CADILLAC ESCALADE · model year

2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE

22 NHTSA complaints, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013CADILLACESCALADE carries 22 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 ESCALADE is power train with 4 filings, followed by electrical system (4) and air bags (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2013 ESCALADE, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

22
Complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

22 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
AIR BAGS3
STEERING2
SEAT BELTS2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1
ENGINE1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1

Recalls (4)

21V05300005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaba

21V05400005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS,

13V00100002/01/2013

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, throug

14V61400001/10/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles

Recent Complaints

20250314ENGINE

I am currently experiencing a concerning issue with my hybrid car, which has been stalling unexpectedly and shutting itself off while driving. This alarming behavior poses a significant safety risk, as it could potentially lead to a crash in critical situations, especially if it occurs during high-speed travel or in heavy traffic. Despite regular maintenance and inspections, the problem persists, and I am worried about the reliability of the vehicle. The intermittent nature of the stalling makes it particularly difficult to diagnose, and I am seeking expert assistance to resolve the underlying issue. It is crucial for me to ensure that my car operates safely and consistently to prevent any dangerous situations on the road. I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations on troubleshooting this matter or guidance on steps I should take to address this urgent concern. Thank you for your help.

20250314FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am currently experiencing a concerning issue with my hybrid car, which has been stalling unexpectedly and shutting itself off while driving. This alarming behavior poses a significant safety risk, as it could potentially lead to a crash in critical situations, especially if it occurs during high-speed travel or in heavy traffic. Despite regular maintenance and inspections, the problem persists, and I am worried about the reliability of the vehicle. The intermittent nature of the stalling makes it particularly difficult to diagnose, and I am seeking expert assistance to resolve the underlying issue. It is crucial for me to ensure that my car operates safely and consistently to prevent any dangerous situations on the road. I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations on troubleshooting this matter or guidance on steps I should take to address this urgent concern. Thank you for your help.

20230321POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle after waiting for a while. The contact resumed driving; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact then drove 10 MPH and parked the vehicle at her place of employment parking lot. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall as the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable and had been parked. The vehicle was not repair

Mileage: 130,000

20220621SEAT BELTS

All three seatbelts in the third row don't lock. I just got this car with only 100k miles on it and when installing my kids' car seats I found that none of them have the needed safety feature. They don't lock when pulled quickly or when pulled all the way out. Cadillac won't cover the repair.

20220223AIR BAGS

2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE AIRBAG RECALL COMPLETED, THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE AIRBAG FAILURE TIMING WAS A COINCIDENCE AND REQUESTED AN INSPECTION/REPAIR FEE.

20201123AIR BAGS

I'M PROVIDING MY VEHICLE INFORMATION FOR A RECALL CONCERNING TAMARA AIR BAGS

20201123FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I'M PROVIDING MY VEHICLE INFORMATION FOR A RECALL CONCERNING TAMARA AIR BAGS

20200228VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER HAD TRAILER HITCHED WOOD TO THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE ENGINE RPMS TO INCREASE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE BUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AGAIN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO IMPACT THE WOOD THAT WAS HITCHED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NEXT DAY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO INCREASE IN SPEED TO 120 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT THEN RESUMED DRIVING TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

20200127ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65MPH AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TURNING OFF AND ON. PUSHED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE JUST REVVED UP. THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME IT HAS DONE THIS.

Mileage: 87,500

20200127ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65MPH AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TURNING OFF AND ON. PUSHED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE JUST REVVED UP. THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME IT HAS DONE THIS.

Mileage: 87,500

20200109UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SEVERAL CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD

Mileage: 55,000

20191221FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SEAT HEATER CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT

Mileage: 94,000

20181111POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, A COMPLETE STOP WAS MADE AT A STOP SIGN ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TUN FROM THE STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE HAD A LOSS OF POWERTRAIN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED. THE POWER STEERING DID NOT COME BACK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACE INTO PARK, SHUTDOWN COMPLETELY AND RESTARTED. THE POWER STEERING AND ACCELERATION RETURNED. THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN TO ME.

