Cadillac tools & data
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere’s Cadillac hub collects free research for Escalade and Cadillac shoppers: Escalade trim levels with dated base MSRPs, 10 documented Escalade issues and recalls, guides to the GM 6.2L V8 and 3.0L Duramax, plus a Cadillac VIN decoder, window sticker lookup and RPO option codes. Every page lists its sources.
The Escalade shares its platform and most powertrains with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, so GM’s engine and transmission facts carry over. These pages focus on what is Cadillac-specific: trims, equipment and the issues owners and NHTSA have documented.
Decode a Cadillac
Start from the VIN or the codes on the vehicle.
GM engines and transmissions
Years, GM-rated output, known problems and recalls.
Cadillac trim levels
Current and previous-generation trims with dated base MSRPs, engines and packages.
Buying a used Cadillac
What goes wrong, which years drew complaints, and how values hold up.
Cadillac research by model
| Model | Trim levels | Known issues | Years to avoid | Depreciation | Build sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade | Escalade trims | Escalade problems | Escalade years to avoid | Escalade depreciation | Escalade build sheet |
| Cadillac XT5 | — | — | XT5 years to avoid | XT5 depreciation | — |
| Cadillac CT5 | — | — | — | CT5 depreciation | — |
| Cadillac CTS | — | — | CTS years to avoid | — | — |
| Cadillac SRX | — | — | SRX years to avoid | — | — |
| Cadillac ATS | — | — | ATS years to avoid | — | — |
Know exactly how your Cadillac was ordered from the factory.
The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Cadillac VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record for that vehicle — engine, transmission, axle and the packages it was ordered with. $9.99, instant.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out what options my Cadillac has?
GM records each vehicle’s factory-ordered options as three-character RPO codes against the VIN, and prints them on the glovebox Service Parts Identification label when it is present. The original window sticker or a build sheet decoded from the VIN lists the trim, engine and packages; the free VIN decoder shows basics such as engine, body and plant.
What is an RPO code?
RPO stands for Regular Production Option. GM uses three-character codes such as Z71 (off-road package), L84 (5.3L V8) or NHT (Max Trailering) to identify the options and equipment a vehicle was ordered with.
Is my Cadillac affected by the 6.2L V8 engine recall?
NHTSA campaign 25V274 (2025-04) covers 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade/ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon/Yukon XL with the 6.2L V8 (L87). Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup to see whether a specific vehicle is included.
What engine is in the Cadillac Escalade?
Recent Escalades use GM’s 6.2L V8; the 2021-and-later generation also offered the 3.0L Duramax diesel, and the Escalade-V uses a supercharged 6.2L. The Escalade trim page and GM engines guide list output by year.
How do I check a Cadillac for recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or Cadillac’s owner site, or ask a dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Sources
Each linked page lists its own detailed sources. The hub's figures come from these datasets and references.
- CarWhere GM engines dataset (19 engines and transmissions) — CarWhere
- CarWhere Cadillac trim-levels dataset (10 trims) — CarWhere
- CarWhere Cadillac known-issues dataset (10 issues) — CarWhere
- GM newsroom — General Motors
- NHTSA recalls and vPIC VIN decoding — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors. Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Corvette, Duramax, Vortec and the model names are trademarks of their owner.