Cadillac Escalade owners have reported 447 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Cadillac Escalade based on all problems reported for the Escalade.
We took the vehicle in for the recall inspection. They pass it and changed the oil. Weeks later, as I was driving home (was on holiday vacation in another state), the engine failed immediately. I was able to get it to the side of the road but the engine would not properly run. Had to call the tow truck and hauled back to the dealership near my home of record.
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all problems of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade
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I purchased a car from a used car dealer in sacramento. Two days later, the lifters went bad. This truck only has 115,000 miles on it. This is a know issue that gm has and they're doing nothing to remedy the issue. They keep putting dod/afm in these expensive cars knowing the lifters will fail and cause damage to the cam. They should be responsible for doing a dod/afm delete on all trucks that have this issue.
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all problems of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade
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Engine failure. Started making a knocking noise on road with my whole family in the car, no lights or warnings on dash and had to pull over and get it towed to nearest dealer. Took a week to get a diagnostic done. Dealer found metal shavings in oil filter believe to be from a connecting rod bearing. Recall 252494000 was done 2,000 miles prior to engine failure. Now dealer must replace engine assembly, engine oil cooler and radiator all due to contamination.
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all problems of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade
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At approximately 6:45pm on Friday November 14, 2025, while driving among tractor trailers in the passing lane at highway speed on westbound rt 30 near mile marker 191 (lancaster, PA), my 2022 Cadillac Escalade esv sport platinum experienced a complete loss of propulsion. This catastrophic and sudden engine shutdown came with no warning lights, no symptoms prior to a complete loss of power. The vehicle had previously been inspected as part of the recall service by fred beans Cadillac in doylestown months prior and customer was informed it had passed the recall inspection and was given the recommended corrective action - (new oil [0w40], oil filler cap and new oil filter). Customer had absolutely no reason to suspect this engine had issues, because it "passed" gm's recall. . . This vehicle's unexpected & compete loss of power gravely endangered the lives of the vehicle's four occupants who were absolutely terrified during this experience ! I put the vehicle's hazard lights on and guided it to a stop on the right shoulder of rt 30 at the mile marker 191 westbound. I contacted my insurance provider's roadside assistance for a flatbed tow off the highway. Vehicle was eventually flatbed to kelly Cadillac for engine diagnosis. [will give much more details in subsequent communications as the characters here are limited] we are awaiting Cadillac dealer's diagnosis of the cause of this catastrophic engine failure with complete loss of propulsion at highway speed (after the recall was performed and vehicle was cleared). I have added photos of the confirmation from the insurance company's dispatch of a flatbed to my location on rt 30 as well as a screenshot of us on the right shoulder of rt 30. I have attached text messages received from gm of the engine issue that were received after the vehicle was stopped on the shoulder of highway. My family - and others on the highway that evening - could have been gravely injured or even killed by this Cadillac's complete malfunction !.
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all problems of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade
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The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local service center for routine maintenance and after an oil change was performed, the vehicle was started but immediately shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact related the failure to the recall. The failure mileage was 96,000.
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all problems of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
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The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel with an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the check engine warning light illuminated the following day. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle started to jerk abnormally while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle shut off in the middle of the highway. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it remained unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Cadillac and gm have a know issue in the Escalade for faulty susp3nsion, with their magride system, and bad lifters. They use afm/dod to reduce the engine down to 4 cylinders and it causes the lifters to get stuck and damage the cam. I am one of thousands to experience these issues. Gm need to be held responsible. Why. Are you putting this junk in 100k trucks? why are we having to foot the bill to get rid of it? my car only has 112,000 miles. This is ridiculous. Please help.
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all problems of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade
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See attached document for complaint. I am writing to you as a deeply concerned mother and consumer seeking urgent help with a danger ous and unresolved engine defect in my 2024 Cadillac e calade, which has been formally recalled under nht a campaign 25v-274 (gm recall 1 252494000). I purchased this vehicle in good faith, believing it would be a safe, reliable car to transport my three young children (age [xxx] , [xxx] , and [xxx] ). Lnstead, the experience ha been frightening and exhau ting. The veh icle has suffered repeated engine issues, loss of power, and extended repair attempts - and despite the recall acknowledgment, there is till no available remedy or meaningful support from general motors. For month , I ha e been unable to afely rely on the car 1 depend on every day. I have pent over a month col lectively without my vehicle and continue to live\ ith constant fear that the engine may fail while dri ing with my children in the car. Each time I tart the vehicle, 1 brace for the po sibi lity that it could suddenly lose propulsion in traffic I a terrifying thought for any parent. I have followed e ery step required under the, arranty and recall process, contacted the manufacturer, and recently issued a formal repurchase demand under California's ong-beverly con umer warranty act. Gm has admitted the defect but continues to leave families like mine waiting indefinitely for a repair that doe not yet exi t. Tam pleading for your agency' immediate intervention and over ight to en ure that gm repurcha ES my vehicle before tragedy strike . My family hould not be left driving an unsafe vehicle with known defects - especially when manufacturers had prior knowledge of these issues years before notifying the public. Plea e, I urge htsa to reviev thi case and compel general motors to take immediate, re ponsible action to resolve it. The fear and uncertainty this has caused are overwhelming. I should not have to choo e between my family' afety and my only mean of tran portation. Thank you for your time, attention, and.
