2020 Cadillac ESCALADE ESV: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
21 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
65,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 21 complaints (66.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 14.3% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 14.3% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 9.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 4.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 4.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 14 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Wheels | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Structure:Body | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 1 |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 1 |
Engine: 14; Air Bags: 4; Wheels: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Structure:Body: 2; Electrical System: 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 1; Lane Departure: Warning: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 17 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 8 |
2020: 2; 2021: 2; 2022: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 7; 2026: 8
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11384282 · 2020-12-20 (December 20, 2020)
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. HAD TO REMEMBER THAT I NEEDED TO UNBUCKLE SEATBELT. ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED. CRAWLED OUT OF THE VEHICLE PICKED UP BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. NOT ON MY RIGHT TEMPLE WE'R WENT DOWN, DISCHARGED AND LOSS OF THE …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11384282 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11384854 · 2020-12-24 (December 24, 2020)
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 RECALL AND DENIED OFF RECALL AND INFO ON INSURANCE DIAGNOSTICS SENT. SEE UPLOADS:
Owner-reported narrative. 25,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11384854 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11425722 · 2021-07-20 (July 20, 2021)
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: per lemon vehicle with extended warranty program, with defective equipment (manufacturer’s defects)failure to service right rear tire request per fotainment alert. Plus steering wheel airbag failure to inflate and deploy upon collision, resulting in…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11425722 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11444787 · 2021-12-23 (December 23, 2021)
March of this year while on vacation in South Carolina this vehicle had a partial brake failure at 2145 miles. It was repaired in Charlestown S. C. at a Cadillac Dealership and shipped back to Rick Hendrick Cadillac Norfolk Virginia. On 12/21/21 the same issues resurfaced one day prior to heading to South Carolina for Christmas. The vehicle was towed to Rick Hendrick Cadillac in Norfolk Virginia where it will stay. I have loss all confidence in the brake system on that vehicle. It will not come back to my home.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11444787 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11470740 · 2022-06-23 (June 23, 2022)
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 actuator was replaced again however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 5,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11470740 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11577251 · 2024-03-13 (March 13, 2024)
Right front wheel fell off, traction control system and forward collision system were disabled, leaving me stranded on I75.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11577251 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11639250 · 2025-01-29 (January 29, 2025)
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]
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11639250 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11657146 · 2025-04-28 (April 28, 2025)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11657146 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
19V837000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2019-11-21 (November 21, 2019)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
Consequence: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V115000 · Tires
Reported: 2021-02-25 (February 25, 2021)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
NHTSA campaign record ↗