NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Cadillac Escalade Safety Ratings
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 14 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, underpinned by its five-star overall NHTSA crash protection. Its federal safety profile is further bolstered by standard crash-avoidance technology. Only one recall has been issued for this model year, which does not carry a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ranks 47 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 | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 14 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 47 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade?
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade represents a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's federal safety measurement. The Safety Index climbed six points to 91/100 from the 2024 model's 85/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band into the Exceptional band. That gain is grounded in the numbers: crash protection contributed 62 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology earned a perfect 10/10 reflecting standard equipment across forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record component scored 19 of 20 with only one recall on file. The single recall addresses the wheels and hub assembly across a broad GM platform, which is notable context for shoppers. The five-star frontal and side scores are the headline crash results for this year, while the three-star rollover rating and 22 percent rollover risk figure remain the area where this tall, body-on-frame SUV trails its own frontal and side performance. The 14 unverified NHTSA complaints, concentrated in engine and electrical system allegations, do not factor into the Safety Index but are worth monitoring as the fleet accumulates miles.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Cadillac Escalade perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2025 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD five stars overall, five stars in frontal protection, and five stars in side protection. The one area that stands out is rollover, rated three out of five stars, with a measured rollover risk of 22 percent. The dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20438
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade carries one recall campaign targeting the wheels and hub assembly. General Motors issued this campaign covering certain 2025 and 2026 Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Cadillac Escalade?
Fourteen unverified owner allegations have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged components are the Engine, cited in eight reports, followed by the Electrical System in five reports, and the Power Train in two reports. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports.
14 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Cadillac Escalade?
For shoppers considering a used 2025 Escalade, a critical step involves running the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. This is essential to confirm whether the open wheels and hub recall remedy has been completed, as an unresolved recall transfers with ownership and remains the buyer's responsibility to address.
- The 2025 model year Safety Index of 91/100 Exceptional is a six-point improvement over the 2024 model's 85/100 Strong rating, the largest single-year Index gain in recent Escalade history tracked by MotorCaliber.
- NHTSA awarded five stars in both frontal and side crash protection for the 2025 Escalade SUV 4WD, but the rollover rating of three stars and a 22 percent rollover risk figure are specific, year-confirmed data points buyers should weigh.
- One open recall targeting the wheels and hub assembly was issued covering this model year as part of a broad GM platform campaign, and remedy completion should be verified by VIN before any purchase.
- Fourteen unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year are led by alleged Engine issues in eight reports and Electrical System issues in five reports, with zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among them.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Cadillac Escalade places
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Cadillac Escalade safety questions
Was the 2025 Cadillac Escalade crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Cadillac Escalade crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Cadillac Escalade 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 2025 Cadillac Escalade have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Cadillac Escalade?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 14 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20438), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac Escalade 2025.
- 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 47 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.