2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. This model year has 70 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
Model-Year Complaints
70 owner reports
Recall Campaigns
9 NHTSA campaigns
Top Failure Area
Engine Problems
Worst 2021 Cadillac Escalade Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
AI Interpretation — 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Low ConfidenceBased 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
- 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.
Considering a 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search 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.
Recalls for 2021 Cadillac Escalade
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Cadillac Escalade — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has 70 NHTSA owner complaints, 2 crash-related, and 9 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (46 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has 2 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 70 total NHTSA complaints. 2 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?▾
Yes — 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Cadillac Escalade?▾
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
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Check Your Specific 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).