NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv Safety Ratings
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 1 recall, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2019 model year, the Cadillac Escalade ESV achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, positioning it in our "Strong" safety band. This rating is underpinned by a robust subscore for crash protection. However, the vehicle's single recall and its rollover rating warrant careful consideration from prospective owners. Furthermore, the omission of standard active-safety technologies on this model year presents another area for buyer evaluation.
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 and a 5/5 NHTSA side-impact star rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv ranks 52 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.2% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 52 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
For the 2019 model year specifically, the Cadillac Escalade ESV enters the MotorCaliber record with an 81/100 Safety Index in the Strong band. No prior-year Index is on file, so a year-over-year movement cannot be calculated, making this the baseline against which future entries for this generation would be measured. The defect record subscore of 17/20 reflects the single-recall footprint, a notably clean outcome for a large GM SUV of this vintage. Crash protection contributes 57.6 of a possible 70 points, anchored by that 5-star side result, but the 3-star rollover figure and 21 percent rollover risk probability are meaningful for a tall-body vehicle in this class. The avoidance-tech subscore of 6/10 reflects the fact that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional rather than standard on this year, with only electronic stability control coming standard. That equipment gap is a defining characteristic of this particular model year and distinguishes its safety profile from later configurations that moved those features into standard trim. The 31 alleged complaints, with engine and powertrain components drawing the most reports, round out the picture without materially altering the Strong-band verdict.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV achieved a 5 out of 5 star rating from NHTSA for side-impact protection, indicating a high level of occupant safety in such collisions. Its rollover resistance, however, received a 3 out of 5 star rating, with a 21 percent risk of rollover. The dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result. NHTSA did not publish overall or frontal crash-test ratings for this particular configuration of the Escalade ESV.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13123
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV. General Motors identified a seat-belt concern affecting rear and other seating positions across several 2018-2019 GM models including this vehicle. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the campaign data on file, but used-market buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA's recall database.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER18V673000
Risk: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
Reported 2018-09-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
NHTSA has received 31 owner complaints for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV, including alleged reports of 1 crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries. The most frequently cited component is the Engine, followed by the Power Train and Electrical System. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
Any shopper considering this 7-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm the seat-belt campaign has been remedied. Verify whether the original buyer added the optional forward collision warning and lane departure warning packages, as those choices directly affect the active-safety profile of the specific unit.
- The 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV carries one recall specific to this model year, targeting rear seat-belt components across a multi-model GM campaign; remedy status must be confirmed by VIN.
- NHTSA awarded this configuration a 5/5 side-impact star rating but only 3/5 for rollover resistance, with a 21 percent rollover risk probability, a pairing that shapes the 57.6/70 crash-protection subscore.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year, which is why the avoidance-tech subscore reaches only 6/10 and why buyers should inspect the specific vehicle's option content.
- Thirty-one unverified owner complaints on file cite the Engine as the most frequently alleged problem component, with 18 of the 31 reports directed at that system.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv places
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv safety questions
Was the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Escalade Esv years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13123), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac Escalade Esv 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 52 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.