RoadVitals

2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 26V289000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
5
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 14, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 196 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine555.6%
  • Electrical111.1%
  • Fuel system111.1%
  • Powertrain (other)111.1%
  • Steering111.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
26V304000

WHEELS:HUB

May 14, 2026
2,457 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N262554630View on NHTSA.gov
26V289000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

May 7, 2026
66 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
The risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 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 N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N262557620View on NHTSA.gov
26V114000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Feb 26, 2026
5,861 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252540430View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 4, 2026

On June 18, 2026, while my nearly new 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV was being driven on the Ohio Turnpike, the vehicle unexpectedly entered reduced-power or limp mode, lost propulsion, shut off, and would not restart. The vehicle had approximately 2,234 miles. The sudden loss of propulsion and engine shutdown occurred in active highway traffic and created a serious risk of a collision. The vehicle had to be towed from the Ohio Turnpike to Cole Valley Cadillac. Cole Valley Cadillac opened Repair Order 6206894 and determined that the engine requires replacement under the manufacturer’s warranty. The repair records reference replacement of the engine, engine core, and engine block. The vehicle has remained out of service since June 18, 2026, and no confirmed repair-completion date has been provided. General Motors was notified under Cadillac Customer Assistance Case 103386652 and GM Repurchase Case 1153162. I am reporting this incident because a catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion in a nearly new vehicle at highway speed could place the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk.

NHTSA ID
11754751
Incident
Jun 18, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2026

Driving on [XXX] in Missouri, on the way to Kentucky for business. Outside of St. Robert, motor started knocking and losing power. AC quit, knocking got worse the power loss continued. I limped it to the top of the hill with hazards on, pulled off the interstate on a large shoulder, not safe. could not stand in the ditch due to all the ticks, stood in front of the car then it started raining. Oncoming traffic started getting very close due to low visibility/heavy rain. Tow truck arrived in 2 hours. Towed to Thompson Cadillac in Springfield, cost me extra since it was beyond 100 Miles. Diagnosed as Engine Failure, will be 3 months in the shop, and i get a Buick subcompact as my rental, all they would approve. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11746628
Incident
Jun 24, 2026
EngineSteering
Filed Jun 3, 2026

The car engine stopped on the highway while driving. Wouldn’t turn back on all of my four children were on the car.

NHTSA ID
11741786
Incident
May 21, 2026
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 1, 2026

Engine lost power on steep grade hill with kids in the car on our way to Tahoe putting us all at risk

NHTSA ID
11721226
Incident
Feb 28, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 13, 2026

I had been traveling on the freeway for about 3 hours when I decided to exit for a quick stop. While on the exit ramp, I was stopped about six cars back from the traffic light. When the cars inched forward I went to do the same and noticed there was no movement when I took my foot off the break. I pushed on the gas a little bit more than I normally would have to, and the car eventually jerked forward causing me to have to slam on the brakes. I turned off the auto start-stop feature at this point. The other cars inched forward again a moment later and again my car did not move when I took my foot off the brake. This time I really had to press down on the gas quite a bit and the car jerked forward again causing me to have to slam on the brake to avoid the car in front of me. The light turned green shortly thereafter and all the cars went, but I could not accelerate because the engine completely died. The car still had power so I turned it off and attempted to restart. All I heard was squeaking from the engine and nothing else happened. I waited about 15 minutes and tried it again, but the same thing happened again where the engine wouldn't turn over but there was some squeaking noises. The vehicle was towed to a nearby Buick dealership and when scanned in the service department I was told the issue is with the crankshaft. I've not been provided any details since. There were no warning signs or lights prior to this happening. I was almost rear-ended during this.

NHTSA ID
11717734
Incident
Feb 12, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT6533

This Preliminary information communications information on a Short Range Radar software anomaly causing false / ghost left or right side object detection alerts.

PIT6517C

This PI advise dealers If U3000 is present, follow the correct service doc by Symptom Byte before contacting PQC; if not present, verify the camera is clean, then contact PQC if no issue is found.

PIT6110K

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the SES MIL and DTC P062B and engineering is currently investigating.

PIT6446A

This PI Communicates information to ensure Memory Recall is enabled to ensure memory mirrors return to set position after curbview assist is used.

PIT5509N

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Cadillac Escalade Esv by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026Viewing530—
2025101042.7
2024202360.9
2023734366.3
2022524363.9
20216510471.6
2020212064.9
2019321055.6
2018141056.2
2017371056.3
2016153155.3
2015861—
2014021—
2013241—
2012331—
2011135159.3
2010431—
2009651—
2008174355.7
2007394358.8
2006510—
2005141041.3
2004221042.7
2003121036.5

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.