2023 Cadillac Escalade Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 10/15/2026

Vehicle passed the L87 V8 recall inspection, but subsequently suffered sudden engine failure/knocking.

ENGINE — Filed 10/04/2026

Around May 2025; we noticed a ticking/knocking noise coming from our engine. We popped the hood, confirmed the noise was coming from somewhere in the engine. Shut the vehicle off, noticed that the drive belt was significantly damaged/frayed. Brought it to the dealership - they we were informed that our engine had failed related to the GM 2025 recall. Engine was replaced at 68,500 miles with new engine. October 2026, around approximately 103,000 miles, we heard the same ticking/knocking noise coming from the engine. Again, popped the hood & found the drive belt to once again be destroyed, this time even worse from our perspective. Cracked in several places, frayed edges along several sections. Had the vehicle towed back to the same dealership the following day (Monday). Service advisor let us know the next day that the engine had "internal failure." Per the technician, "crankshaft bearing failure - premature wear, oil pressure collapse, and destruction of the main and rod bearings."

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/12/2026

The engine stalled in the middle of an intersection ([XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 12/31/1969

I received a recall notice for catastrophic engine failure on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade sport platinum. I took it into Cable Dahmer Caddy Sales. They ran a test and added a thicker oil. My check engine light turns on roughly every 40 to 60 days and I take it to get service and it usually comes back with no error but why is the check engine light keep popping on and flashing. I’ve been reading about this catastrophic engine failure on the 6.2 V8 engine that’s in my vehicle and adding the thicker zero40 oil and running premium which nothing lower than 91 goes in my vehicle is just buying me time until I’m outside of my factory warranty. And on this website it says that no recalls have been repaired but is adding thick oil repair or as it’s being stated just a fix and draws out the eventual catastrophic engine failure. I’m just assuming that that’s going to happen as soon as my car is out of Warranty is there anyway we can get this tracked correctly on the website that shows that my vehicle does not have that particular engine that ceases up and fails and could I get a better explanation why my check engine light continues to come on and the dealership says there’s no issue they couldn’t get it to misfire again thanks

ENGINE — Filed 09/23/2026

Driving down freeway and engine started making engine clicking noise, lights for engine, Stabil- Trak and numerous others came on. Gas pedal made even louder noise and shaking as i pulled over as i could not keep driving as it sounded like engine was going to blow up. limped off the road and took it to dealer. of course, they are saying it's a lifter failure and not an engine failure. Dealership wording it the way the want trying to get me to pay for it even though there is a recall and engine warranty for 150,000

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 09/01/2026

2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum, VIN [XXX], equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8. The vehicle has a recurring vibration/shudder during steady, light-throttle driving, particularly in the low 30 mph range and again around 53 mph. At approximately 53 mph, the vibration can remain sustained while speed and throttle are held steady and generally stops or improves when I accelerate. The selling Cadillac dealer has repeatedly road-tested the vehicle. The Service Manager personally reproduced the condition and confirmed that the vibration goes away when the vehicle is operated in L9. After further evaluation, the dealer advised me in writing that the vibration was “positively confirmed” to be caused by the cylinder-deactivation process and that it cannot be changed. The vehicle previously underwent the applicable GM L87 engine recall inspection and passed that inspection. I am reporting this because the vibration and hesitation are noticeable and sustained during normal steady-speed driving, and I am concerned about whether this cylinder-deactivation behavior presents a drivability or potential safety issue. I have not experienced complete loss of propulsion or engine failure at this time. Been ongoing at purchase. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/07/2026

Repeated Check engine light due to emissions systems Problem cannot be fixed even after several repairs with GM TAC case help

