What are the most common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 635+ owner reports, the 2002-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure, 10-Speed 10L80/10L90 Harsh Shifting, Shudder, and Valve Body Control Solenoid Issues, 6.2L L87 Connecting Rod/Bearing Failure Leading to Engine Seizure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
The 2002-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 10 known issues documented across 635+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure and 10-Speed 10L80/10L90 Harsh Shifting, Shudder, and Valve Body Control Solenoid Issues and 6.2L L87 Connecting Rod/Bearing Failure Leading to Engine Seizure and Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?
Repair costs for known Cadillac Escalade ESV issues range from $30 to $18,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure, typically costs $600-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Cadillac Escalade ESV is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Cadillac Escalade ESV. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2002-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV with 10 documented issues from 635+ owner reports.
What is the 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure?
The Escalade ESV equipped with the Autoride electronic air suspension system experiences compressor burnout and air shock/strut failure. The compressor runs excessively trying to compensate for leaking air shocks, eventually overheating and failing. Replacement OEM air shocks are… Repairs typically run $600-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV 10-Speed 10L80/10L90 Harsh Shifting, Shudder, and Valve Body Control Solenoid Issues?
Owners have reported harsh 1-2 or 2-1 shifts, delayed engagement, shudder, and transmission warning messages on the current-generation Escalade ESV. GM service information and field reports point to valve body/control solenoid faults, internal transmission control valve issues, a… Repairs typically run $450-$6,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV 6.2L L87 Connecting Rod/Bearing Failure Leading to Engine Seizure?
Multiple owners of 2021-2024 Escalade/Escalade ESV models with the 6.2L L87 V8 have reported sudden engine failure, knocking, loss of power, and complete seizure. GM issued a safety recall covering certain vehicles for manufacturing defects that can damage connecting rods and cra… Repairs typically run $6,000-$18,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure?
The rear air ride suspension system fails frequently due to air spring leaks and compressor burnout. The air springs develop cracks in the rubber bladders, causing the rear to sag overnight. The compressor then runs continuously trying to maintain ride height, eventually burning… Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV Power Liftgate Strut Failure and Liftgate Falling?
The power liftgate on the Escalade ESV is prone to gas strut failure due to the extra-long and heavy liftgate (longer than standard Escalade). The struts lose pressure and the liftgate won't stay open or falls unexpectedly. The power liftgate motor and latch can also fail, preven… Repairs typically run $30-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transfer Case Fluid Leak and Encoder Motor Failure?
The K2-platform Escalade ESV uses a Magna MP3024 transfer case that develops fluid leaks at the rear output seal and the encoder motor gasket. The encoder motor (which controls 2WD/4WD/Auto mode switching) can also fail electrically, leaving the vehicle stuck in one drive mode. L… Repairs typically run $200-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV Super Cruise and Driver Assistance System Faults from Camera/Radar Module Errors?
Owners have reported repeated 'Service Driver Assist System,' 'Super Cruise Unavailable,' and related warnings on current-generation Escalade ESV models. Problems are commonly tied to front camera calibration faults, radar sensor communication issues, software bugs, or poor modul… Repairs typically run $250-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2002-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transfer Case Encoder Motor and Position Sensor Failure?
The transfer case encoder motor that controls AWD/4WD engagement fails, causing the "Service 4WD" message and preventing 4WD engagement. The position sensor inside the encoder motor sends incorrect signals. The transfer case may also develop an internal fluid leak past the front… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV Intermittent No-Start, Battery Drain, and Control Module Sleep/Wake Electrical Faults?
A recurring complaint on 2021+ Escalade ESV models is a dead battery or no-start condition after sitting overnight or for a few days. Owners and technicians have linked these events to parasitic draw from modules that fail to go to sleep, telematics/infotainment wake-up behavior,… Repairs typically run $200-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV OLED Curved Display Blackout, Flicker, and Infotainment Module Failures?
The 38-inch curved OLED display system in the 2021+ Escalade ESV has generated repeated owner complaints for black screens, flickering, frozen infotainment, loss of backup camera image, and intermittent gauge display issues. Reports point to software instability, communication fa… Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: medium.
