Table 1 shows one common power train related problems of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Train problems |
5/7/2026: travelling on freeway with son at 70-75mph, vehicle shifted itself into neutral causing loss of acceleration and a message stating vehicle engine needed to be restarted. I had to navigate crossing multiple lanes of traffic to safely exit while quickly loosing speed. Was able to safely exit the freeway and come to a complete stop to restart the engine and resume normal driving. 10 minutes later, the vehicle repeated this causing yet another safety issues. Vehicle has been at the dealership since 5/8 and as of this report 5/12, the technicians are reporting that they have not been able to replicate the problem. I am in fear of the safety of myself and my family and am very hesitant about accepting the vehicle back without a proper diagnosis or repair.
Subj: vehicle safety complaint – 2023 Cadillac Escalade sudden loss of power I am reporting a safety issue involving a 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv (VIN: [xxx] ). On April 19, 2026 (late evening into early April 20), while traveling approximately 70 mph on [xxx] , the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power without warning. This created an immediate safety hazard, nearly resulting in a collision. I was able to exit the highway, but the vehicle lost all acceleration and became disabled in the middle of a dark off-ramp with oncoming traffic approaching from behind. Onstar was contacted and virginia state police responded due to the unsafe location. A trooper remained on scene with emergency lights to redirect traffic and prevent a collision. Due to the hazardous conditions, the trooper arranged an emergency tow. I incurred $389. 61 in out-of-pocket towing costs. The vehicle was taken to a tow yard, and my aaa premier coverage then towed it 189 miles to miller brothers Cadillac in ellicott city, MD. The dealership diagnosed catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement at approximately 53,000 miles. There were no meaningful warning indicators prior to the sudden loss of power. This vehicle was purchased from sons Chevrolet / Cadillac in columbus, GA in December 2025 as a certified pre-owned Cadillac and had already required multiple repairs shortly after purchase. The vehicle is currently at miller brothers Cadillac awaiting complete engine replacement and is available for inspection. This sudden loss of power at highway speed presents a serious safety risk and could have resulted in a severe accident or loss of life. Given the absence of warning and catastrophic failure at relatively low mileage, I am concerned this may indicate a broader safety defect rather than an isolated incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Dealership stated they fixed recall ref# n252494000 on 9/24/25. But on 4/9/26 noticed engine noise (knocking), then a lose of power and then vehicle stalled on the highway.
Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade (VIN: [xxx] ) dealer: Cadillac pasadena case number (gm corporate): xxx refusal to perform a mandatory federal safety recall remedy. Details: 1. My vehicle is currently under safety recall xxx(l87 engine loss of propulsion). I experienced a loss of propulsion and brought the vehicle to Cadillac pasadena. 2 the dealership technician confirmed the engine is exhibiting "abnormal noise (lifter clatter on both banks) and active misfires. " 3 the dealership claims they cannot complete the mandatory picoscope diagnostic test for the recall because the engine condition (misfires/noise) interferes with the equipment. 4 under gm special coverage xxx, if the engine cannot be safely tested due to internal mechanical failure within the recall population, gm is mandated to cover the diagnostic teardown and full engine assembly replacement at no cost to the consumer. 5 the dealership is refusing to authorize the teardown under the gm special coverage code and is instead pressuring me to pay myself. 6 the dealership has stopped responding to my written inquiries (sent March 18th and 19th) and refuses to provide a loaner vehicle, despite the vehicle being officially "unsafe to drive" due to the open safety recall. I am asking you to requre immediate authorization of engine teardown and full engine assembly replacement under gm special coverage xxxat $0 cost to me, and provision of a loaner vehicle as required for safety recall grounding. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
On September 8, 2024, while traveling approximately 75 mph on interstate 4 with my wife and five children, this 2023 Cadillac Escalade experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of engine power following a hard shift. Steering, braking assist, and acceleration were effectively lost and the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. We were nearly struck by a tractor-trailer while attempting to reach the shoulder and were stranded on the highway in unsafe heat for over an hour without roadside assistance. A dealership inspection confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure involving metal debris and spun bearings, requiring complete engine replacement and related component repairs under manufacturer direction. The vehicle was out of service for approximately 15 days. The failed components and repair documentation are available for inspection through the dealer and manufacturer. No prior warning lights or messages were present before the initial failure. On February 8, 2026, the replacement engine experienced a second sudden loss-of-power event. The day before, the vehicle briefly lost propulsion near 40 mph approaching a stoplight and restarted with difficulty. The following day, while backing from a parking space into an active roadway, the vehicle again lost propulsion and became disabled, nearly resulting in a collision with an approaching truck while surrounding traffic was forced to stop. This repeat failure of the engine/powertrain system has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealership and previously inspected by the manufacturer. The recurring sudden loss of propulsion without adequate warning creates a serious and ongoing safety hazard to occupants and surrounding motorists. The failed components and vehicle remain available for inspection upon request.