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/22/2026

Prior to purchasing my 2023 Cadillac Escalade, I was informed the vehicle had been subject to an engine recall. The dealership told me the corrective action was changing the oil from 0W-20 to 0W-40, replacing the filter, and updating the oil cap. I was assured this resolved the issue and that I should not experience future problems. Based on those assurances, I purchased the vehicle in October 2025 with approximately 25,000 miles. About nine months later, the engine shut off while I was stopped at a traffic light. The vehicle automatically shifted into neutral and turned off. I restarted it and continued driving. The exact same incident occurred again a few days later. I brought the vehicle to a Cadillac dealership for inspection. After several hours of diagnostics, I was told they could not find any issues and that the vehicle appeared to be operating normally. Two days later, while traveling approximately 75 mph on the highway with my family, including two young children, a warning message appeared instructing me to restart the vehicle. At the same time, the vehicle shifted into neutral and lost propulsion. I pulled to the shoulder and restarted the engine, which struggled to start and ran very rough. After resuming travel, the exact same failure occurred again within minutes at highway speed, forcing me to pull over a second time. Concerned for my family's safety, I exited the highway and drove local roads. The vehicle was returned to the dealership. An oil sample was sent to a GM-approved laboratory, and I was later informed that elevated levels of metal contamination were found in the oil. GM subsequently authorized a complete engine replacement. I am submitting this complaint because the recall remedy I was told would resolve the issue did not prevent a major engine failure. The vehicle shut off twice at stoplights, passed a dealership inspection, and then lost propulsion twice at highway speeds. This presented a significant safety risk to my family and

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 08/23/2026

The contact and her husband own a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while her husband was inside the vehicle with their four children and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed to work as intended, causing the vehicle to crash into the vehicle ahead. The contact stated that there was no injury sustained. The contact stated that a Police report was not filed; however, the local Police assisted with having the vehicle towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

ENGINE — Filed 08/26/2026

Oil pressure sesnsor warning. The dealership is saying I need a new motor.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/16/2025

I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2023 Cadillac Escalade involving unexpected acceleration and loss of propulsion while driving. On XXX, while traveling to [XXX] in slow-moving traffic with Super Cruise engaged, my vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. I immediately applied the brakes to avoid striking the vehicle ahead. I reported the incident to the Cadillac dealership and contacted OnStar. OnStar records reflected the acceleration/hard-braking event, but the dealership could not identify the cause. On XXX, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of engine/transmission power while I was driving. I contacted OnStar, which reported transmission control module-related diagnostic codes P0747 and P0700 and indicated reduced power/transmission malfunction. I had difficulty reaching a safe location and the vehicle was ultimately towed to a Cadillac dealership. I have also experienced ongoing excessive oil consumption. I first reported this in May 2024 at approximately 21,000 miles. Multiple oil consumption tests were performed, but I repeatedly had to add oil between changes. In June 2026, the vehicle displayed an “Add Oil” warning even though the oil life monitor showed approximately 37% remaining. The vehicle has also had recurring HVAC problems requiring multiple dealership visits, including a coolant flush for an air pocket and later vent actuator recalibration. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by authorized GM/Cadillac dealerships multiple times, including recall work, oil consumption testing, powertrain diagnosis and HVAC repairs. Despite these repeated visits, concerns continue. My primary safety concerns are the unexpected acceleration and subsequent loss of propulsion/reduced power while driving. I am reporting these incidents because they may indicate a safety-related defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 07/20/2026

I was driving down the road, doing approximately 50 mph, when my vehicle shifted itself into neutral and I lost power completely. The information center said "reduced power. Press the start button to regain power," which I did, but nothing happened. I had to pull off the road and have my vehicle towed to a Cadillac dealership in Lima, OH. The dealer, Lima Auto Mall, confirmed I suffered a complete engine failure. This is one of the 6.2L engines that GM has recalled and I had already had the engine inspected by my local Cadillac dealer and they told me my engine was "good," and switched to the 0W40 motor oil. I had just had the vehicle into my Cadillac dealer 4 days prior where they performed an oil change, tire rotation, 80,000 mile service , etc. Four days later, the motor completely failed and had to be replaced.

ENGINE — Filed 08/04/2026

Total engine failure. Had to replace entire engine. Crank shaft issue. We had just returned from vacation and could have been stranded MILES away. Willis Cadillac in Iowa replaced the engine. No warning light whatsoever. Immediate failure upon turning the car on.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 12/20/2025

Transmission control module went out of the blue, caused limp mode on the highway and barely got off. Damaged the Transmission, had to replace by cadillac. 2 weeks later after i got the car back, blew 3 fuses and the starter while driving. Had to get towed back over 100 miles. 3 days later the engine completely blew and they had to replace it. this was the second time this happened, first since ive owned it.

