2021 Cadillac Escalade Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 70 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Cadillac Escalade has 70 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.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2021 Cadillac Escalade trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Cadillac Escalade 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 has 70 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Escalade
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 70
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 20
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- 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 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?
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade 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
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and electrical systems.
- Test drive to check for transmission or drivetrain issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and electrical systems.
- Test drive to check for transmission or drivetrain issues.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 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
Based on 70 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, the data suggests that engine problems are the most frequently reported issue, followed by electrical faults and transmission concerns. Crash-related complaints are minimal, with only 2 reported. The confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints, with 46 reports.
- Electrical faults are the second most common complaint, with 10 reports.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are reported in 8 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
Full breakdown
All 2021 Cadillac Escalade complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 46 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 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. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My family and I were returning from a trip, and the engine just died in the middle of the street at 2 AM. No noises from engine or anything, but it just stopped out of the blue.
On 4/17/2026 in Tomball Texas I experienced a sudden loss of engine propulsion while driving on a 4 lane road. The battery had voltage, hazard lights and radio worked normally. The car rolled to a stop in a traffic lane as this road has no shoulder and was put into park. The p…
The engine. I’m told my engine is not part of the recall but makes an extremely loud sound on start up. Been to dealer just for them to say the vehicle is not part of the recall. Recently called roadside assistance because the vehicle shut off in the middle of traffic. Took i…
There was a recall on the L87 propulsion. The dealer changed the oil and said it was fixed. I left the dealer and the issue still persists. They refuse to address it.
I SCHEDULED SERVICE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH RICK HENDRICK CHEVROLET IN NAPLES, FL. AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE AS SCHEDULED THE SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE SAFETY COVERED RECALLS AND STATED DUE TO THE ISSUE OF THE VEHICLE HAVING A BRANDED TITLE.
- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rearview backup camera system seems to be misaligned or improperly calibrated or connecting to the wrong camera when put into reverse. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, t…
On 2/21/26, while driving approximately 60 mph, my car experienced a sudden loss of propulsion. The vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and began decelerating, displaying a prompt instructing me to press the start button. I was able to coast to the shoulder and avoid a coll…
GM issued a special coverage in bulletin N252508341 for the coolant control valve in my vehicle. This issue happened to my vehicle exactly as the symptoms are stated in the bulletin: check engine light, P1098 code, fan running at high speed with the engine on and off, and reduced…
Engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt Also the fuel pump power control nodule failed
Rod/Main bearing Debris Causing block damage Engine needs rebuild/ replace
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer …
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. While the contact's wife was driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while a tractor-trailer was driving closely behind the…
I purchased this vehicle on October 20, 2025. I took it to the Cadillac dealership and was told a list of over 20 issues involving the vehicle. The tires have holes in them. The suspension is at Rick of failing, wiring and components are missing. The night vision camera and radar…
General Motors issued a recall on various 2021-2024 Tahoes and Escalades with 6.2L V8 engines. Since issuing the recall, they have given no information and my Escalade has been sitting at the dealership for months with not ETA of the engine and parts needed ti fix the vehicle. …
Complete engine failure with vehicle only having 79615 miles on the vehicle. Vehicle was inspected by authorized Cadillac dealership and it was determined that the crank shaft/connecting rod had failed causing the engine to be replaced. Dealership communicated that issue was co…
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light then illuminated…
See attached document for complaint. IN RE: GM Recall N252494000 I received notice in May of 2025 that my 2021 Cadillac Escalade is involved in a recall. At first my dealer said the part to repair is not available? Then in September we stopped by my dealer and he said the recal…
I have been waiting for GM to send authorization for the dealer to inspect and remedy the engine, as per the open recall, but have heard nothing since May 2025, when GM stated parts were not available.
Engine failure Driver side seat belt light on dashboard.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Prior to the letter being received, the message "Engine Oil Low" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to th…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
Safety recalls
2021 Cadillac Escalade recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. 9 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Cadillac Escalade buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 70 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Cadillac Escalade 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?▾
#1: Engine Problems (46 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (10 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 70 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE. 9 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?▾
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade 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 VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Escalade reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Cadillac Escalade based on your ownership experience.
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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.