I had a complete engine failure while driving. This was after going through the recall inspection in September 2025 where they looked, changed the oil and said everything was okay,.
Received a recall letter that stated the engine in my 2023 Escalade with roughly 49,000 miles on it at the time. Has problems with the engine breaking down and shutting the entire vehicle off. Took the car to the dealer to fix per the recall letter. They stated they only needed to replace an oil cap and put better oil in the car, and not replace the engine as stated in the recall letter. About two weeks later the transmission started to slip and the car would not go over 50 mph, in addition it would switch automatically into 4wd and get stuck in 4wd. Took the car back to the dealership they did not replace transmission they stated it may have something to do with the recall or an electrical issue. About 8,000 miles later I was driving on the highway taking kids to school and the entire vehicle just shut down completely, I could not brake, steer, control the car in anyway possible. I was riding what felt like a death trap. I was so scared for my family and myself, the car came to a stop on its own pretty drastically. I thought I was going to get slammed into or hit the car in front of me. Luckily I was not hit. The car prompted to push the start button, I tried to start the car, nothing. There was still music playing but the screens were all black, also the engine did not turn over at all. I could not put on my hazards either. I called a tow truck while sitting there and got the car towed to the dealership. The dealership took 3 days to get back to me and stated it was the engine and they are going to have to replace it with a new engine. In addition they would not provide me with a time frame at all, or a temporary vehicle to take my kids to school in. I feel this should be illegal with what has happened to me, I got regular oil changes and maintenance done. If they are still using this engine someone will end up dying from this poorly engineered engine and car. Cadillac once had a great reputation, I regret putting my kids and my life into this automobile.
On December 19, 2023, when pulling out of a parking lot onto the street, pressing the gas vehicle jerked and would not accelerate. No lights on dash. Drove less than 1 minute and turned down a side street, to get out of traffic while going slow/no power. Stopped at stop sign, went thru intersection. Went to next intersection, at stop sign, vehicle shut off, in the middle of traffic. Still no dash lights. Vehicle would not start. Turned on hazard lights. While waiting for tow truck, tried cranking several times. After about 3 hours check engine light came on, with a red light to the right of check engine light. At the same time as the check engine, I received an alert via the Cadillac app 12v error, please crank vehicle. Each crank try, dashboard would light up/cycle but vehicle never started once it shut off. Tow truck driver thought it may be battery. Tried getting vehicle to crank. No joy. Towed to dealership which replaced transmission in August 2025, 3395 miles ago to find my engine seized up after recall n252494000 performed, picoscope test and oil type changed. Now this. Patience is really being tried. Another month without vehicle. Payments are continuing.
The vehicle experienced a loss of propulsion 2 times when idol at traffic lights due to an uncommanded shift into neutral while stopped at a traffic light, requiring the vehicle to be restarted to regain drive. These events occurred after a longstanding history of front end vibration and grinding noises that have been repeatedly reported to a gm authorized dealer since October 2024. The most recent gm authorized dealer repair order documents the loss-of-propulsion event, metallic oil and states that the issue could not be duplicated, that no root cause was identified, and that engineering could not rule out a connection to known recall-related engine issues after 32 days at the dealer with 198 miles driven. At this time, no corrective repair has been identified, and the condition is intermittent and unpredictable, creating a safety concern when operating the vehicle in traffic. I uploaded some repair orders including one from the first incident in October 2024 and then I uploaded the most recent repair order from January 2026 where they are still unable to replicate the issue or say the car is safe to drive as this is potentially related to the l87 recall per service manager notes . There are several repair attempts in between the original and the extended out of service for loss of propulsion in December and January.
