Model year

2020 Cadillac Escalade

SUV, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Apr 13, 2020 to Aug 27, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year234k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints14Below the median 2020 suv
Severity index14.32020 suvs average 5.6
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2020 Cadillac Escalade peaked in 2025, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0246820202021202220232024202520267
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

57% of complaints about the 2020 Cadillac Escalade name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
8
Powertrain
3
Driver assistance
2
Electrical system
1
Lighting
1
Brakes
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

2 recall campaigns cover the 2020 Cadillac Escalade

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
21V-115Feb 25, 2021Affected tires were cured for too long during productionTires33,838Part replacement
19V-837Nov 21, 2019Fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel systemFuel system502Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2020 Cadillac Escalade

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

14 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Aug 27, 2026Failure Jul 30, 2026Lenexa, KSPower train

    ABS lights come on, engine misfireing, camshaft position senor codes, and vehicle will lunge at stop light. Bought the car 30 days ago and has been in service at the dealership for the past 3 weeks.

    NHTSA complaint 11760128
  2. Filed Apr 24, 2026Failure Apr 24, 2026New Palestine, INEngine

    My vehicle doesn’t even have 66k miles on it and the lifters have gone bad. The check engine came on and the vehicle has stopped working.

    NHTSA complaint 11733688
  3. Filed Mar 26, 2026Failure Nov 20, 2025miramar, FLEngine

    Engine Failure According to Chevrolet dealership my engine needed to be replace due to tapping coming from the engine. In addition, they found lifter damage along with the camshaft. Cylinder 3 lifter roller failure causing noise and camshaft damage, Yes this was confirmed and engine replaced at that same dealership No warning light or any other symptoms prior to the problem. I have a copy of the receipt and the complete work order from the dealership.

    NHTSA complaint 11727310
  4. Filed Mar 18, 2026Failure Mar 8, 2026Houston, TXEngine

    Engine has been making a knocking sound and shaking and vibrating very loud loudly. The engine light has been on as well as the traction light and it is acts like it’s going to stall every time I turn on the engine. Because of safety concerns, especially on the very busy highway, where I do a lot of driving, I have been afraid to drive the car. Sewell Cadillac is aware of the engine problem and they informed me I need a $10,000 engine replacement! My 2020 engine falls outside of the current recall by one year. I feel as if GMC should be responsible for this unbelievable and totally unexpected problem! I have several friends who are experiencing the same issues with their GMC with the same year and comparable mileage.

    NHTSA complaint 11725325
  5. Filed Mar 2, 2026Failure Mar 2, 2026Bonne Terre, MOEngine

    Noticed smoke in rear view mirror while driving at 65 mph. Towed to repair facility. Engine has a piston rod broken and pushed through the block.

    NHTSA complaint 11721402
  6. Filed Feb 9, 2026Failure Feb 2, 2026Fairhaven, MAPower train

    THE CALAPSABLE LIFTERS HAVE FAILED AND I NEED TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AS WELL AS THE CAM SHAFT. WHY ISNTTHE 2020 ESCALADE ON THE RECAL LIST OF 6.2L ENGIN RECALLS?

    NHTSA complaint 11716653
  7. Filed Jan 13, 2026Failure Jan 12, 202655,571 milesJonesboro, AREngine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made abnormal sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the year and VIN were not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,571.

    NHTSA complaint 11710600
  8. Filed Jun 28, 2025Failure Jun 1, 2025Sugar Land, TXEngine

    Scary, driving with my 3 kids. Engine lights and hazard lights saying pull over. Loud sound coming from the hood. We immediately pulled over. Dealership and private Mechanic told us we need a new engine. We just spent $15k on a new transmission. Dealership won’t help us, said our 2020 wasn’t part of the recall. We can’t find an engine if our life depended on it. It’s the same engine as the recall yet they haven’t recalled the 2020 engine yet. The dealership didn’t even tell us what to do or where to complain besides their dealership. No help. Our Cadillac now sits un drive-able. We have to try to get a loan and buy another vehicle. So upset. GMC is not admitting ANYTHING with the 2020’s

    NHTSA complaint 11669904
  9. Filed May 9, 2025Failure Mar 5, 2025106,000 milesMandeville, LAEngine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the lifters, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 106,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11660029
  10. Filed Mar 26, 2025Failure Mar 25, 2025Kaufman, TXEngine

    Engine has 64k miles and at stop lights and while parked drops idle to below 500 makes a random knock like sound shudders like it is going to cut off or have engine failure but no check engine lights.

    NHTSA complaint 11650769
  11. Filed Jan 16, 2024Failure Jan 2, 2024Rimrock, AZAutomatic emergency braking

    Vehicle stops unexpectedly in parking lots (5-10mph) and on freeways (70-76mph). Speed ranges from 5 - 75 mph. Unexpected braking occurs for no reason. There are typically no obstructions or vehicles in front of the vehicle. It is most concerning when the vehicle automatically applies braking traveling at 70-76mph.

