VehicleVerdict

2024 Cadillac Escalade problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2024 Cadillac Escalade carries two red flags at once: 58 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy). It is one of the Escalade years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 53% of all reports (31 of 58), far ahead of transmission at 7. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

58

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations · 2 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2024 compare to other Escalade years?

See all Escalade years to avoid →

What are the most common 2024 Cadillac Escalade problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3153%
Transmission712%
Driver Assistance59%
Electrical System59%
Brakes35%
Other35%
Fuel System23%
Speed Control12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2024 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?

2 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.

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.

I’m using this car in Poland (Europe) my engine starts to make knocking noise due to Bearings rods and lifters failure . N252494001 L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion I called to European Cadillac authorized service and they refused to replace the engine because USA based manufacturer don’t wan’t…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 21, 2026

I want to report several recurring issues with my 2024 Escalade transmission:Rough/Hard Shifting: Drivers experience jerky, clunking, or harsh shifting, especially when accelerating or decelerating.Transmission Slipping: The vehicle slipped between gears, impacting performance.Delayed Engagement: A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 1, 2026

I want to report several recurring issues with my 2024 Escalade transmission:Rough/Hard Shifting: Drivers experience jerky, clunking, or harsh shifting, especially when accelerating or decelerating.Transmission Slipping: The vehicle slipped between gears, impacting performance.Delayed Engagement: A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 1, 2026

Clicking that the dealer stated was normal. It was not loud knocking saying that is how the high flow fuel pump worked. Safety braking did not work at all. And there was a water intrusion in the trunk.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 1, 2025

Clicking that the dealer stated was normal. It was not loud knocking saying that is how the high flow fuel pump worked. Safety braking did not work at all. And there was a water intrusion in the trunk.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 1, 2025

2024 Cadillac Escalade — common questions

Is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 58 complaints put the 2024 model at #15 of 28 Escalade years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Escalade years to avoid.

What are the most common 2024 Escalade problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (31 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2024 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2024 Cadillac Escalade. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade 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 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escalade years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2023, 2002, 2015, 2016, 2003, 2004, 2022, 2000, 2009, 2021, 2024, 2011, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2013. The cleanest record among Escalade years belongs to 2001.

How safe is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade 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.