Auto started for about 5 minutes. Got in started vehicle and drove off. Immediately sounded like a motorcycle, loud exhaust. Volume of noise increased, upon acceleration. Checked under vehicle for exhaust problems when got to destination, 30 minutes drive, found nothing. Stayed about 90 minutes. Drove back home, same noise. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Informed transmission fluid pump was cracked. Upon finding out pump is internal to transmission, wondered how this could happen.
I am the owner of a 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv equipped with the 6. 2l v8 (rpo l87) engine, which is now subject to NHTSA recall number 25v274 and gm manufacturer recall n252494000 due to a known defect in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components. This defect can lead to catastrophic engine failure, sudden loss of propulsion, and significantly increases the risk of a crash. Despite my VIN being actively flagged under this recall and the serious safety implications involved, the authorized gm dealership has repeatedly refused to perform the required inspection outlined as the first phase of the official recall remedy. Their justification is that the “remedy is not yet available. ” however, gm’s official NHTSA filing explicitly states that the recall remedy includes initial inspection, and that vehicles passing inspection will receive a higher viscosity oil change, new oil cap, oil filter replacement, and owner’s manual insert. I have expressed my safety concerns directly to dealership management, stating that sudden engine failure poses a severe risk to myself and my two young children, especially during highway operation. Despite these concerns, I was denied service, told inspections cannot begin, and informed that no timeline for inspection is available. I am requesting NHTSA intervention to ensure gm and its authorized dealerships comply with the recall remedy procedures immediately, including the inspection phase outlined in gm’s public filings. This refusal to inspect my vehicle under an active recall, while knowingly acknowledging the risk of propulsion loss, presents an unacceptable safety hazard to my family and other drivers. Please escalate this issue and require gm to take immediate corrective action.
While driving, I got a message stating on the screen stating that transmission needed to be serviced. This was very scary as I slowed down and then was not able to put the vehicle in park and the parking brake was not able to be disengaged to be able to move the vehicle. After moving the transmission shifter back to different positions, I was then able to put the vehicle into drive and then park it where it wouldn't move after that. Dealership now says that there is an issue with the transmission valve body that needs to be replaced.
23 Escalade l87 engine and transmission issue along with rear cross traffic alert emergency breaking. @ 8600k lifter failure (repair) @ 8750k transmission toque converter replacement @10600k spark plug replacement rough idle @17k in for hard down shift transmission valve replacement @21k in for lifter and same transmission down shift issue service advisor advised that the lifters need to be replaced again and the hard down shift failed to be fully addressed. The upper level from gm advised no remedy could be found until service bulletin could be resolved. No repair work to be performed. To release to customer as is until engine replacement can be performed. So gm is forcing us to take back our vehicle on the road with a failing engine that needs replacement but due to not having enough stock to repair in timely fashion are placing us back on the road until one can become available. This now opens us up for massive catastrophic failure with my family on the road and not to mention others on the highway and public road system. I’m astonished that gm would do this to their customers and jeopardize the safety of their customers and other citizens on the roads. Something has and needs to be done. They are now placing my family and other lives in danger to save money. Vehicle serviced at field’s Cadillac st. Augustine FL and recently at randy mario Cadillac jacksonville FL. Case number with gm[xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
10 speed transmission valve body failed with 14k miles which resulted in inability to accelerate/shift and the car would not shift into reverse. After researching this appears to be a very common problem experienced by owners of other gm vehicles with the same 10 speed transmission.
Manufacturer recall numbern252494000 NHTSA recall number25v274 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available hello, I was informed of this recall 25v274 but the issue has yet to be resolved despite my attempts to schedule service. I contacted marvin k brown on may 9th 2025. I have been unable to get a clear timeline for repair. ”] as this recall involves a potential safety risk, I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving the matter. Please advise on the next steps and how soon the necessary repair or remedy will be made available. --.
