NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Cadillac Escalade Safety Ratings
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 9 recalls, and 74 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. This represents a meaningful six-point drop from the 2020 model's 80 out of 100 Strong rating. This decline is largely attributable to a weaker defect record sub-score. This shift warrants careful consideration from prospective buyers.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a 3-star rollover rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ranks 95 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 9 |
| Owner complaints | 74 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 95 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade registers a Safety Index score of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. This represents a decline from the 2020 model's score of 80, primarily driven by its defect record. Nine recall campaigns have been issued for this model year, addressing issues across multiple critical systems including fuel storage, internal engine hardware, transmission software, lighting software, and seat belt fasteners. This breadth of recalls resulted in a defect record sub-score of 8.5 out of a possible 20 points. Crash protection scores 57 out of 70, bolstered by a 5-star side impact rating. However, the Escalade received a 3-star rollover rating, with a 22 percent rollover risk, which warrants consideration given the vehicle's size and weight. Avoidance technology achieves 8.5 out of 10 points. It is important to note that lane departure warning is an optional feature, meaning its presence is not guaranteed on all 2021 Escalade units. Further, the forward collision avoidance system appears in 7 owner complaints, drawing specific attention to its performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Cadillac Escalade perform in crash tests?
Side-impact protection for the 2021 Escalade SUV 4WD stands out, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's evaluations. The overall rating for the vehicle is 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal crash protection also rated at 4 stars. Rollover resistance proved to be the vehicle's weakest area, receiving a 3-star rating and carrying a 22 percent rollover risk, despite the dynamic tip test not resulting in a tip-over.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15349
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Nine recall campaigns cover this model year. Components span the fuel system tank assembly, internal engine hard parts, automatic transmission control module software, exterior lighting control module software (remedied via an over-the-air fix), and seat belt critical fasteners. The seat belt fastener recall is the most safety-critical item to verify as remedied. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the provided data, but owners should confirm current remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY25V619000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252512770. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this
Reported 2025-09-18
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
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE24V797000
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-80
Reported 2024-10-24
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V827000
Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM 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 N222382220.
Reported 2022-11-03
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS22V617000
Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1
Reported 2022-08-11
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT22V036000
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Reported 2022-01-27
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE21V739000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
Reported 2021-09-23
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT21V421000
Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, 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
Reported 2021-06-10
SEAT BELTS21V190000
Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
Reported 2021-03-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
Owners have filed 74 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries. The engine is the most frequently cited component at 40 alleged reports, followed by the electrical system at 10, powertrain and engine cooling at 8 each, and forward collision avoidance at 7. All figures are unverified consumer allegations.
74 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
Nine recall campaigns are on record for the 2021 Escalade, a significant figure that requires close attention. Prospective owners should verify the completion of all recall remedies via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool before purchase. The issues range from seat belt fasteners to fuel system components, underscoring the necessity of this check.
- The Safety Index dropped six points year-over-year, from 80/100 Strong in 2020 to 74/100 Average in 2021, with the defect record sub-score of 8.5/20 being the principal drag on the 2021 rating.
- Nine recall campaigns are attached to this model year, covering components as varied as fuel tank assemblies, internal engine hard parts, transmission software, and seat belt critical fasteners, making VIN-specific remedy verification essential.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars, paired with a 22 percent rollover risk figure from NHTSA, is the weakest crash-test result for this model year and deserves attention given the Escalade's size and ride height.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional on the 2021 Escalade, not standard, so used-market shoppers should confirm whether the specific vehicle being evaluated was equipped with that feature.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Cadillac Escalade places
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Cadillac Escalade safety questions
Was the 2021 Cadillac Escalade crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 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 2021 Cadillac Escalade crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 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 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 9 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 74 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15349), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac Escalade 2021.
- 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 95 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.