2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, categorized as requested.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV represents a significant redesign for the iconic luxury SUV. It boasts bold styling, a luxurious interior, and advanced technology. Engine options include a 6.2L V8 gasoline engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 3.0L Duramax inline-six diesel engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. People generally praise the Escalade ESV for its spaciousness, comfortable ride (especially with the optional air suspension), and high-tech features. Common complaints often revolve around the vehicle’s size (making it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces), fuel economy (particularly with the V8), and the complexity of the infotainment system.
Engine
6.2L V8
- Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, misfires, reduced power. Can occur due to AFM (Active Fuel Management) system issues.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected lifters. Some owners opt to delete the AFM system to prevent future issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage and AFM delete option).
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes.
- Solution: Could require piston ring replacement in extreme cases. More frequently addressed with improved PCV valve design updates and software recalibration.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ (depending on the severity and repair needed).
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L Duramax Diesel
- Fuel Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough running, misfires, reduced power, and potentially black smoke from the exhaust. Diagnostic trouble codes related to fuel injectors.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injector(s). Requires specialized tools and knowledge due to high-pressure fuel system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ (depending on the number of injectors replaced).
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine performance, rough idling, and potentially increased emissions.
- Solution: Replacement of the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, particularly between certain gears. Hesitation or slipping during acceleration.
- Solution: Software updates/reprogramming of the transmission control module (TCM). In more severe cases, valve body replacement or full transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (for software update) to $6,000+ (for transmission rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering/vibration at low speeds or during light acceleration. Stalling or difficulty engaging gears.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500-$3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Ride Suspension Malfunctions (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, ride height not adjusting properly, “Service Suspension” message on the dashboard. Could be caused by compressor failure, air leaks in the system, or sensor issues.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the specific component failure and replacement. This could involve the air compressor, air struts, height sensors, or related lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the component that needs to be replaced).
- Recalls: None Found
- Magnetic Ride Control (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, harsh ride, or failure of the system to properly dampen road imperfections.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected magnetic ride control shock absorber(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ (depending on how many shocks are replaced and the shop doing the work)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Glitches
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response, screen flickering, and various software-related issues with the infotainment system.
- Solution: Software updates from the dealership. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if covered under warranty or software update) to $1,500+ (for infotainment unit replacement).
- Recalls: None Found
- Camera System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Camera image is distorted, not displayed or is black screen. Could be caused by a defective camera, faulty wiring, or a software glitch.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected camera(s), checking and repairing wiring, or performing a software update.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ (depending on the extent of the damage and which camera is replaced).
- Recalls: None Found
- Head Up Display (HUD) Malfunctions (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: HUD not working, blurry image, or incorrect information being displayed.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the HUD unit, which may involve recalibration or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Running Board Problems (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Running boards failing to deploy or retract properly, making noise, or getting stuck.
- Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the hinges/motors. In some cases, replacement of the motor or the entire running board assembly is required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on the repair).
- Recalls: None Found
- Tailgate Issues (Power Liftgate)
- Description/Symptoms: Tailgate not opening/closing, opening/closing very slowly, or beeping and reversing direction during operation.
- Solution: Check and repair tailgate struts, motor, or any related wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Heater/Cooler Malfunctions (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters or coolers not working, working intermittently, or overheating.
- Solution: Replacement of the heating/cooling element or the control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per seat.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof/Moonroof Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close, getting stuck, or leaking water.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ (depending on the severity of the issue).
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, while luxurious and technologically advanced, has potential reliability issues, particularly with the engine (both V8 and diesel), transmission, and electrical systems. The severity of these issues can range from minor software glitches to major mechanical failures, with repair costs varying accordingly. Owners should be aware of these potential problems and address them promptly to avoid more extensive damage. While some issues are minor inconveniences, others can be quite costly to repair, potentially exceeding several thousand dollars.