2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 78 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv has 78 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
21.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
21.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv has 78 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Escalade Esv
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 78
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine and request service records for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine and request service records for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV are heavily concentrated in engine problems, which account for the majority of reports. Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues also appear as recurring themes, though the overall confidence in this data is low due to the limited sample size.
- Engine problems dominate the complaint data for the 2021 model year.
- Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues are the next most reported components.
- Crash-related complaints are few, with only 3 reported.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
Full breakdown
All 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 55 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several dealers were previously contacted for recall inspection appoi…
82.826 miles sounded like a idler pully making dinging noise got louder driving in city went to get on highway sudden lost of power and rattling noise and jerking and lunging got off first exit pulled into parking lot and shut it off. Called dealer they sent tow truck diagnosed i…
I purchased a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade in May 2025 with approximately 48,000 miles. While driving on Highway 14 near Acton CA at speeds exceeding 60 mph, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure (March 28th - 2026). The engine suddenly lost all power and shut off…
This vehicle had its engine replaced at around 33,000 miles. Today, at around 43,000, the replacement engine failed. It's now at the dealer waiting for yet another engine replacement.
In early February, 2026, a check engine light produced code P1098, engine coolant control valve position sensor performance. Code caused the cooling fans to run continuously when the engine reached a certain temperature and the vehicle had reduced acceleration, which posed a safe…
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the engine made ticking sounds. The check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine consumed an excessive amoun…
My 2021 Cadillac experienced a catastrophic engine failure that is mechanically identical to a known GM engine defect currently under recall. GM has denied coverage solely because my VIN is not included, despite the failure matching recall symptoms and diagnostics. This defect ca…
I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s rear passenger door. The door frequently cannot be opened from either the inside or the outside. At first, I believed the problem was related to the child safety lock. However, even after confirming that the child safety lock …
On 12/18/2025 at approximately 73,097 miles, while driving on I-75 near Wildwood, Florida at about 75 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure. The engine became seized/locked, the vehicle progressively lost power, and there were abnormal/loud mechanical noises. I…
The steering wheel locked up and the car shifted. I was unable to control the steering wheel it caused a crash
My wife was driving my kids to their nana and papas house when the vehicle loss power. The vehicle started to have a knocking noise and started to vibrate towards the engine compartment. The dash lit up like a Christmas tree. We took the vehicle to a local mechanic and he sugg…
Since April 2025, my 2021 escalade has been losing oil quickly. No leak externally has been found. The recent recall found "no engine problems" and placed new thicker oil, but the leak continues with us losing significant amounts of oil every 500 miles. This engine remains def…
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local service center for routine maintenance and after an oil change was performed, the vehicle was started but immediately shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed t…
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel with an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the battery needed …
The connecting rod and crankshaft failed while driving on the interstate causing loss of power.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH on the freeway, the vehi…
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started to los…
Car died in the middle of road. You pump the gas, nothing. This happened twice. Once at about 30000 miles and then at 60000 miles. The dealer had to replace a module or electrical box for fuel pump.
My vehicle has a recall and I took it to the dealer on the 28th of June and this is the date that I still do not have my vehicle. I have a report at Cadillac to replace the engine. The dealer sends all the information to GM Cadillac to authorize the engine replacement since it ha…
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable am…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv.
Safety recalls
2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SEAT BELTS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 78 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?▾
#1: Engine Problems (55 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (14 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 78 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv. A major recall area is STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?▾
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Escalade Esv reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.