The transmission needs a new valve body at 43,491 mile, and is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk because I was driving on the highway at approximately 70mph, when all of a sudden I received a loss of power message on my dashboard along with the check engine light. The vehicle then shifted hard into a lower gear and there was an obvious loss of power along with higher than normal rpms and a severe loss of fuel economy. I had to pull over to the shoulder and turn off the vehicle for 10 minutes hoping that everything would be fine. I brought it in to the dealership today, and they confirmed that it's the transmission valve body. Previous symptoms have been hard shifts when shifting out of park, and occasional loss of power to the engine. I don't understand how it is possible for these parts to be back ordered if they are still manufacturing these transmissions for the newer 2025 models and soon to be 2026 Escalade models. This is a real safety issue aside from the engine recall fiasco that gm is under fire for. They need to be investigated for both the transmission and engine problems!.
Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade mileage at incident: approx. 43,000 date of incident: April 1, 2025 I had my 2023 Cadillac Escalade serviced at the dealership to replace two tires and perform an oil change. After waiting over four hours, I left — only to have the vehicle completely lose power while driving at 60 mph on the highway, just 18 miles later. A message instructed me to restart the vehicle, but it would not crank. I was forced to pull off and pay for a tow. After returning the vehicle to the dealership, communication was virtually nonexistent. A technician called the next morning to ask why the vehicle was there. No one followed up until I called on April 8. After holding for 30+ minutes, I was told the starter fuse blew, the engine locked up, and it would need a full replacement, taking 2–4 months. I had just purchased a full set of four new tires, which were damaged during towing because the vehicle couldn’t shift into neutral. The dealership never offered towing assistance, and I had to wait hours for a loaner. Customer service was extremely poor — they were unaware of the vehicle’s status, misplaced keys, and were unprofessional in person. As of April 23, 2025, I have received no updates, communication, or timeline regarding the repair. I am still paying my car note and insurance on a non-operational vehicle. This incident raises serious safety concerns and potential product failure on a nearly new vehicle.
In March 2025, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv experienced a sudden engine failure. The engine began running rough, the check engine light turned on, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive. The Cadillac dealer diagnosed the engine with #8 exhaust push rod bent and metal debris in the engine oil. This matches the defect described in gm recall n252494000 (connecting rod/crankshaft internal engine defect). I paid $10,000 out of pocket for a full engine replacement at crestview Cadillac before gm mailed the recall notice. I submitted a reimbursement package to gm’s recall reimbursement center by usps certified mail. Usps tracking number: xxx delivered on 07/17/2025 at 11:02 am in detroit, mi 48226 (“left with individual”). Gm has refused to reimburse me and will not provide a written explanation. Two other Escalade owners with the same engine and similar failures have already received reimbursement from gm. I believe gm is not complying with the recall reimbursement requirements.
My wife was driving this vehicle home after dropping off kids at school when the engine suddenly stalled in the middle of the road. Luckily no one was directly behind her or she would have been in a collision. After being towed to the dealership, they informed us the engine "failed". There was no check engine light or warning message prior to the engine suffering sudden and catastrophic failure. Vehicle has less than 28k miles. The car is currently at the dealer with no time frame for repair because the engine is on "back-order".
We were traveling on a highway trip, approximately 71 miles from home the engine made a brief grinding noise and then with in about 2 seconds the engine completely shut down and stopped running. After having the vehicle towed back to my Cadillac dealer, the dealer determined that the engine was completely damaged by an "outsourced" defective crankshaft installed in the initial engine installation. The dealer has had my vehicle for exactly 1 month and says it is waiting for a new engine with no idea when they will receive the new replacement. I need my vehicle.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling), and another recall; however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission made a whining sound. The vehicle lost power and shut off without warning. The failure had occurred while driving at various speeds, or while idling at a stop sign or red traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The dealer confirmed that the recall repairs could be performed. The failure persisted after the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
I called dealer and told them that the SUV was making a ticking sound and played them a recording of it. They told me that I could drive it in or call an 800 number and maybe get it towed. I decided to drive it in as towing it would prob take it to a dealer I did not know. There were no lights on indicating an issue. I was stopped waiting to turn left across traffic when the engine started making all kinds of clanging noise. At this point it quit and after a few attempts I got it restarted and towed it in to dealer the engine failure with out warning left me and my family in jeopardy in the roadway. Now I learn that lots of these 6. 2 v8s are blowing up as my dealer alone has several of them out back waiting with no eta on repair parts coming. So not only were we put in pearl but I have 125k in a brick setting at the dealer. And givin a smaller auto that I can not pull trailers with. I feel endangered and ripped off pleasse help.
