2021 Cadillac Escalade: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade: 9 recalls, 73 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
9 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V190000 · 2021 · 94,641 vehicles
What's wrong: The third-row outboard seat belts May have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
Why it matters: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021.
Airbags, Electrical Vehicle recall #21V421000 · 2021 · 285,622 vehicles
What's wrong: The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (sdm), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
Why it matters: The air bag malfunction indicator light May fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (ota) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #21V739000 · 2021 · 14,939 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel pump power control module May cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V036000 · 2022 · 1,789 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies May have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Why it matters: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #22V617000 · 2022 · 484,155 vehicles
What's wrong: The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly May have been improperly formed.
Why it matters: A seat belt with a deformed rivet May not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner…
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #22V827000 · 2022 · 338,735 vehicles
What's wrong: The daytime running lights (drls) May not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Daytime running lights that do not deactivate as intended May cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (ota) update for the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #24V797000 · 2024 · 463,295 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission control valve May fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Why it matters: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. Gm will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #25V274000 · 2025 · 597,571 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
Fuel system (diesel) Vehicle recall #25V619000 · 2025 · 12 vehicles
What's wrong: The original fuel tank May have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (43): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (13), noise or vibration (11), warning light on (10).
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Electrical (7): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), noise or vibration (2).
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has 73 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 28 Escalade model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 61). Complaints peaked in 2025 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 40,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (14 complaints, 2 recalls), 2022 (85 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Diesel |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Diesel |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Premium |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Cadillac Escalade problems?
Owners have filed 73 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (43), engine & cooling (10), transmission & drivetrain (9).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 10-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Cadillac Escalade repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.