NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Cadillac Escalade Safety Ratings
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 119 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100, placing it in the Average band. This represents a meaningful five-point drop from the 2022 model's 80/100 Strong rating, driven largely by a weak avoidance-tech sub-score. This year, the Escalade receives a qualified rather than confident safety recommendation.
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA 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 ranks 126 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 | 119 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 126 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade's Safety Index of 75/100 tells a story of measurable regression. The prior 2022 model held an 80/100 Strong rating; this year's five-point decline drops the Escalade into the Average band, and the index breakdown explains why. Crash protection is the model's foundation, contributing 57 of a possible 70 points, supported by that 5-star side rating and a solid 4-star overall score from NHTSA. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score of just 2 out of 10 is a significant drag, reflecting gaps in the standard and optional safety-technology suite relative to what the scoring model rewards. The defect record sub-score of 15.5 out of 20 is moderate but not clean: four recall campaigns were issued across this model year, covering components as critical as internal engine hard parts and rear suspension. The brake-fluid warning lamp recall and the lighting module recall both received OTA remedies, which reduces owner burden, but the engine and suspension campaigns require physical inspection and repair. The 119 unverified complaints, with 89 alone alleging engine-related issues, align directionally with the engine recall activity and warrant attention from prospective buyers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Cadillac Escalade perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Escalade's rollover performance stands as its most significant safety concern, earning only 3 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. While the agency recorded a 0 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test, this rating pulls down an otherwise solid crash-test profile. Overall, the Escalade achieved 4 out of 5 stars. Its frontal impact rating also came in at 4 stars, while side impact protection was a strong point, meriting a full 5-star rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17220
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2023 Escalade. They address internal engine hard parts, a rear suspension defect, a lighting control module software fault, and a brake-fluid low-warning lamp failure, with the last two carrying over-the-air software fixes. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this model year.
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?
NHTSA has logged 119 unverified consumer complaints against the 2023 Escalade. Alleged issues center heavily on the Engine component, which accounts for 89 of those reports, followed by unverified allegations involving the Power Train, Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling, and Fuel/Propulsion System. Two crashes and two injuries are alleged; no deaths are reported.
119 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
Four recall campaigns have been issued for the 2023 Escalade, with particular attention warranted for those addressing engine hard-parts and the rear suspension. Any prospective owner of a used 2023 Escalade should utilize NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to confirm the completion of all outstanding recall repairs, as these remain with the vehicle through ownership transfer.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 75/100 Average marks a five-point drop from the 2022 model's 80/100 Strong rating, the largest year-over-year decline in the recent Escalade record tracked here.
- NHTSA's rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the lowest individual crash-test score for this model year and stands in contrast to the 5-star side-impact result, creating an uneven safety profile specific to this test cycle.
- Two of the four 2023-model-year recalls carry over-the-air software fixes for the lighting control module and the brake-fluid warning lamp, meaning some owners may have received remedies without a dealer visit, but VIN verification is the only way to confirm completion.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the single largest contributor to the index decline and reflects how this specific model year was evaluated on its crash-avoidance equipment configuration, not a general Escalade characteristic.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Cadillac Escalade places
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Cadillac Escalade safety questions
Was the 2023 Cadillac Escalade crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 119 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade. 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 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 17220), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac Escalade 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 126 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.