VIN REPORT

1GYS9LRL4SR1705452025 CADILLAC Escalade ESVPremium Luxury +Touring Pkg

9of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
1
1 campaign (all model years)
Safety Grade
D
68/100 composite
Complaints · 2025
21
NHTSA filed · 2025 Escalade ESV
Vehicle Age
1 yr
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
BUYPurchase Verdict

2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 21 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV

2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 21 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
  • Common owner-reported issues: stalling, loss of power
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
  • NHTSA Engineering Analysis open — a safety recall is likely forthcoming for this model
Owner Complaint Intelligence

21 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (57%), Electrical (33%), Body/Structure (5%). Common issues: stalling, loss of power.

9
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
2 Contributing Risk Factors
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
CADILLAC
Model
Escalade ESV
Year
2025
Trim / Series
Premium Luxury +Touring Pkg
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
8-cyl 6.2L
Doors
4
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
Assembly
ARLINGTON, TEXAS, UNITED STATES (USA)
Curb Weight
6,188 lbs
GVWR
Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

GM Arlington Assembly

B+Quality76/100
Good📍 ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Builds Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Escalade. One of GM's better-performing domestic plants.

Awards & Recognition
  • ✓JD Power IQS recognition — large SUV segment
Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

D
Score: 68/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History20/30
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

86/100
Comprehensive
17 of 20 safety features detected
Moderate
  • ⚠21 complaints on a 1-year-old vehicle — unusually high

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning✓Standard
Automatic Emergency Braking✓Standard
Pedestrian AEB✓Standard
Rear AEB✓Standard
Lane Departure Warning✓Standard
Lane Keep Assist✓Standard
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring✓Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert✓Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam✓Standard
Parking Assist✓Standard
Backup Camera✓Standard
Electronic Stability Control✓Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder✓Standard
Crash Notification✓Standard
Dynamic Brake Support✓Standard
Keyless Ignition✓Standard
Recalls1

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

36/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
The engine/powertrain system is the most-reported problem for the 2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV — 12 NHTSA complaints (57% of all filings). Prioritize it in a pre-purchase inspection.
⚠No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalEngine/Powertrain
12 owner complaints · 57% of all filings
Inspect the engine/powertrain system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV
Owners of the 2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalElectrical
7 owner complaints · 33% of all filings
Inspect the electrical system before purchase — the 2nd most-reported problem for the 2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV
Owners of the 2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

1 RECALL
1found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

1 of 1 recall has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

18%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

CADILLAC Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
87%Fair

CADILLAC completes recalls at a fair rate (87%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
20mo
#26V304000
Invalid Date

WHEELS:HUB

SummaryGeneral 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~18%

~82% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Active NHTSA Investigation

Open federal safety investigations for this make/model

EA1 Active Investigation

NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation into the 2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV — see below.

OPEN · EAEngineering Analysisopened Aug 2026#EA26005
loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
engine
⚠ 50% of EA investigations historically became recalls

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

Suspension/Wheels
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
Complaints21

Complaint Intelligence

21 complaints analyzed across 4 system categories

Engine leads owner complaints (57%), most reported when the vehicle was 1 yrs old or newer (around ~8k mi). Also common: Electrical System (29%), Unknown Or Other (10%). Of the 11 owners who cited mileage, problems clustered around ~12k mi (most ~7k mi–~21k mi).

⚠ NHTSA has an open Engineering Analysis into engine — historically 50% of EA investigations became recalls (model-wide signal, not VIN-specific).

When issues get reported (vehicle age)
<1 yr
33%
1–2
67%
3–5
0%
6–9
0%
10+
0%

Based on 21 complaints with a reported incident date. Of the 11 owners who cited mileage, most reported issues at ~7k mi–~21k mi.

