NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv Safety Ratings
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 4 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV's NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100 places it in the Strong band, a notable five-point decrease from the 2025 model's Exceptional 91/100. This decline reflects a weaker defect record score for the current model year. Strong crash-test results, however, provide a partial offset to the increased recall activity.
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV received an overall 5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv ranks 96 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 4 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 96 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV's most notable safety item is a park-outside directive from one of its three recall campaigns, concerning the transfer case. This issue contributes to a five-point drop in the overall Safety Index, which now stands at 86 out of 100, down from the 2025 model's 91. The defect record component specifically earned 14 out of 20 possible points this year, a reduction from the prior model year. Despite this, crash protection remains a genuine strength, with 62 out of 70 points. This is largely due to perfect 5 out of 5 star ratings in frontal and side impact crash tests published by NHTSA. Avoidance technology also scored perfectly, achieving 10 out of 10 points; standard features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. As expected for a large SUV, the rollover rating is 3 out of 5 stars, with a 22 percent rollover risk. This particular metric should be weighed by buyers for whom rollover resistance is a primary concern.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Escalade ESV achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. While its frontal and side impact protection both rated a perfect 5 stars, the vehicle's rollover performance presents a concern. NHTSA rated rollover protection at 3 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 22 percent. Despite this, the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21829
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv have any recalls?
Yes, three recalls cover this model year. The most urgent is a powertrain transfer case campaign marked park-outside or do-not-drive, issued by General Motors. A second campaign addresses wheel hub concerns across multiple GM platforms. A third involves an owners and service manual. Shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before driving.
WHEELS:HUB26V304000
Risk: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262554630. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became sea
Reported 2026-05-14
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)26V289000
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recal
Reported 2026-05-07
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
Four owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Escalade ESV. Unverified allegations center on the Engine, with additional unverified reports touching the Steering, Electrical System, and Fuel and Propulsion System. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports.
4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
Because this is a current model year vehicle, open recalls are especially relevant. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase or delivery, paying particular attention to the park-outside transfer case campaign. Confirm that a remedy has been completed, not merely scheduled, before taking possession.
- A park-outside or do-not-drive recall targeting the transfer case was issued specifically for the 2026 Escalade ESV, making it the most safety-critical open campaign on this model year.
- The Safety Index dropped five points from 2025's Exceptional 91 to this year's Strong 86, with the defect record component scoring 14 out of 20 points as the primary driver of that decline.
- NHTSA crash tests returned a 3-out-of-5-star rollover rating with a 22 percent rollover risk, the only sub-5-star result in an otherwise strong crash-test profile for this model year.
- Four unverified owner complaints have already been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Engine cited as the top component in those unverified allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv places
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv safety questions
Was the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 4 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Esv. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Escalade Esv years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21829), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac Escalade Esv 2026.
- 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 96 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.