2023 Cadillac Escalade: common problems and reliability
· 5th generationOne of the worst Escalade years.
One of the Cadillac Escalade years to avoid. All Escalade years
231 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2023 Escalade?The 2023 Cadillac Escalade has 231 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag 6.2l engine failure requiring replacement.
Safety record for the 2023 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Cadillac Escalade vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Escalade years only. How we score it
Is 2023 a good year for the Escalade?
Across the 28 Escalade model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2001) to 802 (2007). With 231 complaints, the 2023 Escalade sits above the model's median of 162.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2023 Escalade
exterior lighting:lighting control module:software
Campaign 22V903000General 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."
suspension:rear
Campaign 23V642000General 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:brake fluid low warning: lamp
Campaign 24V674000General 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."
engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Campaign 25V274000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
What owners report on the 5th generation Escalade
Owner sentiment for the 2020-2026 Escalade is sharply divided and dominated by anxiety over the 6.2L V8.
- Very frequent6.2L engine failure requiring replacement
- RecurrentOil consumption (approximately one quart per 2,000 miles, with low-oil warnings)
- RecurrentLifter and DFM/AFM-related engine concerns
- RecurrentLong waits for engine replacement and backordered parts
- RecurrentLoaner vehicle unavailability and slow reimbursement during warranty repairs
Owner insights for the 5th generation Escalade. Read the full 5th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Escalade listings typically run $25,495–$67,314.
Other Escalade model years
Compare every Escalade year side by side to see how 2023 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Escalade against its rivals
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