Most-reported issues & typical onset
Engine
typically 1 yrs old or newer · ~8k mi
57%
Electrical System
typically 1 yrs old or newer
29%
Unknown Or Other
typically 1 yrs old or newer
10%
Service Brakes
typically 1 yrs old or newer
10%
Power Train
typically 1 yrs old or newer
10%
Engine/Powertrain
12
Electrical
7
Body/Structure
1
Brakes
1
2025
5
2026
16
Accelerating +100%
21
Last 24 months
0
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

PEAKS WINTER (DEC–FEB)

43% of complaints filed in Jan & Aug — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Electrical failure1
Fire/smoke1
Engine stalling1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (7)Startup (4)Rain/wet (2)Parking/low-speed (2)Cold weather (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

21 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

21found
ODI #11773822STRUCTURE

The panoramic sunroof glass on my 2025 Cadillac Escalade shattered on its own on October 11, 2026. Nothing struck the glass, and there was no impact, debris, or collision. The vehicle has about 26,000 miles and is under factory warranty, but the dealership denied warranty coverage. After the glass was replaced, broken glass shards are still lodged in the sunroof shade track and grind whenever the shade opens or closes, and pieces of glass were found on the floorboard. Spontaneous shattering of overhead glass is a safety hazard to occupants. Other owners have reported the same failure (NHTSA ODI 11708639, 11727950, 11557285, 11489359).

ODI #11762393ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On [XXX], at approximately 15,200 miles, my 2025 Cadillac Escalade V developed multiple warnings while I was driving at highway speed. These included reduced acceleration, speed limited to 62 mph, service power steering, service traction control, rear axle system off, and unavailable forward-collision and adaptive-cruise functions. At one point, the speedometer displayed 0 mph while I was still traveling over 60 mph. The vehicle ultimately stopped in the roadway and required towing back to Crestmont Cadillac in Beachwood, Ohio. Becoming disabled in traffic and losing a reliable speed indication created a safety risk. I picked up the vehicle from Crestmont the previous day after approximately a week at the dealership. I was told no battery issues had been found. There had been earlier visits for electrical/network and reduced-power problems. An August 8–12, 2026 repair order documented CAN Bus 2 communications dropping out. The dealer removed a GPS tracking device during that visit, but electrical and drivability problems subsequently recurred. I documented a recurrence to the dealer in an August 20 email. I have notified Crestmont in writing about the [XXX] incident. The vehicle is now at the dealership for further investigation. The cause of the latest breakdown has not been determined. I have retained original video, dashboard screenshots, a prior repair order, and dealer correspondence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11762225ENGINE

I had a 2023 Escalade that I was experiencing issues with. I decided to pay lot of money to get out of the 2023 and purchase a 2025 - which is what I was told would get me around the engine problems I was experiencing. Well that was quite the opposite. In 2025 Cadillac Escalade: 1. All the lights on the dashboard lit up and the engine seized up. It was at night with both of my kids scared. Had it towed in, and they diagnosed with with "spark" plugs as the issues. 2. I picked it up and proceed to drive to my field off [XXX] - the same thing happens. I am now 100 miles from home with a dead truck. It gets towed back to the dealership. At this point they called me and had to replace the engine - 15,000 mies. I then experienced more issue with car starting. - this time it needed a new battery. I just had a ruptured brain aneurysm with 3 surgeries - so my husband had to pick it up fro m the shop - and no one had driven. We are scared of the car - when we have only had it a year. The Cadillac team on IG is extremely condescending with no solution - just kinds fake words. What do we do? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11760622SERVICE BRAKES

I rented this vehicle from Sixt at Washington National Airport on XXX at 11:53 AM with 21,343 miles on the odometer. That evening I was driving south on XXX in [XXX] with my father and my two children in the vehicle. The instrument cluster displayed multiple brake system warnings, including warnings that braking and slowing the vehicle could be impaired. I tested the brakes and found them substantially degraded. Slowing the vehicle required pressing the brake pedal with both feet. An exit was approximately one mile ahead. I reduced speed using two-footed braking, assisted by the upward grade of the roadway on the approach, and exited safely at [XXX]. I brought the vehicle to a stop in the parking lot of the Exxon station at [XXX], and notified the gas station attendant that the vehicle would be left there. I called the rental company's breakdown line at 10:04 PM and remained on the call for 34 minutes. My family and I walked to a motel nearby and stayed overnight. The vehicle was recovered by tow the following day. On XXX, the rental company's claims department stated in writing that upon recovery the vehicle was inspected, that no issues were reported, that no repairs were needed, and that the vehicle has since been rented numerous times. I am not aware of any diagnostic scan of the brake system having been performed following this reported failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11759377ENGINE

