Cadillac Escalade ESV years to avoid and best years
Newer Cadillac Escalade ESV years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2023 has the most complaints per year, at 14 (88 complaints). 2023 through 2024 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 0 (from 15 complaints), 2019 at 1 (from 34 complaints), and 2020 at 2 (from 22 complaints). The Cadillac Escalade ESV 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 37 of 88 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2018
2019
2020
2025–26
Cadillac Escalade ESV reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Cadillac Escalade ESV. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | — |
| 2025 → Too early | 7 | 13 | 1 | Powertrain, Engine | — |
| 2024 → | 7 | 22 | 2 | Engine | — |
| 2023 → Most | 14 | 88 | 4 | Engine | — |
| 2022 → | 2 | 56 | 4 | Engine | — |
| 2021 → | 4 | 71 | 10 | Engine | — |
| 2020 → Fewest | 2 | 22 | 2 | Engine | — |
| 2019 → Fewest | 1 | 34 | 1 | Engine | — |
| 2018 → Fewest | 0 | 15 | 1 | Engine | — |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 full synthetic (6.2L V8) · 8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 275/55R20 (base), 285/45R22 (Luxury/Premium/Platinum)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 19V-837 covers certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles, and also Escalade and other GM full-size trucks and SUVs: the fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing over-pressurization of the fuel system. Dealers replace the fuel pump. Recall 18V-673 covers certain 2018-2019 Escalade ESV vehicles among other GM models: certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelt retractors may not lock; dealers inspect and replace retractors as necessary.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 full synthetic (6.2L V8 gas; ~8.0 qt with filter per 2021 owner’s manual—diesel differs) · 8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 275/50R22, 275/60R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 25V-274 covers certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine, and also Escalade and other GM full-size trucks and SUVs: dealers inspect the engine and, as necessary, repair or replace it; vehicles that pass inspection receive higher-viscosity oil and related updates. Recall 22V-617 covers certain 2021-2022 Escalade ESV vehicles with third-row seats among other GM SUVs: dealers inspect third-row seat belt buckle rivets and replace buckle assemblies as necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Escalade ESV years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 0 (from 15 complaints), 2019 at 1 (from 34 complaints), and 2020 at 2 (from 22 complaints).
Which Cadillac Escalade ESV year has the most owner complaints?
2023 has the most complaints per year, at 14 (88 complaints). 2023 through 2024 are in that same range. On the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 37 of 88 complaints name Engine.
How do Cadillac Escalade ESV owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Cadillac Escalade ESV years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Cadillac Escalade ESV years are too early to compare?
The Cadillac Escalade ESV 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Cadillac Escalade ESV take?
Gas 6.2L V8 models use 0W-20 full synthetic; the 2021+ owner’s manual lists about 8.0 quarts with filter for that engine. Diesel capacity differs—check the Duramax supplement.
What does recall 25V-274 cover on Escalade ESV?
Certain 2021-2024 Escalade ESV vehicles with a 6.2L V8 gas engine (and related Escalade/GM trucks): dealers inspect the engine and, as necessary, repair or replace it; vehicles that pass inspection receive higher-viscosity oil and related updates.
Which Escalade ESV generations does this site track?
K2 (2017-2020) and T1 (2021-on).