Table 1 shows one common equipment related problems of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems |
My vehicle comes to an abrupt stop while driving or when I’m pulling off at an intersection. This has happened on 4 different occasions in which I’ve injured my knee due to the vehicle stopping at random while I’m driving or pulling off. I’ve stated this to Cadillac of memphis and to landers GMC. The first time I happened I hit my knee by the control panel on the driver side. I’m in a brace because my patellar tendon are inflamed and as well my hoffas fat pad due to the impact. Cadillac of memphis stated it was something that went out and needed to be replaced. They replaced the battery and another part. That did not correct the issue. It happened again after that repair. The third time it happened I was told it was because the transmission was about to go out. Landers replaced the transmission. The advisor stated it should fix the problem. This was about a month ago. Today on 08/08/2025 it happened again and I also hit my knee injuring it even more than more. I’m still in a brace and now have to re-evaluated to see if the abrupt stop caused more injury. This is dangerous because my entire body jerks and cars are coming up behind me in the road and I can get into an serious accident. I need something done about this.
My 2021 Cadillac Escalade has an open recall with no remedy available. It has been over 3 months with no repair solution from Cadillac. This has left me unable to use the vehicle for its intended purpose, including loss of rental income through turo. Cadillac has not provided alternate transportation or compensation.
While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade to utah, the engine completely locked up and failed without warning. The vehicle had to be towed to a gm-authorized dealership. Upon inspection, the dealership confirmed the failure was directly related to an active safety recall on the vehicle. Prior to the failure, there were no check engine lights or no other warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. The failure occurred suddenly and without additional notice. The dealership stated the needed part is currently on national backorder and that the vehicle cannot be repaired or safely driven until the part arrives. It has now been over four months since the vehicle was brought in, and there is still no estimated repair date from gm. This has left me without a functioning vehicle due to a known safety defect. The vehicle remains inoperable at the dealership.
Twice in the last 6 months the vehicle doors have locked at random while the key was inside the vehicle. Both times, my children were trapped in the vehicle exposed to potential heat issues. Fortunately, in both cases the doors were able to be opened through another door that was still open one time and by hitting the unlock button through a slightly rolled down window. Breaking the glass was the next option. This is a serious safety defect that is putting young children and pets at risk for heat injury or death. There are no indications as to why this started, no warnings displayed, and seems to occur at random. Disabling autolock features does not resolve the issue meaning some glitch or equipment failure is causing the doors to lock despite all autolock features turned off.
Power train:automatic transmission:control module:software. Consequence rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally address the serious issues surrounding my 2021 Cadillac Escalade, VIN [xxx] [xxx] , which have been exacerbated by misleading communications and inaction from lindsay Cadillac in alexandria, va. This situation has led to significant inconvenience and financial strain. On September 4, 2024, the vehicle was delivered to your dealership due to water leakage causing mold damage between the “b” and “c” pillars. Upon arrival, we were erroneously informed that the warranty had expired. It was not until September 15, 2024, after correcting this with service consultant donna wozniak, that it was acknowledged the warranty is valid through 2025. Despite clear signs of warranty-covered issues, the explanations provided by staff, suggesting the damage could be from towing or previous beach trips, are not only implausible but appear to be intentional diversions. The vehicle has never been used to tow nor has it been submerged in water, making these justifications unacceptable. The lack of immediate remediation upon the vehicle’s drop-off led to severe mold growth, a situation mr. Sergio desdunes has used to unjustly refuse warranty coverage, instead advising me to seek unwarranted insurance claims. Moreover, a recent disclosure by my insurance company highlighted a NHTSA service bulletin [xxx] ), initially recognized by ms. Wozniak but subsequently dismissed by mr. Desdunes. This deceptive handling suggests an attempt to avoid responsibility for the known defect. This culmination of neglect by lindsay Cadillac in alexandria dealership, notably the misuse of the mold condition as a reason to deny warranty obligations, underscores a grave lapse in service integrity and accountability. This conduct is unacceptable and compels me to seek further actions to resolve these issues effectively. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
5/19/2021, engine vibrating, vehicle stall, 3 days repair. Ignition wiring bad/ replaced 5/28/2021, engine vibrating, vehicle stop running, 3 day repair/electric module burn/temporary repair by georgia car dealer. 6/3/2021 taken to NY dealer to repair 5/28/2021 problems, 15 day to repair. 10/12/2021 engine vibrating, passenger compartment filled with smoke, valve lifter crack, vehicle parked on dealers parking lot for 15 day, has not been repair. Vehicle has spent 35 total days in car dealers for different engine problems. On all occasions dashboard has gong haywire. Emergency brake lock, passenger door would not open 10/12/2021. Contacted GMC has not responded.
Service driver assist system alert while driving dealer is consulting with Cadillac engineering, but can't figure how to fix, because no code appears - even thought the warning still appears.