6.2L Engine failed while over 400 miles from home. GM (Cadillac) has been zero help in rectifying the expense in travel interruption knowing this issue exists. Took almost 45 days for them to get vehicle repaired. Since repair I have had multiple other issues that I'm pretty sure is 100% related to this replacement.

ODI #11759296ENGINE

On XXX, I was driving a 2025 Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine westbound on [XXX] in [XXX] at approximately 35 mph in normal traffic. Without any warning, noise, or dashboard indication, the engine shut down and the vehicle lost all motive power while in a travel lane. I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop, but the loss of power occurred in moving traffic and created a serious risk of a rear-end collision. The vehicle had approximately 24,000 miles at the time of failure. It has been maintained according to the manufacturer's schedule and has had no prior engine repairs. The vehicle was purchased new in XXX. GM Roadside Assistance was contacted and towed the vehicle to Pepe Cadillac for diagnosis. As of this filing, the cause has not been reported to me. I am aware of NHTSA recall 25V-274 and Engineering Analysis EA26005 concerning L87 6.2L V8 engine failures involving connecting rod and crankshaft defects. My vehicle is a 2025 model year, outside the original recall production period but within the population covered by EA26005. This is my second L87 engine failure. My previous vehicle, a 2021 Cadillac Escalade with the same 6.2L L87 engine, suffered engine failure in 2024 and received a replacement engine under warranty. I purchased the 2025 vehicle new in XXX after that experience. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11756846ENGINE

ENGINE FAILURE.CONFIRMED BY DEALER AFTER IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE ONLY WARNING LIGHT IN THE DASH WAS: REDUCED ACCELERATION DRIVE WITH CARE. THERE WAS A MOMENTARY LEFT FRONT WHEEL LOCKUP AT HIGHWAY SPEED FOLLOWED BY ENGINE NOISE AND A BAD SMELL.

ODI #11741395SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2025 Cadillac Escalade, which experienced a catastrophic engine failure while being driven on a public roadway with approximately 13,000 miles on the vehicle. While traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly lost power while in motion. A warning message appeared stating “Press to Start Again.” The engine shut off completely while driving, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. The vehicle went into neutral, and I was forced to maneuver to the side of the road to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Once stopped, the vehicle would not restart. Multiple attempts were made using both the push-button ignition and key fob remote start, but the vehicle remained inoperable. The vehicle was towed and later diagnosed as requiring a complete engine replacement despite being less than one year old. I believe this is a serious safety defect because the vehicle lost power without warning while being driven. Had this occurred in heavier traffic, while crossing an intersection, merging, or traveling at higher speeds, it could have resulted in a serious accident, injury, or death. This was not the first major issue with this vehicle. Within weeks of taking delivery, multiple components required repair or replacement, including: • Complete replacement of the camera system due to defective cameras • Replacement of a defective lighting component • Transmission failure concerns • Cylinder #2 misfire issues The repeated failures of major vehicle systems, culminating in a complete engine failure and loss of propulsion while driving, raise serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle. Additionally, after the engine failure, the vehicle could not be placed into neutral and had to be dragged onto a tow truck, causing damage to the tires and raising concerns about emergency roadside recovery procedures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11740376ENGINE

