2025 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 10-Speed 10L80/10L90 Harsh Shifting, Shudder, and Valve Body Control Solenoid Issues ($450-$6,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $6,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 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, and software calibration concerns on 10-speed units used in full-size SUVs. Some vehicles require valve body replacement, while others progress to more extensive transmission repair.
Diagnosis should include scanning for transmission control DTCs, checking adaptive values, verifying fluid condition, and following GM bulletin procedures for valve body and control solenoid performance. Dealers commonly perform TCM calibration updates first; persistent cases may need valve body replacement or internal transmission repair. Road testing both cold and hot is important because many complaints are intermittent early on.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 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, and occasional battery or charging-system management faults. Some vehicles need repeated dealer visits because the drain is intermittent and difficult to capture.
Proper diagnosis requires a parasitic draw test after all modules should be asleep, battery state-of-health testing, and checking for software updates related to telematics, radio, and body control modules. Repairs may include battery replacement, module reprogramming, fuse-isolation of the offending circuit, or replacement of a faulty control module. Because low voltage can trigger many unrelated warnings, the battery and charging system should be verified first.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 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 faults between display/control modules, and occasional hardware replacement of the radio or display assembly. Because key vehicle functions are integrated into the screen, failures can affect usability and safety features.
Diagnosis usually starts with checking for module communication faults, verifying battery voltage stability, and applying the latest infotainment software updates. Some vehicles are fixed with module reprogramming or hard resets, while persistent cases require replacement of the display, radio/HMI module, or related harness components. If the backup camera or driver information display is affected, the issue should be treated as more than a convenience problem.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2021-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 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 module alignment after windshield work or minor front-end impacts. In some cases adaptive cruise, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, and Super Cruise become unavailable until repaired.
Diagnosis should include scanning all ADAS modules for communication and calibration faults, inspecting radar/camera mounting, and verifying windshield condition and camera aim. Repairs may involve software updates, camera or radar replacement, connector repair, or full recalibration using OEM targets. After windshield replacement, proper calibration is essential to avoid recurring warnings.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
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.
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.
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2025-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 10-Speed 10L80/10L90 Harsh Shifting, Shudder, and Valve Body Control Solenoid Issues, Intermittent No-Start, Battery Drain, and Control Module Sleep/Wake Electrical Faults, OLED Curved Display Blackout, Flicker, and Infotainment Module Failures. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2025-2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 4 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 10-Speed 10L80/10L90 Harsh Shifting, Shudder, and Valve Body Control Solenoid Issues. 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.
Repair costs for known Cadillac Escalade ESV issues range from $150 to $6,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 10-Speed 10L80/10L90 Harsh Shifting, Shudder, and Valve Body Control Solenoid Issues, typically costs $450-$6,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