Mileage: 96,000

20181111STEERING

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, A COMPLETE STOP WAS MADE AT A STOP SIGN ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TUN FROM THE STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE HAD A LOSS OF POWERTRAIN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED. THE POWER STEERING DID NOT COME BACK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACE INTO PARK, SHUTDOWN COMPLETELY AND RESTARTED. THE POWER STEERING AND ACCELERATION RETURNED. THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN TO ME.

Mileage: 96,000

20180815ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ON 5/12/18 VEHICLE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF 16 MILES ON WESTWIND, EL PASO, TX 79912. TURNED TO OPEN AREA LOT VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP SHUT DOWN.TOWED IT TO BRAVO CADILLAC GENERAL MANAGER WAS RUDE STATED NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE MADE ME PAY FOR TOWING. SINCE, THEN I HAD VEHICLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND CURRENT HAVING VALVETRAIN DTC P0300 TICKING NOISE. RECALL DEC. 23,2016, RECALL # 12331 NHTSA ID: 14V614000, RECALL #12331 NHTSA ID # 13V001000, RECALL # 14515 NHTSA ID# 14V614000, BRAVO CADILLAC DOES NOT WANT TO FIX THE RECALL ISSUE GENERAL MANAGER STATED NOT ON WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. I STATED THAT THIS IS A RECALL PROBLEM AND IGNORE ME. TONY ASE MASTER MECHANIC (915) 740-3852 STATED THAT ITS A RECALL ISSUE. DOCUMENT ID # PIP4138P ON DECEMBER 23,2016.

Mileage: 74,995

20180815POWER TRAIN

ON 5/12/18 VEHICLE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF 16 MILES ON WESTWIND, EL PASO, TX 79912. TURNED TO OPEN AREA LOT VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP SHUT DOWN.TOWED IT TO BRAVO CADILLAC GENERAL MANAGER WAS RUDE STATED NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE MADE ME PAY FOR TOWING. SINCE, THEN I HAD VEHICLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND CURRENT HAVING VALVETRAIN DTC P0300 TICKING NOISE. RECALL DEC. 23,2016, RECALL # 12331 NHTSA ID: 14V614000, RECALL #12331 NHTSA ID # 13V001000, RECALL # 14515 NHTSA ID# 14V614000, BRAVO CADILLAC DOES NOT WANT TO FIX THE RECALL ISSUE GENERAL MANAGER STATED NOT ON WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. I STATED THAT THIS IS A RECALL PROBLEM AND IGNORE ME. TONY ASE MASTER MECHANIC (915) 740-3852 STATED THAT ITS A RECALL ISSUE. DOCUMENT ID # PIP4138P ON DECEMBER 23,2016.

Mileage: 74,995

20170927ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO COURTESY CHEVROLET OF SAN DIEGO (750 CAMINO DEL RIO NORTH, SAN DIEGO, CA 92108, PHONE NUMBER: (619) 297-4321) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN ELECTRICAL FUSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V614000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

20170705POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND A GRINDING METAL NOISE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST TO THE NEAREST EXIT AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS SHUT OFF BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN, BUT IT STILL DID NOT ACCELERATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN VERY SLOWLY TO THE DEALER (MICHAEL CADILLAC OF FRESNO, CALIFORNIA) AND LEFT THERE OVERNIGHT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. *TT *JS

Mileage: 88,000

20170114AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND DEALER STATED IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SEAT BELT (DIVER SIDE) ALSO THE CADILLAC ESCALADE FROM THE PAST AND PRESENT YEARS HAVE A AIRBAG AND SEATBELT ISSUE AND I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME ISSUE. BUT NO ONE WILL LISTEN PLEASE LOOK INTO THE ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE PLEASE HELP.

Mileage: 76,000

20170114SEAT BELTS

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND DEALER STATED IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SEAT BELT (DIVER SIDE) ALSO THE CADILLAC ESCALADE FROM THE PAST AND PRESENT YEARS HAVE A AIRBAG AND SEATBELT ISSUE AND I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME ISSUE. BUT NO ONE WILL LISTEN PLEASE LOOK INTO THE ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE PLEASE HELP.

Mileage: 76,000

Compare 2013CADILLACESCALADE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE have?
The 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE has 22 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE?
The 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE?
Yes, the 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE?
The most-complained component for the 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE is POWER TRAIN with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.