Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV Reliable?
2003–2014 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Cadillac Escalade ESV? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Open NHTSA Investigation
loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Component: engine
⚠ Historically, 50% of EA investigations became recalls.
An open investigation is NHTSA reviewing a potential defect — the earliest warning a recall may be coming. It is not a defect finding. See all vehicles under investigation →
Cadillac Escalade ESV Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 73 | Good |
| 2013 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 72 | Good |
| 2012 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 73 | Good |
| 2011 | 4 | 6 | 1 | — | 65 | Good |
| 2010 | 3 | 4 | — | — | 71 | Good |
| 2009 | 4 | 3 | — | — | 69 | Good |
| 2008 | 2 | 6 | — | — | 72 | Good |
| 2007 | 2 | 35 | 20 | 3 | 48 | Fair |
| 2006 | 1 | 3 | 1 | — | 73 | Good |
| 2005 | 0 | 11 | — | — | 73 | Good |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Escalade ESV Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Escalade ESV scores 6 points below the average suv. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Cadillac Escalade ESV Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 70 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?+
The Cadillac Escalade ESV scores 63/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 25 recall campaigns and 70 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Escalade ESV is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2014 Escalade ESV achieved the highest reliability score of 73/100 with 2 recalls and 0 complaints.
How many miles does a Escalade ESV last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Cadillac Escalade ESV owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Escalade ESV will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Cadillac Escalade ESV Research
Check a Specific Cadillac Escalade ESV VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →