MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

4Recalls
68Complaints
3Investigations
ABOUT THE CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is the stretched, long-wheelbase version of GM's flagship full-size luxury SUV, competing at the top of a segment that includes the Lincoln Navigator L and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Built for buyers who want maximum interior space, a commanding road presence, and premium amenities, it draws a loyal following among families, executives, and livery operators who refuse to compromise on size or status.

VERDICT

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Escalade ESV for its imposing road presence, lavish interior, and the confidence-inspiring tech suite found on higher trims. Most acknowledge it as a benchmark in full-size luxury SUVs for comfort and feature content, while noting that its size and truck-based platform create handling trade-offs that buyers in this segment typically accept as part of the ownership proposition.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 0%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17226

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record15.5/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: Standard & OptionalStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

68 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 48Power Train 15Electrical System 8Fuel/Propulsion System 8Engine And Engine Cooling 5Unknown Or Other 5

Other Escalade Esv years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 17226), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Cadillac Escalade Esv 2023. Class rank 127 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure