2020 Cadillac ESCALADE ESV

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Cadillac ESCALADE ESV has 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is engine problems (42% of all complaints), specifically: we had a catastrophic engine failure when it seized up due to the rod bearing wear issue i read yesterday that your agency was investigating. i was told i need a new engine by my mechanic. please reach out if you need more information. [xxx][xxx].

9 crash reports 9 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

ENGINE

14 complaints

42%

• We had a catastrophic engine failure when it seized up due to the rod bearing wear issue I read yesterday that your agency was investigating. I was told I need a new engine by my mechanic. Please reach out if you need more information. [XXX][XXX]
• I learned that General Motors issued a voluntary recall for engine issues covering 2021 through 2024. I have a 2020 with the same exact engine problem. Basically, the engine completely failed when driving and now I'm stuck making payments on a car that is useless.
• Knocking noise coming from engine. Chirp noise coming from camshaft, and coils. Cylinder 7 misfiring, metal found in oil. I took my car to the Dealer because of vibration. Replaced 4 tires, balanced and aligned front end, that did not fix the problem. I took it back to the dealer balanced again and

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“We had a catastrophic engine failure when it seized up due to the rod bearing wear issue I read yesterday that your agency was investigating. I was told I need a new engine by my mechanic. Please reach out if you need more information. [XXX][XXX]”

— NHTSA complaint filing

AIR BAGS

4 complaints

12%

• DRIVING 94 WEST BOUND JUMPED OFF MY SEAT AND REMEMBERED I DIDN'T JUST HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. TIRE PASSED ME AND SEATBELT STRANGLED ME WHEN IT PULLED. GRABBED AHOLD OF STEERING WHEEL AND MADE SURE NOT TO HIT ANY OBJECTS OR ANYONE. SOMETHING HIT MY FACE AND GOT DISCOMBOBULATED FROM THE SEATBELT. HA
• LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT FOR BRAIN MATTER FOLLOWED BY NASAL DRIP IN BACK OF THROAT. STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. RIGHT REAR TIRE POP IN FREEWAY 94 WESTBOUND ON 13 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2020. USAA SENT DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE'S RECALL INFORMATION. CALLED MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE TO REPORT REC
• er to case number: Case#9-6698447273v 3136671128 Vera Cadillac case Escalated and I am not getting through. Just want to make sure that I made the effort to each our to dealerships and headquarters to no avail. And if this is really is what is happening, this is what really need to be done properly:

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

“DRIVING 94 WEST BOUND JUMPED OFF MY SEAT AND REMEMBERED I DIDN'T JUST HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. TIRE PASSED ME AND SEATBELT STRANGLED ME WHEN IT PULLED. GRABBED AHOLD OF STEERING WHEEL AND MADE SURE NOT TO HIT ANY OBJECTS OR ANYONE. SOMETHING HIT MY FACE AND GOT DISCOMBOBULATED FROM THE SEATBELT. HA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

WHEELS

4 complaints

12%

• DRIVING 94 WEST BOUND JUMPED OFF MY SEAT AND REMEMBERED I DIDN'T JUST HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. TIRE PASSED ME AND SEATBELT STRANGLED ME WHEN IT PULLED. GRABBED AHOLD OF STEERING WHEEL AND MADE SURE NOT TO HIT ANY OBJECTS OR ANYONE. SOMETHING HIT MY FACE AND GOT DISCOMBOBULATED FROM THE SEATBELT. HA
• LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT FOR BRAIN MATTER FOLLOWED BY NASAL DRIP IN BACK OF THROAT. STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. RIGHT REAR TIRE POP IN FREEWAY 94 WESTBOUND ON 13 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2020. USAA SENT DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE'S RECALL INFORMATION. CALLED MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE TO REPORT REC
• er to case number: Case#9-6698447273v 3136671128 Vera Cadillac case Escalated and I am not getting through. Just want to make sure that I made the effort to each our to dealerships and headquarters to no avail. And if this is really is what is happening, this is what really need to be done properly:

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

— NHTSA complaint filing

FUEL SYSTEM

3 complaints

• LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT FOR BRAIN MATTER FOLLOWED BY NASAL DRIP IN BACK OF THROAT. STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. RIGHT REAR TIRE POP IN FREEWAY 94 WESTBOUND ON 13 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2020. USAA SENT DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE'S RECALL INFORMATION. CALLED MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE TO REPORT REC
• er to case number: Case#9-6698447273v 3136671128 Vera Cadillac case Escalated and I am not getting through. Just want to make sure that I made the effort to each our to dealerships and headquarters to no avail. And if this is really is what is happening, this is what really need to be done properly:
• Persistent Engine Failure and Safety Hazards – 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV 97000 miles The vehicle suffered a major engine failure while traveling at highway speeds. The incident began with a loud mechanical knocking from the engine, followed by a sudden loss of propulsion and the vehicle entering "

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT FOR BRAIN MATTER FOLLOWED BY NASAL DRIP IN BACK OF THROAT. STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. RIGHT REAR TIRE POP IN FREEWAY 94 WESTBOUND ON 13 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2020. USAA SENT DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE'S RECALL INFORMATION. CALLED MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE TO REPORT REC”

— NHTSA complaint filing

BODY/STRUCTURE

2 complaints

• The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while he was approaching the vehicle, the side step was extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the actuator was replaced. The failure continued and the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and the
• Purchased a 2020 Cadillac Escalade Suburban about three months ago from GMC dealership at 8155 Interstate 35, San Antonio, Texas 78224. This vehicle had about 50,000 miles when we bought it. We were not driving the Escalade everyday, we use it occasionally and about a month after we purchased it t

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while he was approaching the vehicle, the side step was extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the actuator was replaced. The failure continued and the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and the ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 33 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: We had a catastrophic engine failure when it seized up due to the rod bearing wear issue I read yesterday that your agency was investigating. I was told I need a new engine by my mechanic. Please reach out if you need more information. [XXX][XXX]
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: DRIVING 94 WEST BOUND JUMPED OFF MY SEAT AND REMEMBERED I DIDN'T JUST HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. TIRE PASSED ME AND SEATBELT STRANGLED ME WHEN IT PULLED. GRABBED AHOLD OF STEERING WHEEL AND MADE SURE NOT TO HIT ANY OBJECTS OR ANYONE. SOMETHING HIT MY FACE AND GOT DISCOMBOBULATED FROM THE SEATBELT. HA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: DRIVING 94 WEST BOUND JUMPED OFF MY SEAT AND REMEMBERED I DIDN'T JUST HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. TIRE PASSED ME AND SEATBELT STRANGLED ME WHEN IT PULLED. GRABBED AHOLD OF STEERING WHEEL AND MADE SURE NOT TO HIT ANY OBJECTS OR ANYONE. SOMETHING HIT MY FACE AND GOT DISCOMBOBULATED FROM THE SEATBELT. HA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT FOR BRAIN MATTER FOLLOWED BY NASAL DRIP IN BACK OF THROAT. STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. RIGHT REAR TIRE POP IN FREEWAY 94 WESTBOUND ON 13 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2020. USAA SENT DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE'S RECALL INFORMATION. CALLED MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE TO REPORT REC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)