On XXX, I was driving my 2025 Cadillac Escalade (6.2L engine) on [XXX] , at 55 mph in a construction zone. The right lane had a cement barrier one foot from the yellow line, eliminating any shoulder, and the left side had only a narrow berm before the median. Without any prior warning, I heard a loud “pop” and felt a jolt. Immediately, the check engine light illuminated, the vehicle went silent, and it began to coast. A message appeared instructing me to press “start” to start the vehicle. The battery remained operational, but the engine was unresponsive. I had not struck any object. I activated my hazard lights and, because I could not pull to the right due to the barrier, I coasted across lanes into the median. I could not exit the vehicle to safety due to location of the vehicle and the construction on both the north and southbound lanes of the highway as well as concrete barriers. The vehicle would not restart and could not be shifted into neutral, requiring specialized towing. Police responded and positioned a patrol car behind me due to the dangerous location. I could not safely exit the vehicle. The tow truck had to block the left lane to remove the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Medina Auto Mall. The service technician advised this is “more likely than not” the same 6.2L engine failure subject to recall in 2021–2024 GM vehicles. However, the vehicle cannot be diagnosed for 3–4 weeks due to backlog. If confirmed, an engine replacement may take several months. The vehicle has approximately 11,500 miles, has run perfectly with no prior issues, and was properly maintained, including an oil change performed by the selling dealer, VanDevere Cadillac (Akron, Ohio). This sudden loss of propulsion on a highway in a construction zone created a serious safety risk, including the risk of a high-speed rear-end collision resulting in injuries to myself and other drivers. It was a frightening situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11740405EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The driver-side headlight on my 2025 Cadillac Escalade failed while the vehicle was still under factory warranty. This is a critical safety component that significantly reduces nighttime visibility and creates a safety risk for both myself and other drivers on the road. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized GM/Cadillac service center, and the failure was confirmed. The warranty repair was approved; however, the replacement part has been placed on national backorder with no reasonable repair timeframe provided. I have now been dealing with this unresolved safety-related issue for nearly three weeks. Because the headlight assembly is a major safety component, the vehicle may not be safe or practical to operate at night or during poor weather conditions. Prior to the failure, there were warning/error messages related to the headlight system appearing on the dashboard. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. The failed component should be available for inspection upon request through the servicing dealership. My concern is not only the headlight failure itself, but also the inability of the manufacturer to provide timely replacement parts for a critical safety-related system on a nearly new vehicle. This creates an ongoing safety concern and prolonged loss of use of the vehicle.

ODI #11735980ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPh, attempting to make a left turn in the snow, the vehicle prompted them to activate the skid protection mode. After activating the Skid Protection mode, the vehicle began to lose power and shut down. The contact placed the vehicle in neutral and coasted to the side of the road. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued to drive. While driving, the contact noticed the speedometer showed 120 MPH; however, they were only going about 30 MPH—the warning for transmission failure and other lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the issue as the computer disconnecting due to the weather. The dealer had reported the issue to the manufacturer in an attempt to prevent the failure from occurring again. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 21,952.

ODI #11725048POWER TRAIN

The engine suffered catastrophic failure, piston number six 6and connecting rod broke in pieces and made a hole on the block. This is a L 87 engine 6.2 L.

ODI #11718447ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade. While driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle experienced sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The contact was able to pull over safely onto the service road. The oil pressure and temperature messages were displayed at the time of the failure. Upon research, the failure was linked to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about a buyback; however, the manufacturer declined to buy back the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. The VIN was not available.

ODI #11713031ENGINE

I PURCHASED A 2025 CADILLAC ESCALADE IN APRIL 2025 AND IGOT 9300 MILES AND THE LIFTER NOISE IS LIKE TYPE WRITER THAT SPEEDS UP WITH ACCELERATION AND THE TAPING IS LOUD I CAN NOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE I DONT WANT TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

ODI #11710385ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I am reporting serious and repeated safety defects involving loss of vehicle control in my 2025 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of uncommanded braking (“phantom braking”) while driving at approximately 45 mph with no driver input and no obstacles present. The vehicle has also slammed on the brakes while reversing into a parking space, then became locked and would not move until shifted into PARK and reset, leaving me stuck in the roadway. In another incident, while stopped at a traffic light with the vehicle in DRIVE, the vehicle shifted itself into PARK without any driver input. Additionally, the vehicle has produced uncommanded system activity while powered off overnight, followed by a “Service 4 Wheel Drive” warning. These incidents represent loss of vehicle control and create a serious risk of collision, injury, or death. The issues have occurred multiple times, are intermittent, and have not been repaired despite dealer inspection. The vehicle is unsafe to operate.

