Avoid: 2023, 2008, 2007 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2013 · Best recent: 2019
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 28 model years, the Cadillac Escalade has 4,804 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 110 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. 2007 drew the most complaints (802), 2001 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (3).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Cadillac Escalade vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $25,495–$67,314.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 51 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2023 | 231 |
| 2022 | 141 |
| 2021 | 181 |
| 2020 | 36 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2018 | 57 |
| 2017 | 178 |
| 2016 | 208 |
| 2015 | 212 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2012 | 92 |
| 2011 | 228 |
| 2010 | 162 |
| 2009 | 259 |
| 2008 | 501 |
| 2007 | 802 |
| 2006 | 67 |
| 2005 | 167 |
| 2004 | 275 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2002 | 298 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2000 | 85 |
| 1999 | 50 |
Highest: 2007 (802 complaints). Lowest: 2001 (3).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, ranging from high praise for long-term durability in older models to significant frustration with reliability in newer ones.
Considered a "ticking time bomb" leading to potential engine rebuild; failure can occur even with an AFM disabler.
Engine failure requiring full replacement, burning oil, transmission shudder, clunky shifting, complete loss of power.
Malfunctioning auto-closing door mechanisms, infotainment screen failures, running board failures, faulty steering racks, various warning lights (check engine, stability control).
Screen delamination or cracking.
Strut and suspension control module failures.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Escalade. Individual model years are broken down above.
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