Having it at four different dealers have not corrected the infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control phantom braking, electrical display issues such as ambient temperature, malfunctioning fuel gauge. Check engine notification was on, they seem to have corrected that, the next notification was service rear axle. Back up camera fails intermittently. I have had it to the dealer nine times, gm won't do a buy back I guess until they are sued. Also, dealer changed the oil to a thicker viscosity due to the engine recall. All the above ongoing for a full year.
Had all of my lifters replaced and cam shaft 6 months ago because of the faulty engine gm has started to recognize. I spent $7500. 00 yesterday 10/28/2025 I was driving and my car started shaking and shutting down in the middle of a busy intersection. Luckily I got it off the road safely before be hit. Traction control light was on and the check engine light goes from blinking to solid and then back to blinking. Its now back at the shop for he second time this year for what will likely be another very expensive fix.
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all problems of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade
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Took my car to the shop yesterday due to heating a ticking sound coming from the engine. This is the new engine that was replaced after a catastrophic engine failure on may 16, 2025. The service department inspected my vehicle and found metal shards in the oil filter. They need to keep the vehicle because it will need another new engine. This will be the third new engine in a year since the recall on the 6. 2l gm engines.
I bought this 2019 Cadillac Escalade for family safety in November 2024 for 2000 miles from ken garfield dealership in America fork utah. Four months ago he had a mechanical failure which costed $13,000 to repair to which Cadillac covered 90% of the cost. I got it back an 1000 miles later the engine had complete engine failure. Now they are saying they will only cover 60% of the coverage to fix the repair. I have six children and this is our only car. I need my engine repaired. This is a huge burden and we just took a loan out to pay the last repair. Please I beg of you help me.
The engine developed a ticking noise followed by loss of power. Mechanic diagnosed lifter and camshaft failure, which may be related to the active fuel management system. This caused metal contamination and requires complete engine replacement. This appears to be a widespread issue on gm 6. 2l engines. ”.
After waiting months to get my vehicle checked for recall n252494000 NHTSA 25v274 I was told my vehicle passed inspection. When I asked to see the detailed results of the pico test I was told there are no detailed results and I was not shown anything proving my vehicle was tested and whether it passed or failed. My invoice states "performed pico test test took multiple tries to complete having to unhook and reinstall pico to complete" which does not make me confident in the result. While talking to the service manager, he mentioned their original pico equipment was replaced by GMC after approximately 5 vehicles failed inspection. Since GMC sent the new equipment there have been no failed inspections. I can't find a way to express my concern to GMC or Cadillac online, that is what brought me here. This recall includes a safety risk serious enough to replace the vehicles engine, I want reassurance that the test was performed properly and my vehicle did not fail.
My wife was driving our 2019 Cadillac Escalade to work when the vehicle check engine light came on and started to smoke and shake violently. She avoided injury but the car was not drivable. A local independent service center said that the car's cylinder #1 was full of fuel, the spark plug was wet, reported loud bottom end engine noise and that we replace the engine. This appears to be the same issue that sparked the recall of 2021-2024 models. We have proceeded with ordering a replacement engine as a result. The old engine will be available for further inspection if necessary. There were no warning signs prior to this incident.
The engine started making a tapping noise on the right side. Then the tapping noise got louder and then stopped but the engine light came on and the engine started running very rough. By the noise was described to the shop and they said it is bad lifters and camshafts and this is very common for the gm 6. 2l engine. The vehicle has 117,000 miles on it.
See attached document for complaint. In gm recall n252494000 I received notice in may of 2025 that my 2021 Cadillac Escalade is involved in a recall. At first my dealer said the part to repair is not available? then in September we stopped by my dealer and he said the recall does not involve my Cadillac. So I will attach a copy of my notice so there is no question they notified me I have a defective Cadillac. Please someone tell me why this happened? I want a different automobile!!! by the way I find it very interesting that regina a. Carto,, vice president of global product safety and systems fails to provide her address?.
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the battery was drained. The contact called aaa, who had installed the battery incorrectly. The battery was replaced. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started to shake. The vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the system needed to be reset, and the vehicle was working as designed. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the cylinder head was cracked, and the air compressor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
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all problems of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade
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The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); the VIN was included but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 36,000.
My engine is experiencing rough idle. This vehicle has the l87 engine that has been recalled on other year models. Rough idle is one of the symptoms described before complete failure of the l87 engines.
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all problems of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade
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1. ) loud engine ticking and clicking noise when car is in park position. 2. ) vibration in steering wheel after numerous alignment and wheel balancing services. Even purchased 4 new tires and vibration still continues.
