VehicleVerdict

2025 Cadillac Escalade problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade — 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.

24

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2025 compare to other Escalade years?

Escalade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted317 complaints1999: 46 complaints2000: 96 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 164 complaints2003: 111 complaints2004: 99 complaints2005: 63 complaints2006: 26 complaints2007: 317 complaints2008: 180 complaints2009: 89 complaints2010: 47 complaints2011: 53 complaints2012: 32 complaints2013: 23 complaints2014: 29 complaints2015: 141 complaints2016: 120 complaints2017: 76 complaints2018: 29 complaints2019: 28 complaints2020: 15 complaints2021: 85 complaints2022: 98 complaints2023: 176 complaints2024: 58 complaints2025: 24 complaints2026: 16 complaints
Escalade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escalade years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Cadillac Escalade problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine938%
Electrical System625%
Driver Assistance28%
Transmission28%
Suspension14%
Lighting14%
Brakes14%
Other14%
Steering14%

Does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade 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.

“I PURCHASED A 2025 CADILLAC ESCALADE IN APRIL 2025 AND IGOT 9300 MILES AND THE LIFTER NOISE IS LIKE TYPE WRITER THAT SPEEDS UP WITH ACCELERATION AND THE TAPING IS LOUD I CAN NOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE I DONT WANT TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 6, 2026

“The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPh, attempting to make a left turn in the snow, the vehicle prompted them to activate the skid protection mode. After activating the Skid Protection mode, the vehicle began to lose power and shut down.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 27, 2026

“The engine suffered catastrophic failure, piston number six 6and connecting rod broke in pieces and made a hole on the block. This is a L 87 engine 6.2 L.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 13, 2026

“I am reporting serious and repeated safety defects involving loss of vehicle control in my 2025 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of uncommanded braking (“phantom braking”) while driving at approximately 45 mph with no driver input and no obstacles…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 1, 2025

“On Tuesday, [XXX] at approximately [XXX], my 2025 Cadillac Escalade (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a sudden and complete failure of multiple critical safety and control systems while in motion. My wife was driving downhill toward a stoplight with our two toddlers in the vehicle when the incident…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 30, 2025

2025 Cadillac Escalade — common questions

Is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

The record is thin — 24 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 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), driver assistance (2 complaints).

Does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?

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

Is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 2025 Cadillac Escalade?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade 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.