ODI #11708250STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

On Tuesday, [XXX] at approximately [XXX], my 2025 Cadillac Escalade (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a sudden and complete failure of multiple critical safety and control systems while in motion. My wife was driving downhill toward a stoplight with our two toddlers in the vehicle when the incident occurred. Without warning, all dashboard alerts illuminated simultaneously, including brake, engine, collision, and steering warnings. At the same time, the vehicle lost braking capability, power steering assist, electronic gear shifting, and emergency brake functionality. The vehicle continued moving downhill with no functional means of controlled stopping. Because the vehicle was approaching an intersection at the bottom of the hill, a collision would have been unavoidable if the traffic signal had been red. The only way to stop the vehicle was to leave the roadway and pull into dirt, using terrain resistance to bring the vehicle to a stop. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. This was not a degraded performance or warning condition; it was a complete loss of control over a moving vehicle. The failure placed the occupants, including young children, at immediate risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle was towed to North County Buick Cadillac GMC Service and remains under evaluation. A GM safety escalation case has been opened (GM Case #[XXX]). Due to the severity of this incident, trust in the vehicle’s safety is permanently lost INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11705216ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle showed error on the dash for all various systems. It told me those systems required service. I parked the truck and it locked me out of it. OnStar could not open the doors, they kept telling me the truck was unlocked. My app could not open the doors. I called roadside and they showed me how to remove the cover on drive side handle and insert the manual key. The lock turned but the vehicle would not unlock due to the automatic doors. We had to insert an airbag and Jimmy open the door by hooking the interior door handle. The issue is this vehicle will lock you out of your car in an emergency. With the key you cannot unlock the doors. Luckily I only had dinner stuck in the car. I have little children and my fear is they will be locked in the truck if this happens. In the event of an emergency there is no way to get into the truck without smashing windows. The running boards in this mode disappear which makes it even more challenging to break the window and get over and inside. This is a very serious and dangerous design by Cadillac on the Escalade 2025.

ODI #11695455ENGINE

Component/system that failed; availability for inspection GM 6.2-liter V8 (L87) gasoline engine and cooling system. At ~4,000 miles the engine suffered a catastrophic internal failure and the radiator failed concurrently. Dealer diagnosed “engine failure” and replaced the entire long block with an OEM unit and replaced the radiator. Repair orders and the vehicle are available for inspection at the selling/servicing Cadillac dealership; I can provide copies on request. How safety was put at risk The vehicle lost normal operation unexpectedly and required a tow. A sudden loss of propulsion and cooling can cause stalling in traffic, overheating, and loss of power-assist systems, which creates a crash hazard. My family member was stranded and unable to move the vehicle for approximately an hour, increasing exposure to traffic and environmental danger. We no longer feel safe driving a vehicle that already experienced an early engine failure and is being refitted with the same 6.2L design. Has the problem been reproduced/confirmed by a dealer? Yes. Cadillac dealer confirmed engine failure and completed engine and radiator replacement under warranty. Service Director acknowledged they have seen similar failures on prior model years that were subject to recall. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by manufacturer/others? Yes. Inspected and repaired by an authorized Cadillac dealer acting for General Motors. I can provide the service director’s email and repair documentation. Warning lamps/messages/symptoms prior to failure Prior to failure the vehicle exhibited overheating and loss of power; then became undriveable and required towing. Engine and coolant system faults were indicated at the time of the incident (exact DTCs not provided to owner). Context/known issues GM has recalled 2021–2024 vehicles with the same 6.2L L87 engine family for internal defects (connecting rod/crank/bearing failures). My 2025 Escalade experienced a substantially similar failure at very