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report an ongoing safety issue regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade related to an engine recall. On September 19, 2025, I took my vehicle to the dealership for inspection, but they chose to pass the recall inspection despite the fact that the engine continues to experience serious issues. The problems include: •engine propulsion failure and loss of acceleration at highway speeds, creating a hazardous situation. •rumbling noise from the engine when releasing the accelerator pedal. •erratic rpm fluctuations, with the engine surging significantly up and down. •frequent engine misfires, which increase the risk of stalling. •on several occasions, the accelerator dropped speed on the freeway unexpectedly, endangering me, my passengers, and others on the road. These symptoms are ongoing and pose a serious safety hazard. I believe the inspection should not have been passed, as the engine clearly remains defective. I strongly urge that the engine be replaced to address these issues. Please advise on the next steps, as I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my passengers. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle experienced a temporary loss of automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway; however, the vehicle failed to restart as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was not available.
Component/system that failed; availability for inspection gm 6. 2-liter v8 (l87) gasoline engine and cooling system. At ~4,000 miles the engine suffered a catastrophic internal failure and the radiator failed concurrently. Dealer diagnosed “engine failure” and replaced the entire long block with an oem unit and replaced the radiator. Repair orders and the vehicle are available for inspection at the selling/servicing Cadillac dealership; I can provide copies on request. How safety was put at risk the vehicle lost normal operation unexpectedly and required a tow. A sudden loss of propulsion and cooling can cause stalling in traffic, overheating, and loss of power-assist systems, which creates a crash hazard. My family member was stranded and unable to move the vehicle for approximately an hour, increasing exposure to traffic and environmental danger. We no longer feel safe driving a vehicle that already experienced an early engine failure and is being refitted with the same 6. 2l design. Has the problem been reproduced/confirmed by a dealer? yes. Cadillac dealer confirmed engine failure and completed engine and radiator replacement under warranty. Service director acknowledged they have seen similar failures on prior model years that were subject to recall. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by manufacturer/others? yes. Inspected and repaired by an authorized Cadillac dealer acting for general motors. I can provide the service director’s email and repair documentation. Warning lamps/messages/symptoms prior to failure prior to failure the vehicle exhibited overheating and loss of power; then became undriveable and required towing. Engine and coolant system faults were indicated at the time of the incident (exact dtcs not provided to owner). Context/known issues gm has recalled 2021–2024 vehicles with the same 6. 2l l87 engine family for internal defects (connecting rod/crank/bearing failures). My 2025 Escalade experienced a substantially similar failure at very.
I started the car and noticed a smell. Then my red battery light came on and a notification that my battery was not charging. I drove less than a mile and noticed smoke under my hood. I pulled over to a safe place and opened the hood to see flames around my alternator.
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all problems of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade
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On Sunday, September 14, 2025, while driving northbound on the palisades parkway at approximately 11:30 pm, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without any prior warning. I was traveling around 45– 50 mph when the dashboard lights began flashing, and the vehicle shut down completely in active highway traffic. All systems—including power and acceleration—dropped instantly. I was unable to maintain speed and was not even able to brake, and had to fight to steer the vehicle safely onto the shoulder as it slowed down. There were no warning lamps, messages, or irregular behavior prior to the failure. The shutdown occurred instantly and without cause, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a dark highway late at night.
Engine failure driver side seat belt light on dashboard.
The connecting rod and crankshaft failed while driving on the interstate causing loss of power.
Bought vehicle certified in 2023 with 86000 miles now at 123000 engine needs replacing. . Bought it from an accredited Cadillac dealership.
On Friday, September 5, 2025, while driving with my family, the vehicle suddenly stalled while in motion. There were no warning lights or error messages before the failure occurred. While traveling at normal road speed, the vehicle instantly lost propulsion, steering assist, and braking power, leaving me without control in live traffic. For several seconds I was unable to steer or slow down normally — it was an extremely dangerous situation. The vehicle briefly restarted twice, then completely died and could not restart again. I had to pull over to the shoulder and call for assistance. This repeated sudden loss of power while driving, without any prior warning lamps or messages, creates a severe risk of collision or injury to occupants and others on the road. The vehicle’s unpredictable failure to maintain propulsion or braking control is unsafe and unacceptable.
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, while driving in regular city traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion without any warning or dashboard alerts. There were no warning lights, messages, or abnormal sounds before the failure occurred. The vehicle instantly shut down while in motion, causing a total loss of acceleration power and leaving me stranded in the middle of traffic. This occurred the second time I was driving the car after prior service, and the vehicle again stopped completely, forcing me to pull over and contact onstar roadside assistance. This was the second major propulsion failure in a short period, each time occurring unexpectedly while driving. The repeated sudden shutdowns without warning present a serious safety risk and indicate an unresolved defect in the vehicle’s electrical and propulsion systems.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Unknown. Weather related - rain water incoming on floor board under steering column. Effecting electronics and vehicle driving safety. Vehicle has propulsion control issues as a cause.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that a customer was operating the vehicle through the turo app when the vehicle lost motive power while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact was unaware whether any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The VIN was included, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling problems | |
| Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe problems | |
| Engine Cooling System problems | |
| Car Stall problems | |
| Engine Exhaust System problems | |
| Engine Shut Off Without Warning problems | |
| Check Engine Light On problems | |
| Radiator problems | |
| Engine Failure problems | |
| Engine problems |