Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the cylinder 2 glow plug to fail. If this failure occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate and a diagnostic trouble code will set. This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after May 11, 2026, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Cadillac Escalade engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Escalade | 17 |
| 2018 Escalade | 7 |
| 2019 Escalade | 16 |
| 2020 Escalade | 8 |
| 2021 Escalade (this page) | 36 |
| 2022 Escalade | 49 |
| 2023 Escalade | 78 |
| 2024 Escalade | 27 |
| 2025 Escalade | 6 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 36 engine complaints filed for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 36 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. This special coverage covers if an engine failure occurs in the vehicle as a result of the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after May 23, 2025, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation code
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on vehicle engines within the identified suspect VIN population. If the engine passes the PICO test, the engine oil will be changed from 0W20 to Mobil 1 Supercar 0W40 dexosR. From that point forward, the engine must use 0W40 dexosR oil products for all future oil change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test. If this condition were to occur, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code will set. Additionally in some cases, the engine cooling fans may run after the engine is switched off. Dealers are to replace the engine coolant control valve as necessary. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report sudden, complete engine failures in 2021 Cadillac Escalades across a wide mileage range—from 2,000 to 113,000 miles. The most common failure pattern is catastrophic seizure at highway speeds with little to no warning: check engine light comes on seconds before the engine dies, or no warning appears at all. Once seized, the vehicle will not restart and requires flatbed towing. Owners describe loss of all electrical functions—windows lock, door locks engage, neutral is inaccessible—trapping them in a dead vehicle.
Internal engine damage patterns include collapsed lifters, bent pushrods, non-moving rocker arms, and crankshaft or connecting rod failures with bearing debris. Some owners report persistent "Engine Oil Low" messages, excessive fuel consumption, misfires, and jerking that dealer oil changes and viscosity upgrades fail to fix.
Dealers report that GM recalls (Campaign 25V274000 and bulletin N252508341) apply to these vehicles, yet many owners are told their VIN is excluded from recall coverage despite having the exact same failure. Recall parts remain on back order with no estimated arrival date; owners report waiting months with dealerships unable to begin repair work. Several owners were denied coverage or told "remedy not available yet" while driving vehicles they describe as "ticking time bombs." One owner completed recall service that passed safety checks, then experienced engine failure just 5,000 miles later.
Same Cadillac Escalade engine reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Complete engine seizure with loss of propulsion
Engine suddenly seizes or stops entirely during highway driving, with no restart capability. Owners report loss of all electrical functions (windows, locks, neutral). Incidents occur at speeds from 40–70 mph and often with minimal or no warning light activity before catastrophic failure.
When: Mileage varies widely: 2,000 to 113,000 miles; some failures occur within weeks of recall service completion.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power at highway speed; Engine will not restart; Complete electrical shutdown (no window operation, locks disabled); No warning lights prior to failure in some cases; check engine light seconds before stall in others; Vehicle immobilized and requires flatbed tow
Codes mentioned: P1098
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; dealers report engines on back order with no ETA. Owners waiting months (2–3 months noted). Some dealers replaced engines, then failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); GM/Cadillac special coverage bulletin N252508341 for coolant control valve. Many owners excluded from recalls by VIN despite matching same year, make, model, and experiencing identical failures. Recall parts unavailable for extended periods.
Internal engine damage—rocker arms, pushrods, lifters
Valve train components fail catastrophically, including collapsed lifters, bent pushrods, and non-moving rocker arms. These failures lead to complete engine seizure or loss of power and require engine replacement.
When: Occurs at various mileages; one report at 80,000 miles with abnormal sound preceding failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal squealing or rattling sound from engine compartment; Loss of power or jerking sensation while driving; Engine seizes or stalls; Check engine light may illuminate shortly before or after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Rocker arm intake valve not moving, bent pushrods, collapsed lifters, rotors requiring replacement. One owner paid out of pocket after independent diagnosis confirmed collapsed lifter and 2 bent push rods. Fuel injector pump failure also noted in one case (replaced, then failed again one year later).
Crankshaft and connecting rod failure
Crank bearing failure, crankshaft-connecting rod separation, and rod/main bearing debris cause block damage. Engine becomes inoperable and requires complete replacement or rebuild.
