VehicleVerdict

2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV carries two red flags at once: 107 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 5.6× the Escalade ESV norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy). It is one of the Escalade ESV years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 50% of all reports (53 of 107), far ahead of transmission at 15. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

107

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations · 2 open

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Escalade ESV years?

Escalade ESV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted107 complaints2003: 13 complaints2004: 28 complaints2005: 19 complaints2006: 5 complaints2007: 83 complaints2008: 19 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 18 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 3 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 13 complaints2016: 20 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 22 complaints2019: 49 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 88 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 107 complaints2024: 26 complaints2025: 16 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Escalade ESV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escalade ESV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine5350%
Transmission1514%
Electrical System87%
Fuel System87%
Other55%
Driver Assistance44%
Brakes33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Lighting22%
Steering22%
Suspension22%
Tires & Wheels11%
Speed Control11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V274000EngineApril 24, 2025 · 597,571 units

Defect

General 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.

Consequence

Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

24V674000BrakesSeptember 12, 2024 · 449,671 units

Defect

General 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."

Consequence

Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.

23V642000SuspensionSeptember 20, 2023 · 189 units

Defect

General 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.

Consequence

A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232415910.

22V903000LightingDecember 8, 2022 · 740,108 units

Defect

General 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."

Consequence

DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ26001

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 36 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V274. In each VOQ, the engine had the recall remedy completed prior to the reported failure incident. Recall 25V-274 addresses vehicles equipped with a L87 6.2L V8 gas engine that experienced engine damage or failure. Recall 25V-274’s remedy includes an engine inspection.  Based on the results of the inspection the vehicle will receive an oil change to a higher viscosity oil or an engine replacement.  The complaints received allege failures of both remedies. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy of the remedy for Recall 25V-274. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA25007

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274.  This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“We were traveling on a highway trip, approximately 71 miles from home the engine made a brief grinding noise and then with in about 2 seconds the engine completely shut down and stopped running. After having the vehicle towed back to my Cadillac dealer, the dealer determined that the engine was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 14, 2025 · crash

“We were traveling on a highway trip, approximately 71 miles from home the engine made a brief grinding noise and then with in about 2 seconds the engine completely shut down and stopped running. After having the vehicle towed back to my Cadillac dealer, the dealer determined that the engine was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 14, 2025 · crash

“The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer with the assistance of a Police patrol. The dealer diagnosed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 31, 2023 · crash

“I was on the highway while cruising with a speed of 65 to 70 mph all of a sudden vehicle started to shake and lost control speed went down to 20mph on the highway check engine light came up foward collision, Stability, traction control and engine died started again stall, had to tow the suv to the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 30, 2025

“I JUST PURCHASED THIS 2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE AND MANY MORE CUSTOMERS HAVE STATED THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR NEW CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CAMERA FRONT/REAR GUIDELINES/ ARE MISSING MAKING PARKING AND OTHER THINGS VERY DANGEROUS TO COMSUMERS AND PEDESTRIANS. PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS SINCE THESE VEHICLES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 6, 2023

2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV — common questions

Is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 107 complaints put the 2023 model at #1 of 24 Escalade ESV years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Escalade ESV years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 Escalade ESV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (53 complaints), transmission (15 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).

Does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — 2 investigations remain open (Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Cadillac Escalade ESV years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escalade ESV years to avoid are 2023, 2021, 2007, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2024, 2008, 2011, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Escalade ESV years belongs to 2006.

How safe is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.