Traveling at high speed on major 5 lane highway. The engine shut off vehicle lost power went to neutral on shifter on it’s on would not shift . There was no warning no lights nothing that would have indicated a problem at all. Luckily my husband was able to get over 3 lanes and pull on shoulder which was very difficult and extremely dangerous in traffic. The vehicle would not start back up . There were 3 children and 2 adults in the vehicle at the time it was traveling 70mph and completely shut off we were almost struck by vehicles traveling at 70mph plus when trying to get vehicle to shoulder if we were unable to get this vehicle to shoulder this would have caused a multi vehicle pile up on major highway . We would have lost our lives and possibly others in other vehicles as well. Cadialic roadside assistance is picking up this vehicle and taking it to there closest dealership. This vehicle currently has 19,000 miles.
I was driving home from getting groceries when all of a sudden the vehicle starts to make a loud noise from the engine (no warning lamps/lights or any messages popped up. ) I proceeded to go home and call my husband and ask for his help with the problem. I recorded a video of the car and sent it to him, and he said that it sounded like the engine is knocking and told me to shut the car off and call the dealership to further discuss the situation with them. After calling the dealership they towed my car to get it diagnosed. It has been a month or so now since leaving my car with them and they still cannot diagnose the issue.
Unknown. The car decelerated on the freeway from 80 mph by automatically going into n. Once we managed to pull over to the shoulder, the car would not turn on again or shift gears. The dealership thinks it's an engine failure and they have multiple Escalades in the shop for the same issue.
Driving and power started to die and engine warning lights came on. Pulled over immediately and engine stopped. Wouldn’t come back on. Towed by Cadillac and discovered engine blew. Apparently a know issue with many similar in the shop awaiting new engine.
Incident: I was driving on the highway when I heard a strange "whistling noise. " thinking the noise originated from an old van in front of me, I passed it. The noise grew louder; the vehicle slowed very suddenly and, I pulled to the side of the road. The "low oil pressure" light came on just as the engine entirely blew. There were no other warning lamps, messages or other symptoms. On-star did not send roadside assistance for six hours and the battery died from extended use of the emergency lights. Dangers: experiencing catastrophic engine failure while driving on a highway presents obvious dangers as does sitting roadside for six hours (with a dead battery and no emergency flashers). Inspection: the g. M. Dealer (manufacturer representative) inspected the engine and confirmed that it was a catastrophic engine failure, requiring a new engine. The issue was also reported directly to g. M. The engine core, if need of further inspection, is likely either at the dealer, g. M. , or a gm remanufacturing facility.
Friday 03/03/2023 off hwy 34 was on i25 for about 5 minutes going 75 I accelerated to 80, to get in my right lane and out of the fast lane got over and a pop up came on my dash board, said press start. I then realized my car lost power on the interstate with cars going 75-80+ mph and I had no way of starting or pulling off the side of the road, as there was construction and temporary road w/ barricades on both sides. My car was stopped in highway traffic, I was pumping my brakes to notify the semi behind me that something was wrong so he wouldn’t hit me. How is a 2023 vehicle going to stop on the highway with evening traffic, no where to pull over and hope I don’t get in an accident, it was dangerous and there was no notifications on the dashboard telling me what was wrong. My fuel was full, battery was fine and oil life was good. There could have been several fatalities as it was on the interstate and I was in the right lane with moving traffic in both. Approximately 6:50pm. I do have photos and video of the incident. I hit the onstar button, was holding for several minutes, it disconnected, so I hit the sos emergency button and the operator took my info including my location on I-25 near mile marker 255 prior to the exit near the park n ride. She advised she was sending cdot to get traffic controlled, traffic in the left lane was still moving fast, people were honking and going around the semi. My sister was in her Cadillac in front of me stopped with her hazards so traffic behind could see the hazards. Cdot arrived about 15 minutes later, and then followed by a state patrol officer. He advised me to get in my sisters vehicle, and go to the park n ride at exit 255 and the tow truck and office would meet me there.
Engine light is on solid. Veichile did stall while driving at highway and vehicle will shake stop at red light. Noise when vehicle moving.