When: One report at 79,615 miles; another around 58,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seizes without warning; Vehicle becomes completely immobile; No warning lights or advance indication in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Rod and main bearing debris found causing block damage. Engines on back order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report manufacturer/dealer claiming vehicle VIN not covered under recall despite matching defect described in recall.
Oil pressure/low oil condition with misfire and acceleration loss
Engine displays persistent 'Engine Oil Low' warnings, consumes excessive fuel, and exhibits misfires and reduced acceleration even after dealer attempts to remedy with oil top-off and higher viscosity oil. No permanent fix achieved by dealer.
When: Approximately 26,000 miles when first reported.
Symptoms owners cite: Persistent 'Engine Oil Low' message on instrument panel; Excessive fuel consumption; Misfires and jerking sensation; Reduced acceleration; Engine light illumination and extinguishing intermittently; Loss of power while driving (stalls on roadway)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer topped off oil, added higher viscosity oil, installed 6 oil fill caps. Engine tested and passed inspection, yet messages and symptoms persisted. Dealer advised only ongoing remedy was to keep adding oil to vehicle—no permanent repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V274000 received; dealer indicated part to repair was unavailable, then later stated vehicle could not be repaired.
Axle rod detachment causing engine damage
Axle rod detaches from engine assembly, causing mechanical damage that triggers engine failure. Owners report smoke and oil leakage.
When: One report at 2,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal rattling sound from engine; Smoke from under hood; Oil leaking from rear of vehicle; No warning lights illuminated prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Axle rod detachment diagnosed; engine failure resulted. Engine replacement ordered.
Loss of propulsion with transmission shift to neutral
Engine unexpectedly shifts to neutral and loses propulsion while driving at highway speed, requiring driver to coast to shoulder. Vehicle displays prompt to press start button. Occurs after completed recall service that passed safety checks.
When: Approximately 5,000 miles after completed recall service; failure date 2/21/26.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed (~60 mph); Vehicle shifts into neutral without driver input; Deceleration without engine shutdown; System prompt: 'Press start button'; No warning signs during 5,000-mile post-recall driving
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement authorized by Cadillac after owner complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall service completed less than 90 days prior; engine was replaced under recall, then failure recurred. Cadillac agreed to replace engine again but did not do so when vehicle was in for recall service in November.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Friday evening I was left stranded on the side of the road in my 2021 Cadillac Escalade with less than 30k miles that I actually purchased brand brand new about a year or so ago. The vehicle slowed to a crawl in the fast Lane of I65 as cars and semis whipped past me as I attempted to use any last moment to get the shoulder. I finally get to the shoulder and contact Cadillac customer service to…
General Motors issued a recall on various 2021-2024 Tahoes and Escalades with 6.2L V8 engines. Since issuing the recall, they have given no information and my Escalade has been sitting at the dealership for months with not ETA of the engine and parts needed ti fix the vehicle. GM is dragging this out slow and methodically!
Complete engine failure with vehicle only having 79615 miles on the vehicle. Vehicle was inspected by authorized Cadillac dealership and it was determined that the crank shaft/connecting rod had failed causing the engine to be replaced. Dealership communicated that issue was consistent with issue with known GM recall however vehicle was not covered under current recalled vin numbers at the time…
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later examined by a mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized…
See attached document for complaint. IN RE: GM Recall N252494000 I received notice in May of 2025 that my 2021 Cadillac Escalade is involved in a recall. At first my dealer said the part to repair is not available? Then in September we stopped by my dealer and he said the recall does NOT involve my Cadillac. So I will attach a copy of my notice so there is no question they notified me I have a…
I have been waiting for GM to send authorization for the dealer to inspect and remedy the engine, as per the open recall, but have heard nothing since May 2025, when GM stated parts were not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Prior to the letter being received, the message "Engine Oil Low" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the issue was with the engine. However, the part to do the repair was not…
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced…
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that a customer was operating the vehicle through the Turo App when the vehicle lost motive power while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact was unaware whether any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
See attached document for complaint. Text from attached document: Last week [ went to get the oil changed at my local Jiffy Lube and was told, "We can' t service Lhis vehicle any longer because it has been re-called." I asked, "what I am supposed to do? They said Cadiliac is supposed to Lake care of it. After calling Mark Christopher Cadillac in Ontario, Cali fornia they said they can't help me…
Had engine trouble with your 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 36 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 51,131 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Cadillac/Escalade.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.