ENGINE — Filed 08/25/2026

Re: 2023 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L Engine Recall and Safety Concern. I followed the recall process, had the prescribed remedy performed, and yet the information now available has left me with substantially diminished confidence that the vehicle is protected against the very failure the recall was intended to address (catastrophic engine failure). My concern is reinforced by NHTSA's Engineering Analysis EA26005, which is examining post-remedy engine failures. When cold starting my Escalade, I hear clanging, flapping, and what I perceive to be abnormal noises coming from the engine. Combined with documented post remedy failures now being investigated by NHTSA, I do not believe the recall remedy provides a sufficient margin of safety.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/23/2026

The engine/powertrain malfunctioned on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade at approximately 29,434 miles, ultimately requiring complete engine replacement. During the engine repair, the Cadillac technician also discovered that the transmission cooler lines were leaking fluid. The dealership replaced all of the affected transmission cooler lines as part of the repair.The original failed engine was removed by the Cadillac dealership, so I do not know whether GM/Cadillac retained it. The failure involved the vehicle’s engine and created concern about the possibility of sudden loss of propulsion or engine failure while driving. Because this is a large vehicle routinely operated on public roads and highways, an unexpected loss of engine power could significantly reduce my ability to safely accelerate, merge, or move the vehicle out of traffic. Fortunately, I brought the vehicle in for service after noticing the abnormal engine noise before a complete failure occurred while driving. Yes. Heritage Cadillac inspected and diagnosed the vehicle. The dealership documented my complaint of a “weird noise on start up” that continued until approximately 10 MPH. The technician removed the valve covers and inspected the rocker arms and pushrods. The dealership ultimately determined that an engine replacement was necessary and replaced the engine under warranty. Yes. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by Heritage Cadillac, an authorized Cadillac dealership. The dealership diagnosed the engine issue and replaced the complete engine. During the repair process, the technician also discovered leaking transmission cooler lines. I did not receive a warning lamp or dashboard message alerting me to an engine problem. The primary symptom was an abnormal engine noise shortly after startup that continued during initial acceleration to approximately 10 MPH. This prompted me to bring the vehicle to Heritage Cadillac for inspection. The dealer documented this symptom on the repair order.

ENGINE — Filed 06/23/2026

On 06/23/2026 at approximately 62,745 miles, I brought my 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine to a Cadillac dealership because of excessive engine oil consumption. The vehicle has been consuming approximately 3 quarts of engine oil every 2,000 miles, or roughly 1 quart every 650-700 miles. The dealership began an oil-consumption test to document the condition, and the vehicle is currently still at the dealership undergoing evaluation. This vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine involved in NHTSA Safety Recall 25V-274 / GM Recall N252494000 concerning internal engine damage and possible loss of propulsion. I do not know whether the excessive oil consumption is directly related to the recall defect, but I am concerned that this level of oil consumption may indicate an internal engine problem that could lead to inadequate lubrication, engine damage, stalling, seizure, or sudden loss of propulsion. The vehicle is available for inspection at the Cadillac dealership. The dealer has service records and oil-consumption-test documentation associated with this condition. I am filing this complaint so the excessive oil consumption on this L87-equipped vehicle is formally documented with NHTSA and can be considered along with other reported L87 engine concerns.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/10/2026

I was driving and the vehicle stopped accelerating and the gear was in neutral. I pulled over and turned the car off then attempted to turn it on, but it would not turn over. All electrical was on, but the car would not start. This same thing happened two days prior twice within 10 min. of each other, but I was able to start the car those times. Due to the speed suddenly declining and being unable to accelerate on a two lane road with cars behind me; it could have caused a serious accident. It has not yet been confirmed by a dealer, but this is a known recall for this vehicle that was listed as complete prior. There was no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The first noted incident happened on 8/10/26.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 08/14/2025

