NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv Safety Ratings
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 68 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV's NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100 places it in the Average band. This represents a notable decline from the 2022 model, which achieved a Strong rating of 83/100. This drop is largely attributable to a weak performance in avoidance technology assessments. Additionally, four active recall campaigns are on record, requiring owners to confirm resolution.
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV received a NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating based on federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv ranks 127 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 75 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 68 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 127 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV presents a notably different safety picture than its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index fell from 83/100 in 2022 to 75/100 in 2023, a drop of 8 points that moves the vehicle from the Strong band into Average territory. The crash-protection sub-score of 57 out of 70 is the backbone of the index, anchored by that 5-star side result, but the avoidance-tech sub-score of just 2 out of 10 is a significant drag. Four recall campaigns are specific to or include this model year, touching the engine internals, rear suspension, brake warning system, and lighting module software. The engine and powertrain complaints dominate the owner-allegation record, with 48 of 68 total filings pointing at the engine alone. That concentration is worth noting even though the figures are unverified. Taken together, the index decline, the low avoidance-tech score, and the four active campaigns make 2023 a year that requires more due diligence than the 2022 version of this vehicle.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Escalade ESV attained a perfect 5-star rating for side impact protection. Its overall score from NHTSA is 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal protection also rated at 4 stars. The vehicle's weakest area is rollover protection, earning 3 out of 5 stars, though NHTSA's dynamic tip test indicated no tip and a 0 percent rollover risk.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17226
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved are internal engine hard parts, a rear suspension system, a brake-fluid low-warning lamp, and a lighting control module software fault. Two campaigns, the brake-fluid warning and the lighting module, were designated for over-the-air software fixes. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V274000
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevro
Reported 2025-04-24
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP24V674000
Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
Reported 2024-09-12
SUSPENSION:REAR23V642000
Risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232415910.
Reported 2023-09-20
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V903000
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous
Reported 2022-12-08
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
NHTSA has logged 68 unverified owner allegations for this model year. The most frequently reported component is the Engine, cited in 48 of those filings, followed by Power Train at 15 and Electrical System at 8. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects, and include 3 reported crashes with no reported injuries or fatalities.
68 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
Shoppers considering a used 2023 Escalade ESV should prioritize checking its recall status. Four separate recall campaigns were issued for the 2023 model year, including two over-the-air software updates. Verifying these campaigns, particularly the software fixes, have been completed via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool is crucial. An unaddressed recall indicates a potential unresolved safety defect within the vehicle.
- The Safety Index dropped 8 points year over year, from 83/100 in 2022 to 75/100 in 2023, moving this specific model year from the Strong band into Average.
- A rear suspension recall issued in September 2023 is specific to the 2023 Escalade ESV and several platform siblings, making VIN verification of remedy completion especially important for used-market buyers.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the single largest contributor to the index decline and reflects how this year's vehicle was evaluated against the full scoring criteria.
- Owner allegations filed with NHTSA are heavily concentrated in the Engine category, with 48 of 68 total unverified complaints citing that component, a pattern that stands out compared to the overall complaint distribution.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv places
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv safety questions
Was the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 68 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Escalade Esv years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17226), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac Escalade Esv 2023.
- 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 127 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.