NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Cadillac Escalade Safety Ratings
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 40 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For 2024, the Cadillac Escalade establishes a genuinely competitive safety profile, achieving a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100. This places the large SUV squarely in the Strong band, reflecting a meaningful step forward from the prior model year. The score is bolstered by solid crash-test results and a perfect assessment in avoidance technology.
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD received a 5-star side-impact rating and a 3-star rollover rating from NHTSA, with a measured rollover risk of 22 percent.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ranks 78 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 | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 40 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 78 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade marks a notable improvement in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing 10 points to 85/100 from the 2023 model year's 75/100. That jump moves the vehicle out of the Average band and into Strong, driven by a crash-protection sub-score of 57 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 on avoidance technology, where forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment. The defect-record component contributes 18.25 out of a possible 20, reflecting a limited two-recall footprint for this model year. The side-impact result of 5 stars is the headline crash figure, while the 3-star rollover rating and 22 percent rollover risk are the numbers that deserve attention given the Escalade's size and center-of-gravity profile. The brake-fluid warning-lamp recall, resolved via an over-the-air update, is a relatively low-severity campaign. The engine hard-parts recall spans a wide GM vehicle range and is the more consequential of the two for owners to verify as remedied. The 40 reported complaints, concentrated heavily in engine-related categories, are worth monitoring but remain unverified allegations at this stage.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Cadillac Escalade perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD receives an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Side-impact protection for the vehicle is rated at a full 5 stars, the highest possible score. Frontal crash protection is assessed at 4 stars. The Escalade's rollover rating stands at 3 stars, with a calculated rollover risk of 22 percent, though dynamic testing did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19031
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets internal engine hard parts, affecting 2021-2024 Escalades alongside several other GM platforms. The second addresses a brake-fluid low-warning lamp fault and was resolved through an over-the-air software fix. Neither campaign carried a do-not-drive or park-outside designation based on available NHTSA data.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?
Forty unverified owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Engine, cited in 27 reports, followed by Power Train with 7 alleged reports and Forward Collision Avoidance and Electrical System each drawing 5 reported allegations. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
40 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?
Two recall campaigns have been issued for the 2024 Escalade, and prospective buyers of used vehicles should verify completion, particularly for the engine hard-parts recall. An open remedy transfers to the new owner, and its status is not guaranteed at the point of sale.
- The Safety Index rose 10 points year-over-year, from 75/100 in 2023 to 85/100 in 2024, moving the Escalade from the Average band into the Strong band for this specific model year.
- The 5-star side-impact rating is the strongest individual crash result for this model year, while the 3-star rollover rating and 22 percent rollover risk represent the most notable crash-test limitation in the 2024 NHTSA results.
- Two recall campaigns are on record for this model year: an engine hard-parts recall affecting a broad range of 2021-2024 GM vehicles, and a brake-fluid warning-lamp recall resolved by an over-the-air software update.
- Of the 40 unverified complaints reported to NHTSA for this model year, 27 allege engine-related issues, making that category the dominant concern in owner-reported data, though these remain unverified allegations with no confirmed injuries or deaths recorded.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Cadillac Escalade places
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Cadillac Escalade safety questions
Was the 2024 Cadillac Escalade crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Cadillac Escalade, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2024 Cadillac Escalade crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Cadillac Escalade have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Cadillac Escalade?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 40 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19031), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac Escalade 2024.
- 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 78 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.