a third row that folds flat, which is crucial in its class, it is still a good car overall. The only downside is that it doesn't have one-touch windows, which can be a bit annoying. However, the GL has this feature but is not as roomy.

  3. Bennett Wyman 2025-07-28

    Vehicle year: 2006

    I have been enjoying our Escalade ESV Platinum Edition for almost two years now. Overall, I love it! It is a powerful, safe, and comfortable vehicle. The Platinum Edition features are top-notch, but I do believe that for the price point, some features are missing, such as adaptive cruise control, night vision, rain-sensing wipers, massaging front seats, parking sensors in the front, and a heated third row. It's interesting to note that all these features are available on other Cadillacs, so why not on the Platinum? On the other hand, the cooled seats are a great innovation! However, the driver's seat one doesn't seem to work (I will have the dealer look at it soon). But in the backseats, they work especially well, and it's almost like heaven. I would definitely consider buying another one, maybe the new 2007's.

  4. Aidan Steuber 2025-07-27

    Vehicle year: 2005

    I have had a Chevrolet Suburban and a GMC Yukon XL and neither compare to the Cadillac Escalade ESV. It is a pricey SUV, but it is definitely worth the extra money. The only downside is the gas mileage, but I was aware of that before purchasing. I highly recommend it to anyone considering the Escalade ESV.

  5. Warren Denesik 2025-07-27

    Vehicle year: 2005

    The 2003 Escalade ESV is like having a family room on wheels! With a DVD player and 4 wireless headphones, our large family can travel in comfort on long trips. The acceleration in this large SUV is really impressive. I'm able to travel up steep grades with absolutely no feeling of engine struggle or hesitation. The brakes are also very effective. I have little difficulty maneuvering it, especially with the help of the park assist feature. Overall, this is a wonderful luxury SUV with all the desirable amenities.

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