ODI #11651929ENGINE

Purchased this vehicle brand new ( 3 miles ), just before Christmas 2024, from Bill Cramer Chevrolet in Panama City FL. We just hit the 7200 mile mark and took vehicle in for 1st service with 10% or so remaining on the oil indicator. This is my wife’s vehicle, so I do not drive nor hear it crank in the morning, or come home in afternoons very often. Since the service I noticed yesterday the engine sounding “different” than from initial purchase. Didn’t think much of it, just figured a new gizmo or gadget doing its thing that we weren’t aware of. Well this evening [XXX] I went to move it into the driveway. As soon as the vehicle started I knew instantly something wasn’t right. Had that classic “lifter tap” that eventually quieted down after 30-45 seconds but never fully went away. Previously there was no engine noise when starting, only the rumble of the exhaust and compressor kicking on for air ride. I let the truck go through its cold start/high idle sequence. Once at regular idle 5-700 rpm, I noticed a few sounds coming from the bottom end that really bothered me. I shut the truck off, let it sit for about 20-30 minutes and videoed the start up and noise. I just want to notate this, in case this now becomes the classic GM lifter failure. I will take another video in the morning with the vehicle truly cold start. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11637331POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

Was on the interstate driving 75 mph, with my daughter, her friend, my wife. And the car cut off, and dealership said engine locked. 45 minutes prior i was on a snowy mountain road, and this vehicle has 939 miles on it, one month old. Now i am reading about the investigation, and feel this is negligence on gmc. This could have been a disaster and life changing for me. I dont care if its a 75k vehicle or 135k like mine, this is dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the vehicle is currently at the dealership! Told my wife to start recording in case something happened.

ODI #11637362ENGINE

The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 77 MPH in the left lane, the vehicle lost motive power and shut down. The driver was able to move to the right lane and pulled over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called OnStar for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about a buyback and the lemon law due to not being able to replace the engine in a timely manner. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 953.

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

HighDEF issue detected

▸ Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for CADILLAC Escalade ESV — recall years marked in red
081605010020252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 21 total NHTSA complaints filed over 2 years, with the worst year being 2026 (16 complaints).

The amber reliability line averaged 91/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 88/100 in 2026.

Notably, despite 21 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$35,619
~$594/mo over 5 yrs
$3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$11,775
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$8,344

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $35,619 (~$594/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
NHTSA Engineering Analysis open — recall likely forthcoming−$1,200
Total recommended deduction−$1,700

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2025 CADILLAC Escalade ESV — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Inspect for def issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
HIGH
Verify recall WHEELS:HUB has been repaired
Recall on record for: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STRUCTURE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

HIGH RISK

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

70%
18-month
91%
2-year
High Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 91%

70% estimated probability of a new recall in the next 18 months — multiple strong indicators present. Factor this into your purchase decision.

  • ▸Open NHTSA EA investigation — 50% of EA investigations historically became recalls
  • ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$3,720–$4,740/yr
~$310–$395/mo
Liability Only
$650–$820/yr
~$54–$68/mo
Category: Luxury Full-SizeModerate surcharge risk
▲ High theft risk model: +18% to comprehensive premium▲ New / recent model year: +15% (high replacement cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Market & Background Signals

Theft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance

High
4.8× national average · 51/1,000 vehicles
Recovery rate:39%of stolen CADILLAC Escalade ESVs are recovered

CADILLAC Escalade ESV has an elevated theft rate (4.8× average). Factor in higher comprehensive insurance costs.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN1GYS9LRL4SR170545
Model Year2025
MakeCADILLAC
ModelEscalade ESV
TrimPremium Luxury +Touring Pkg
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Drive Type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders8
Displacement (L)6.2

Manufacturer

ManufacturerGENERAL MOTORS LLC
Assembly CityARLINGTON
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)1GY
Check Digit (Char 9)4
Model Year Code (Char 10)S
Plant Code (Char 11)R
Sequence (Chars 12–17)170545

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count21

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

1
1
G
2
Y
3
S
4
9
5
L
6
R
7
L
8
4
9
S
10
R
11
1
12
7
13
0
14
5
15
4
16
5
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
1
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
G
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
Y
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
S9LRL
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
4
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
S
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
R
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
170545
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (1)
Model Year Character
"S" → 2025
Could also be 1995
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/2/2026, 5:49:25 PM.