2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Owner Complaints
Complaint Summary
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 21 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve engine and wheels.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 21 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ENGINE
7 33.3%
WHEELS
4 19%
AIR BAGS
3 14.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 9.5%
STEERING
1 4.8%
Quick Insights
The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 33.3% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 9 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 21 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 33% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV are ENGINE (7), WHEELS (4), AIR BAGS (3).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 14 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 9 of 9 systems
ENGINE
7 Reports33% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
We had a catastrophic engine failure when it seized up due to the rod bearing wear issue I read yesterday that your agency was investigating. I was told I need a new engine by my mechanic. Please reach out if you need more information. [XXX][XXX]
1/29/2025
I learned that General Motors issued a voluntary recall for engine issues covering 2021 through 2024. I have a 2020 with the same exact engine problem. Basically, the engine completely failed when driving and now I'm stuck making payments on a car that is useless.
4/28/2025
WHEELS
4 Reports19% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
DRIVING 94 WEST BOUND JUMPED OFF MY SEAT AND REMEMBERED I DIDN'T JUST HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. TIRE PASSED ME AND SEATBELT STRANGLED ME WHEN IT PULLED. GRABBED AHOLD OF STEERING WHEEL AND MADE SURE NOT TO HIT ANY OBJECTS OR ANYONE. SOMETHING HIT MY FACE AND GOT DISCOMBOBULATED FROM THE SEATBELT. HAD TO REMEMBER THAT I NEEDED TO UNBUCKLE SEATBELT. ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED. CRAWLED OUT OF THE VEHICLE PICKED UP BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. NOT ON MY RIGHT TEMPLE WE'R WENT DOWN, DISCHARGED AND LOSS OF THE TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT SMELL OF BRAIN MATTER FROM WITHIN FOLLOWED BY FLUID DRIP IN NASAL CAVITY.
12/20/2020
LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT FOR BRAIN MATTER FOLLOWED BY NASAL DRIP IN BACK OF THROAT. STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. RIGHT REAR TIRE POP IN FREEWAY 94 WESTBOUND ON 13 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2020. USAA SENT DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE'S RECALL INFORMATION. CALLED MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE TO REPORT RECALL AND DENIED OFF RECALL AND INFO ON INSURANCE DIAGNOSTICS SENT. SEE UPLOADS:
12/24/2020
AIR BAGS
3 Reports14% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
DRIVING 94 WEST BOUND JUMPED OFF MY SEAT AND REMEMBERED I DIDN'T JUST HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. TIRE PASSED ME AND SEATBELT STRANGLED ME WHEN IT PULLED. GRABBED AHOLD OF STEERING WHEEL AND MADE SURE NOT TO HIT ANY OBJECTS OR ANYONE. SOMETHING HIT MY FACE AND GOT DISCOMBOBULATED FROM THE SEATBELT. HAD TO REMEMBER THAT I NEEDED TO UNBUCKLE SEATBELT. ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED. CRAWLED OUT OF THE VEHICLE PICKED UP BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. NOT ON MY RIGHT TEMPLE WE'R WENT DOWN, DISCHARGED AND LOSS OF THE TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT SMELL OF BRAIN MATTER FROM WITHIN FOLLOWED BY FLUID DRIP IN NASAL CAVITY.
12/20/2020
LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT FOR BRAIN MATTER FOLLOWED BY NASAL DRIP IN BACK OF THROAT. STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. RIGHT REAR TIRE POP IN FREEWAY 94 WESTBOUND ON 13 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2020. USAA SENT DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE'S RECALL INFORMATION. CALLED MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE TO REPORT RECALL AND DENIED OFF RECALL AND INFO ON INSURANCE DIAGNOSTICS SENT. SEE UPLOADS:
12/24/2020
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT FOR BRAIN MATTER FOLLOWED BY NASAL DRIP IN BACK OF THROAT. STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. RIGHT REAR TIRE POP IN FREEWAY 94 WESTBOUND ON 13 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2020. USAA SENT DIAGNOSTICS OF VEHICLE'S RECALL INFORMATION. CALLED MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE TO REPORT RECALL AND DENIED OFF RECALL AND INFO ON INSURANCE DIAGNOSTICS SENT. SEE UPLOADS:
12/24/2020
er to case number: Case#9-6698447273v 3136671128 Vera Cadillac case Escalated and I am not getting through. Just want to make sure that I made the effort to each our to dealerships and headquarters to no avail. And if this is really is what is happening, this is what really need to be done properly: per lemon vehicle with extended warranty program, with defective equipment (manufacturerâs defects)failure to service right rear tire request per fotainment alert. Plus steering wheel airbag failure to inflate and deploy upon collision, resulting internal injuries, including, but not limited to loss of smell and loss of taste due to this defective automobile. Also note: diagnostics mentioned vehicle was up for a possible recall with its fuel system.
7/20/2021
STEERING
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
DRIVING 94 WEST BOUND JUMPED OFF MY SEAT AND REMEMBERED I DIDN'T JUST HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. TIRE PASSED ME AND SEATBELT STRANGLED ME WHEN IT PULLED. GRABBED AHOLD OF STEERING WHEEL AND MADE SURE NOT TO HIT ANY OBJECTS OR ANYONE. SOMETHING HIT MY FACE AND GOT DISCOMBOBULATED FROM THE SEATBELT. HAD TO REMEMBER THAT I NEEDED TO UNBUCKLE SEATBELT. ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED. CRAWLED OUT OF THE VEHICLE PICKED UP BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. NOT ON MY RIGHT TEMPLE WE'R WENT DOWN, DISCHARGED AND LOSS OF THE TASTE AND SMELL EXCEPT SMELL OF BRAIN MATTER FROM WITHIN FOLLOWED BY FLUID DRIP IN NASAL CAVITY.
12/20/2020
SERVICE BRAKES
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
March of this year while on vacation in South Carolina this vehicle had a partial brake failure at 2145 miles. It was repaired in Charlestown S. C. at a Cadillac Dealership and shipped back to Rick Hendrick Cadillac Norfolk Virginia. On 12/21/21 the same issues resurfaced one day prior to heading to South Carolina for Christmas. The vehicle was towed to Rick Hendrick Cadillac in Norfolk Virginia where it will stay. I have loss all confidence in the brake system on that vehicle. It will not come back to my home.
12/23/2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while he was approaching the vehicle, the side step was extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the actuator was replaced. The failure continued and the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and the actuator was replaced again however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 5,000.
6/23/2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Right front wheel fell off, traction control system and forward collision system were disabled, leaving me stranded on I75.
3/13/2024
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
1 Report5% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Right front wheel fell off, traction control system and forward collision system were disabled, leaving me stranded on I75.
3/13/2024
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
Are complaints about the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
Are complaints about the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Cadillac Escalade ESV: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 21
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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