2023 Cadillac Escalade, 6.2L V8 (RPO L87). Subject of Recall 25V-274 and NHTSA investigation RQ26-001. Over the past year, this vehicle has been out of the shop only about 90 days total. The rest of the year it has been in dealer service at GM/Cadillac dealerships for a recurring, undiagnosed loss-of-power defect. It is currently in dealer service. FAILURE: The vehicle has suddenly lost all motive power on three separate occasions. Engine runs, vehicle loses all drive power, will not restart. Two events occurred at approximately 80 mph on an interstate highway. One occurred with children in the vehicle. The only warning is a “service rear axle” message that appears just before power loss. No diagnostic trouble code has isolated the fault. Root cause has not been diagnosed. REPAIR PATTERN: Six dealer visits across two Cadillac dealerships in one year. Interventions have included two battery replacements, a full engine replacement under Recall 25V-274, an approximately $1,500 charge categorized as diagnostic with no repair labor documented, and most recently a “wiring harness manipulation / re-wrap” performed over approximately 90 days. Dealer personnel described the fix as “manipulation fixed it” — which is not a diagnosed repair. On at least one return of the vehicle, dealer personnel stated in the presence of a witness that they were not certain the defect had been fixed. The “service rear axle” warning returned within three days of the most recent repair. POST-RECALL: The engine was replaced under Recall 25V-274 and the loss-of-power failures continued afterward. This is directly relevant to RQ26-001, examining post-recall-remedy failures.

ENGINE — Filed 07/10/2026

Vehicle started making a horrendous noise, knock and squeeling noise while on the highway. Approximately 2 minutes later the check engine light came on and we completely lost power. Went from 70 to zero dead on the side of the NY Thruway rapidly. Vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that an engine replacement was necessary. Engine previously passed PICO test and update to the oil cap was completed. Oil changes every 5k miles.

ENGINE — Filed 07/20/2026

Engine stopped running while driving without any prior notifications, lights, or warnings. Car was stationary in the roadway while my wife tried repeatedly to restart the engine. After several tries the engine started and ran long enough to pull car off roadway. Car was inspected last year and procedures per recall notice where performed and was then deemed safe and reliable. Recall corrections did not fix the problem.

ENGINE — Filed 06/10/2026

My vehicle was inspected as part of the 6.2 engine recall and passed. 3 months later the engine stopped. Had to get towed and get a new engine

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 06/20/2026

2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum with 6.2L L87 V8 suffered catastrophic engine failure on 6/20/2026 at approximately 38,658 miles. Vehicle had GM recall N252494000 performed at Coulter Cadillac in Phoenix, AZ on 12/3/2025. Engine reportedly passed GM recall inspection and received oil-related remedy rather than engine replacement. Approximately six months later, while driving on I-17 near Black Canyon City, AZ at highway speed on a 75 mph interstate, the engine suddenly shut down with no warning signs or alerts. Vehicle shifted to neutral and lost all propulsion. There were no prior check-engine lights, oil-pressure warnings, reduced-power warnings, abnormal noises, or other alerts before failure. I was traveling with my family of four plus our dog in approximately 105°F heat at the start of a road trip. I was able to maneuver to the shoulder, but the sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed created a serious safety risk. We were stranded roadside for nearly one hour in a remote area. Earnhardt Cadillac in Scottsdale, AZ diagnosed crank bearing failure. GM/Cadillac has indicated the proposed repair is installation of a refurbished/remanufactured replacement engine. I am concerned this failure occurred after the recall remedy had already been completed and appears consistent with the L87 crankshaft/connecting rod/bearing failures and post-remedy failures under NHTSA review. Cadillac case number is 103635161.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/27/2025

Vehicle was running with the driver side door open and driver out of vehicle. The vehicle slipped out of gear and reversed quickly. Driver went to get back in while moving backwards to try and stop vehicle. The driver got smashed between the garage and vehicle door. The vehicle door hyperextended and caused damage/injury to driver. The emergency brake did not come on until after the accident. Prior to this happening recalls were not preformed due to GM advising us that our vehicle was not next to get it done. Throughout ownership the vehicle has slipped out of gear two other times. We took it in each time and were told it shouldn’t happen again and they could not replicate. GM did an inspection after and fixed recalls and told us they would not assist us with damage or any compensation.

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/22/2024

Was at red light my light turned green proceed threw the light, another vechile ran the red light hitting my car at 50 mph. Sending the car into a 360 air bags did not deploy and on star never called