    NHTSA complaint 11565837
  12. Filed Sep 4, 2023Failure Feb 3, 2023Sauddi Arabia, ARElectrical system, Warnings, Service brakesCrashFire

    This is the component that failed Parts Passenger Side Instrument Panel Wiring Harness Junction Block GM Part # 84114433 Component combustion Yes, the burning of the component has been confirmed Not checked - Just replace the component only No warning lights appeared

    NHTSA complaint 11542464
  13. Filed Dec 31, 2021Failure Dec 27, 2021Arlington, VAExterior lightingCrash

    Cadillac Escalade was struck in a rear end collision in Georgia. Driver of trailing car stated that the Escalade "suddenly stopped". After reviewing dash cam footage from the trailing car it can be seen that the Escalade was very slowly decelerating for ~4 seconds before suddenly stopping, the trailing driver did not react to the initial deceleration, only the sudden stop. Closer inspection of the footage suggests the non-standard brake lights of the Escalade contributed to the crash. The vertical stripes do not register as brake lights easily, especially as they blend into the structure of the vehicle. Screenshots of dashcam footage showing this are attached.

    NHTSA complaint 11445717
  14. Filed Apr 13, 2020Failure Apr 13, 2020938 milesGreen River, WYPower train

    CAR STARTS BUT WILL NOT GO INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. UPON RESTARTING THE CAR, IT MAY OR MAY NOT GO WORK. WHEN IT DOES WORK THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO A HIGHER GEAR.

    NHTSA complaint 11321030
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

756 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • PIT5698F Sep 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
  • PIP4902W Sep 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT5099J Jul 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PI to help diagnose A/C concern
  • PIT3271Q Apr 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
  • PIP6104 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
  • PIP4902V Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT6425D Mar 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
  • PIT6483 Feb 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
  • PIP6098 Jan 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI advised dealer technicians of possible causes of diesel fuel contamination in gasoline powered vehicles and advises of warranty direction.
  • PIT6400A Jan 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
  • PIT6425C Jan 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
  • PIP4902U Jan 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • 25-NA-156 Jun 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
  • 00-06-01-026R Jun 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
  • PIT5214G Nov 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of Genera…
  • 23-NA-153 May 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
  • PIT6425B Oct 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
  • PIT6425A Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
  • PIT6440 Oct 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Driver Information Center may display a message of Transport Mode On after the ignition is cycled.
  • 22-NA-080 Sep 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
  • PIT5479H Sep 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle. The substance is actually excess assembly grease from the caliper boot and piston.
  • 13598 Sep 9, 2025 · Other
    New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
  • 25-NA-118 May 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for the technicians to use a Customer Concern Verification sheet to facilitate the questions needing to be answered by the customer regarding Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) issues.
  • PIP4902T Aug 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIC5650M Aug 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B306…
  • PIP5601B Jul 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
  • 15-NA-010 May 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
  • PIT6400 Jun 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
  • PIC6086J Jun 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI communicates a procedure to clean oil leaking from the rain sensor.
  • PIT6180A Jun 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates assistance in locating the Rear seat belt comfort guides in the parts catalog.
  • PIP4902S Jun 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • N252494770-01 Jun 20, 2025 · Service Campaign
    Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase. If such a notice is not provided to GM, then the vehicle owne…
  • N252494770 Jun 17, 2025 · Service Campaign
    Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase. If such a notice is not provided to GM, then the vehicle owne…
  • PI0281L Apr 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
  • 25-NA-100 Apr 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Comp…
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • 24-NA-229 Apr 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for a battery drain utilizing the Picoscope and how to measure the load on the system that may be causing a drain.
  • 07-00-89-037W Apr 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
  • 25-NA-087 Apr 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
  • 18-NA-315 Apr 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin advises the tech to only replace the shock that is bad and not all shocks.
  • 25-NA-052 Mar 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
  • 23-NA-185 Mar 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering Vibration/Shudder, Intermittent DTCs/MIL Illuminated, Engagement/Disengagement/Ratcheting Conc…
  • 13-08-116-001K Mar 31, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
  • 24-NA-098 Mar 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
  • 25-NA-065 Mar 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
  • 15-06-03-001F Mar 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
  • 08-03-10-006I Mar 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
  • PIT5551R Apr 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates a "Forward Collision System Reduced" message displayed on the DIC when the Forward Automatic Braking has been set to the "Alert" setting.  This is normal when the FAB has been set to  "Alert".
  • 19-NA-255 Mar 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
  • 25-NA-052 Mar 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
  • PIP5943A Mar 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician on diagnostic aids to help with the diagnosis and repair of 8 Speed Transmissions
  • 17-NA-073 Mar 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
  • 05-03-07-009L Feb 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
  • 11-00-89-005Y Feb 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only).
  • 05-08-51-001L Feb 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film.
  • PIP5966A Mar 2, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
  • PIP5966A Mar 2, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
  • 16-NA-109 Feb 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.