Cadillac Escalade VIN Number Check

Enter a Cadillac Escalade VIN for a free NHTSA vPIC decode: build details, the generation it belongs to and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. Owner reports follow below.

VIN prefix1GY3GY

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Cadillac Escalade

About the Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac has sold the Escalade in the US since the 1999 model year, and there have been five generations. The Gen 1 came first (1999–2000); Gen 2 (2002–2006), Gen 3 (2007–2014), Gen 4 (2015–2020) followed, and the Gen 5 took over for 2021–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 59 vehicle recall campaigns and 2,374 owner complaints. The 2007 has the most complaints of any model year (286). EPA rates the Gen 1 at 13 mpg combined, while the Gen 5 gets 13–23 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years1999–2026

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3 · Gen 4 · Gen 5

NHTSA recall campaigns59

Owner complaints2,374 at NHTSA

Cadillac Escalade photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Cadillac Escalade generations

Five generations since the 1999 model year. The Gen 3 (2007–2014) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 5 (2021–2026) the most recall campaigns (20).

5 / 5

Gen 5

2021–20265th generation

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

199920052010201520202025

2021–2026· Generation 5 of 5

Gen 5 · 5th generation

PlatformGMT T1XX

EPA combined mpg13–23

NHTSA recalls20

Engines (EPA)

3.0 L 6-cyl (turbo, diesel) · 2021–2024
6.2 L 8-cyl · 2021–2026
6.2 L 8-cyl (supercharged) · 2023–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, RWD
automatic (2021–2026)

Known issues to check

Engine and cooling (549)Powertrain (transmission, driveline) (112)Electrical system (86)3 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 679 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 51GYS4GKL?PR······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum, built in Arlington, Texas

Check an Escalade VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Escalade model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 59 campaigns on file for Escalade model years 1999–2026, and the 2021 shows up in more of them than any other year (13), ahead of the 2015 (9). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Cadillac Escalade owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2007 (286 of 2,374). Tap any bar or generation.

2,374NHTSA complaints, 1999–2026

124mention a crash

63mention a fire

162injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 5: 679 complaints · most for the 2023 (228)

Top complaint areas · Gen 5

Mentions in 679 complaints, 2021–2026.

Engine and cooling549

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)112

Electrical system86

Fuel system63

Forward collision avoidance40

Brakes24

Crashes 18Fires 3Injuries 13

2021–2026 (Gen 5)

NHTSA data summary

Engine and cooling owns this generation. Its 549 mentions are more than twice the next area, powertrain (112). Complaints peak with the 2023 (228 of 679).

What Escalade owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2021–present (5th generation)

Complaint totals are high for 2021 to 2023, and engine failure dominates. Many NHTSA owners describe the 6.2 liter V8 ticking, knocking, losing power or seizing, often blamed on failed valve lifters or spun rod bearings, sometimes at highway speed. CarComplaints has no reports for this generation, but owners on the Cadillac Owners Forum and Reddit describe the same lifter failures on 2021 models and engines that quit with spun rod bearings on 2023 models, usually replaced under warranty. Recalls cover connecting rods and crankshafts on 2021–2024 models with the 6.2 liter V8 that can cause engine failure. [8] [9] [10] [11]

2015–2020 (4th generation)

The 2015 and 2016 draw the most complaints, and totals fall after 2017. NHTSA owners of the 2015 mention transmission shifting and shudder, brake and steering concerns and lifter noise. CarComplaints lists a leaking A/C condenser, a loud tapping noise and an unresponsive CUE screen for 2015, and deteriorating clear coat, warm air from the A/C and transmission failure for 2016. Recalls cover brake vacuum pumps on 2015–2017 models that may lose vacuum over time and reduce brake assist, and several air bag campaigns on 2015 models. [1] [2] [3] [4]

2007–2014 (3rd generation)

The 2007 and 2008 draw the most complaints, and later years have thin data. Many NHTSA owners of the 2008 write about air bag concerns, including the passenger air bag inflator recall. CarComplaints has few reports, listing an electrical fire, failed shocks and a StabiliTrak light for 2007, and a broken door handle and moisture in the headlights for 2008. Recalls cover passenger front air bag inflators on 2007–2011 models that may explode after long exposure to heat and humidity. [5] [6] [7]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup and confirm the passenger air bag inflator recall on 2007 to 2011 models, the brake vacuum pump recall on 2015 to 2017 models and the 6.2 liter engine recall on 2021 to 2024 models were completed.
Ask for engine and transmission repair records.
On the drive, listen for engine ticking or knocking, feel for shudder or harsh shifts, test the CUE screen and A/C, and check the headlights for moisture.

Sources (11) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Cadillac Escalade owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Cadillac Escalade owners on Reddit love the luxury but worry about the 6.2 V8. Owners of 2025 and 2026 models describe lifter and engine failures, including a 2026 Sport with eight lifters replaced at 300 miles and a 2025 Sport Platinum that spent weeks at the dealer, though another 2025 owner had no issues in 16,000 miles. Many see the 2007 to 2014 trucks as the toughest, with one 2007 near 200,000 miles, though AFM lifter failures and transmissions around 150,000 to 160,000 miles are known issues.

