NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 40 owner complaints for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade. Most complaints involve engine (22) and electrical system (10). The EPA rates it 13–17 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Escalade model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 44 |
| 2000 | 83 |
| 2002 | 145 |
| 2003 | 112 |
| 2004 | 103 |
| 2005 | 62 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 286 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2009 | 61 |
| 2010 | 43 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 106 |
| 2016 | 104 |
| 2017 | 89 |
| 2018 | 37 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2020 | 36 |
| 2021 | 170 |
| 2022 | 146 |
| 2023 | 237 |
| 2024 | 75 |
| 2025 | 40 |
| 2026 | 56 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“My engine had a malfunction. My safety was put at risk due to not knowing if the vehicle would stop before I was able to safely get it to be checked. The dealer has been confirmed by the dealer as engine failure due to bearing failure. This was determined by metal pieces in the oil pan. There were no warning signs, including no warning lights.”
“On [XXX], at approximately 15,200 miles, my 2025 Cadillac Escalade V developed multiple warnings while I was driving at highway speed. These included reduced acceleration, speed limited to 62 mph, service power steering, service traction control, rear axle system off, and unavailable forward-collision and adaptive-cruise functions. At one point, the speedometer displayed 0 mph while I was still traveling over 60 mph. The vehicle ultimately stopped in the roadway and required towing back to Crestmont Cadillac in Beachwood, Ohio. Becoming disabled in traffic and losing a reliable speed indication created a safety risk. I picked up the vehicle from Crestmont the previous day after approximately a week at the dealership. I was told no battery issues had been found. There had been earlier visits for electrical/network and reduced-power problems. An August 8–12, 2026 repair order documented CAN Bus 2 communications dropping out. The dealer removed a GPS tracking device during that visit, but electrical and drivability problems subsequently recurred. I documented a recurrence to the dealer in an August 20 email. I have notified Crestmont in writing about the [XXX]…”
“On XXX, I picked up my 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV, VIN [XXX], from Open Road Cadillac after a replacement 6.2L V8 engine had been installed following failure of the original engine. Approximately one mile after leaving the dealership, the engine temperature rose to approximately 297°F. The vehicle displayed a critical oil-pressure/no-oil warning, coolant leaked from the vehicle, and the replacement engine produced a loud metallic knocking/clanking sound and had difficulty starting. The vehicle could not be safely operated and was returned to the dealership. The dealership subsequently advised me that a coolant hose/component had come off and caused the coolant loss. I was later advised that the vehicle was repaired, had completed approximately a 15-mile road test, and was ready for pickup. My safety concern remains that I have not been provided documentation showing that the oil-pressure warning and loud metallic engine knock were fully diagnosed or that internal engine damage caused by the extreme overheating and/or oil-pressure event was ruled out. I have video evidence documenting the knocking sound and photographs documenting the incident. Cadillac/GM has…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,550 | 537 |
| Escalade 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,850 | 572 |
| Escalade V AWD Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · 4-Wheel Drive | 11 | 17 | 13 | $5,950 | 683 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (22), electrical system (10), power train (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2025 Cadillac Escalade at 13–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Cadillac Escalade 5 out of 5 stars overall.