VehicleVerdict

2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

16

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2025 compare to other Escalade ESV years?

Escalade ESV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 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, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escalade ESV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine531%
Electrical System213%
Transmission213%
Driver Assistance213%
Suspension16%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Lighting16%
Other16%
Speed Control16%

Does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V304000Tires & WheelsMay 14, 2026 · 2,457 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.

Consequence

A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262554630. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 14, 2026.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. The contact stated that the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 9, 2025

“The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while driving behind another vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance system failed to alert…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 17, 2026

“1. 6.2L Gasoline Engine.Vehicle available and has been in the shop at least 6 documented times. The 2025 was not part of the recall. GM refuses to tell me if the known engine problems of the recall was fixed on my engine prior to building and delivering the vehicle 2. Engine continues to knock and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 1, 2025

“The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. The contact stated that the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 9, 2025

“While driving at approximately 40 MPH there was a loud pop and the panorama sunroof shattered. There were other cars traveling at the same speed or less, but nothing struck the vehicle to cause the glass to shatter. The glass did not immediately give way, but had it, there were passengers that…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 27, 2026

2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV — common questions

Is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2025 Escalade ESV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), driver assistance (2 complaints).

Does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV earned an overall rating of 5 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.