2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Problems: 5 Known Issues
2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is L87 Connecting-Rod or Crankshaft Defect Can Cause Engine Failure (Recall 25V274). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls15 recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
WHEELS:HUB
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. 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."
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: L87 Connecting-Rod or Crankshaft Defect Can Cause Engine Failure (Recall 25V274), Black Radio Screen With U023C and B1A62-86 Needs VPM Recovery, Dead Battery or No-Crank Can Come From the Alarm Glass-Breakage Loop. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: L87 Connecting-Rod or Crankshaft Defect Can Cause Engine Failure (Recall 25V274). 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.
What is the 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV L87 Connecting-Rod or Crankshaft Defect Can Cause Engine Failure (Recall 25V274)?
Certain 2021-2024 Escalade ESV vehicles with the 6.2L L87 engine are covered by recall 25V274 / GM N252494002. Manufacturing defects in connecting-rod or crankshaft components can damage or seize the engine and cause loss of propulsion, increasing crash risk. Severity: high.
What is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Black Radio Screen With U023C and B1A62-86 Needs VPM Recovery?
GM 21-NA-209 covers a bounded 2021 Escalade ESV condition with RPO UXP: a black radio screen showing a triangle and camera-slash symbol with current or recent U023C and B1A62-86. It does not establish general OLED hardware, flicker or infotainment-module failure. Severity: medium.
What is the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV Dead Battery or No-Crank Can Come From the Alarm Glass-Breakage Loop?
GM PIT5993D covers 2021-2025 Escalade ESV vehicles with theft-alarm RPO UTT or UTR. High resistance in the rear-defogger and rear-quarter-glass breakage loop can cause a low or dead battery, no-crank or unwanted alarm. The bulletin does not establish a generic module sleep/wake d… Severity: medium.
What is the 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV Startup Super Cruise Unavailable With U1624 Has a Module-Reset Path?
GM PIT6056A covers 2021-2024 Escalade ESV vehicles with Super Cruise RPO UKL when the system is intermittently unavailable at startup and U1624 is stored in K124. The bulletin does not establish broad camera, radar or calibration failure and says not to replace K124 or K73 for th… Severity: medium.
What is the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV 10-Speed Harsh Shift, Shudder or Flare Can Come From a Twisted Cooler Line?
GM 22-NA-182 covers 2021-2025 Escalade ESV vehicles with L87, LM2 or LT4 engines and MHS, MHO or MQC 10-speed transmissions. A twisted cooler line can contribute to harsh shifts, shudder, surge, stall, flare or overheat; P27EC applies to the ETRS MHS/MQC branch. The bulletin does… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.