Cadillac Escalade Esv Reliability by Year
672 NHTSA complaints (2003–2026). Complaint rate: 796.2 per 1,000 vehicles.
Cadillac Escalade Esv reliability varies significantly by model year. Based on 672 NHTSA complaints (2003–2026), the most problematic years are 2023, 2021, 2007, 2022, with high complaint volumes linked to engine problems. Better choices include 2013, 2012, 2010, which show significantly fewer reported problems.
Why these years are worse
The most common issues driving the complaint spikes:
- engine problems — 197 complaints (1.5% involved a crash)
- transmission issues — 68 complaints (4.4% involved a crash)
- electrical faults — 66 complaints (4.5% involved a crash)
- airbag malfunctions — 52 complaints (21.2% involved a crash)
- brake failures — 34 complaints (14.7% involved a crash)
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2021–2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv. The 2012–2013 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: ENGINE.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
Too New
Need 3+ years on the road for reliable complaint data.
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Cadillac Escalade Esv Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 197 | 1.5% |
| POWER TRAIN | 68 | 4.4% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 66 | 4.5% |
| AIR BAGS | 52 | 21.2% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 34 | 14.7% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 32 | 9.4% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 31 | 9.7% |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 18 | 0.0% |
| SUSPENSION | 14 | 7.1% |
| STEERING | 12 | 16.7% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | — | 13 | 2 | — | View → |
| 2004 | — | 28 | 3 | 1 | View → |
| 2005 | — | 19 | 0 | 2 | View → |
| 2006GOOD | — | 5 | 1 | — | View → |
| 2007AVOID | — | 83 | 3 | 3 | View → |
| 2008 | — | 19 | 1 | — | View → |
| 2009GOOD | — | 10 | 1 | — | View → |
| 2010GOOD | — | 6 | 0 | — | View → |
| 2011 | — | 18 | 0 | — | View → |
| 2012GOOD | — | 5 | 0 | — | View → |
| 2013GOOD | — | 3 | 0 | — | View → |
| 2015 | — | 13 | 3 | — | View → |
| 2016 | — | 20 | 4 | — | View → |
| 2017AVOID | — | 47 | 5 | 1 | View → |
| 2018 | — | 19 | 0 | 3 | View → |
| 2019AVOID | — | 48 | 2 | 1 | View → |
| 2020 | — | 27 | 9 | — | View → |
| 2021AVOID | — | 84 | 5 | — | View → |
| 2022AVOID | — | 75 | 2 | — | View → |
| 2023AVOID | — | 92 | 5 | — | View → |
| 2024TOO NEW | — | 25 | 1 | — | View → |
| 2025TOO NEW | — | 9 | 0 | — | View → |
| 2026TOO NEW | — | 4 | 0 | — | View → |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
See also: Cadillac Escalade Esvaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
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