Pros

Smooth, powerful and luxurious, and loved even by some owners who had engine trouble
2007 to 2014 trucks seen as durable and easy to fix
Some owners cite very high mileage, including one at 287,000

Cons

Lifter and engine failures on the 6.2 in 2021 and newer trucks
AFM-related lifter failures on older trucks
Transmission failures around 150,000 to 160,000 miles
Delaminating CUE screen buttons and rear sunroof drain leaks on the ESV

Should I get Escalade 2026? r/Cadillac · 2026-09-10
2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport - 300 miles - Engine Knocking - 8 Lifters being replaced r/Cadillac · 2026-08-12
Should I trade my ‘13 Escalade Platinum for a newer model ESV? r/Cadillac · 2026-07-15
Happy to be back in the Cadillac family ! 2015 ! 130,000 miles , no current issues or problems ! But .... r/Cadillac · 2025-12-02
‘13 Escalade Luxury w/ 171k miles. 10k Asking Price, is it worth it? r/Cadillac · 2026-03-11

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Escalade complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid and diesel Escalade versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

2,374complaints, 1999–2026

124mention a crash

63mention a fire

162injuries reported

2complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2007 (286), 2023 (228), 2008 (167)

2007 · 286 complaints

Crashes 14 · fires 11 · injuries 38 · complaints reporting a death 1

Air bags139

Electrical system42

Engine41

Structure27

Electronic stability control26

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Escalade CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 106 Escalade versions for model years 1999–2026 (gas, diesel and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 404 g/mi, for the 2010 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 11999–2000

13 mpg · CO₂ 684 g/mi

Gen 22002–2006

12–15 mpg · CO₂ 592–741 g/mi

Gen 32007–2014

14–22 mpg · CO₂ 404–635 g/mi

Gen 42015–2020

16–17 mpg · CO₂ 511–555 g/mi

Gen 52021–2026

13–23 mpg · CO₂ 437–702 g/mi

Model year2025

17combined MPG

537CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$4,850EPA yearly fuel cost

5/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

3/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III ULEV50 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 50Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: 2WD · Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L — 17 MPG · 537 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasDieselHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Escalade vs Lincoln Navigator vs Lexus LX

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2015–2020. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the Escalade, against 26 for the Lincoln Navigator and 3 for the Lexus LX. Pick a range to compare.

Cadillac EscaladeGen 5

Model years 2021–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 20
NHTSA owner complaints: 679
EPA combined mpg: 13–23
Engines (EPA): 6-cyl 3.0 L · 8-cyl 6.2 L
Also listed: turbo, diesel, supercharged
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Engine and cooling 549
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 112
Electrical system 86

Lincoln Navigator

Model years 2021–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 28
NHTSA owner complaints: 89
EPA combined mpg: 17–19
Engines (EPA): 6-cyl 3.5 L
Also listed: turbo
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 22
Engine and cooling 13
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 11

Lexus LX

Model years 2021–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 7
NHTSA owner complaints: 22
EPA combined mpg: 14–20
Engines (EPA): 6-cyl 3.4 L · 8-cyl 5.7 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Engine and cooling 16
Brakes 3
Rear camera / back-over prevention 2

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Cadillac Escalade VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an Escalade

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

White Cadillac Escalade (fifth generation) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

Escalade's body-on-frame construction places the VIN at the dashboard plate, on the door jamb sticker, on the B-pillar label, near the cargo area floor, and on the frame rail near the front axle. The Gen 5 generation starts with the 2021 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (M for 2021) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Cadillac Escalade VIN questions

Which Cadillac Escalade model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2007 leads with 286, ahead of the 2023 (228) and 2008 (167). Those first two alone make up 22% of the 2,374 Escalade complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Cadillac Escalade had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 59 vehicle campaigns for model years 1999–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 5 leads with 20. Then come the Gen 3 (15), Gen 4 (14), Gen 2 (9) and Gen 1 (2), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Cadillac Escalade recalls are high risk?

26V-329 covers air bag inflators that can rupture. 21V-050, 21V-052, 21V-053, 21V-054 and 21V-051 cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 00V-153, 02V-224, 05V-455, 08V-441, 10V-240, 14V-007, 19V-837, 25V-619 and 1 more. Do-not-drive advisories came with 26V-289 and 16V-256. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Escalade generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 1999–2000 and the Gen 2 2002–2006. Gen 3 spans 2007–2014, Gen 4 2015–2020 and Gen 5 2021–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (M is 2021).

What fuel economy does the Cadillac Escalade get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2021–2026 Gen 5 at 13–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 13 mpg for the 1999–2000 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Cadillac Escalade compare with the Lincoln Navigator and Lexus LX on recalls?

For 2021–2026 models the Escalade has 20 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Lincoln Navigator has 28, the Lexus LX 7. Complaints run 679, 89 and 22 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Cadillac Escalade have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Escalade 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, RWD and 4WD, get that score.

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