general problems of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade - part 1

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv, equipped with the 6. 2l v8 engine, developed an abnormal engine knocking/clicking noise despite previously receiving the remedy for gm engine safety recall n252494000, NHTSA campaign 25v274. On August 21, 2025, at 37,437 miles, costa mesa GMC Cadillac performed the recall inspection. The repair invoice states that the engine passed the picoscope inspection and that the dealer changed the oil and filter and installed a new oil-fill cap. On September 16, 2026, at approximately 49,000 miles, I first noticed an unusual engine noise while driving through a store parking lot. After returning home, I observed a clicking/knocking noise at approximately 1,500–2,000 rpm. On September 17, I brought the vehicle to costa mesa GMC Cadillac at 49,093 miles. Repair order 61438 documents an engine knock during acceleration. Approximately two hours after drop-off, the service adviser informed me that gm had authorized replacement of the engine. As of September 24, 2026, the vehicle has remained at the dealership for one week and is awaiting a replacement engine. The vehicle is available at the dealership for inspection, subject to coordination with the dealer. Whether the original engine will be retained and available for inspection after replacement is unknown. My safety concern is the potential for engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion while driving, which could increase the risk of a collision. The recall notice specifically identified this risk. I am reporting the abnormal engine noise and dealer-reported need for replacement; whether the engine had reached the point of imminent seizure or loss of propulsion is unknown. The dealer evaluated the vehicle and reported gm’s replacement authorization. The exact internal component failure and root cause are unknown because I have not received the final diagnostic or repair report. Whether a gm representative separately inspected the engine, rather than reviewing the dealer’s findings, is unknow.

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).

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

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.

I was going down the highway at 75mph and all of sudden the engine started loud knocking and loss of power. Good thing I was able to get off the exit and stop safely. Car was towed to dealer. Needs new engine 48k miles.

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.

Engine was replaced at 70,000 miles by warranty by gm and now at 110,000 miles as in the new engine has the engine is given the same issue again.

The engine is knocking between 10-30 mph and over 50 mph. The forward collision light lights up. This is the third time this has happened. I am very concern it will stall on me at high speeds.

The truck drives rough feels like I hit something while driving and slows down while driving high speed. Every time I take to the dealership they don’t see anything wrong with it. I’m not the only one with this issue a lot of people with this same 2023 Escalade esv have the the same problem. I want the problem fixed it’s not fair that I have to deal with this. I paid a lot of money for my truck and work hard for it.

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.

In August of 2025 my Escalade went t the dealership to perform the engine recall test. It passed the test and the oil change fix was completed. However, within weeks or so the engine began to experience some issues. It was taken back to the dealership and a full engine replacement was performed. Fast forward to the beginning of August 2026. The new engine is experience the same symptoms as before. Flashing engine light, rough idle, loss of power, and excessive gas consumption, knocking, etc. I took the car to the dealership and this is the service advisors message to me about the car: "cylinders one and six are causing the misfires, he sent some information to our technical assistance center because the cylinders walls do not show a lot of damages but, like I said before it was low in oil with no present oil leaks. He has to capture some freeze frame data for technical assistance and send in so it has to be driven some more. They want it driven over some miles. They will determine if we replace the engine or not, I may not have an update from them until Monday. They do not work on saturdays and josh your technician has to perform all of the test they sent over. A lot of the extra testing has come from this possibly being the second engine that could go in the vehicle. The car remained for about 2 weeks and gm refuses to pay for a new engine until because there isnt enough data. Meanwhile I am stuck driving a car that can seize up and leave me at any time. They also refused to buy back or help me into another vehicle without coming all out of pocket on my end.

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.

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.

On [xxx], while driving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv from the salt lake city area toward las vegas, the vehicle developed a serious loss-of-power condition in utah. I contacted onstar, exited the highway, and waited at a gas station. Onstar arranged towing to a Cadillac dealership. Gm records document the tow at approximately 56,644 miles. At the dealership, I reported the loss of power. After initially being told they were too busy, I waited about 10 minutes and was then told the vehicle was ready. After returning to the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power again at approximately 70 mph. Pressing the accelerator did not produce normal acceleration, creating a serious risk of a highway collision. I immediately returned to the dealership. The dealer then performed another repair. The invoice states the service engine soon light was illuminated, soot level was 255%, and a service regeneration was performed. I was charged $406. 16 and was again told the vehicle was ready. After leaving again, the same loss-of-power condition occurred. After safely exiting the highway, I recorded video showing the vehicle at approximately 38 mph with little or no acceleration response and the check-engine light illuminated. I returned to the dealer for a third time. The dealer then kept the vehicle, stated the repair was covered under warranty, and provided a rental. The vehicle has remained under repair since July 21. I have not received a clear explanation of the root cause or complete repair details. I have videos, towing records, repair documents, photos, and gm correspondence. I am concerned this repeated sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed could cause a serious crash. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

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.

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv, was having issues when it had about 50-60 k miles, when it was in park hen shift to reverse it would jerk all the time, also my engine started to act up as well, I took it to the Cadillac dealer and like always could not identify the problem, when the had the recall or engine put thicker oil, like that was going to resolve the problem well my engine started to misfire, did not want to accelerate started shaking the smoke came out, engine lights came on, had to tow it to the Cadillac dealear now they are telling me if I got the extended warranty, I did but the issue is with them engine failure, being in the Escalade with 3 small children and 8 mo. Pregnant is scary, I want gm to do a buyback on this affected Escalade l. What if it would have caught fire, would like help to get gm to buyback.

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.

I was driving and the highway speed was about 55 mph and suddenly the car shut off and I was in a very dangerous spot.

VIN [xxx] I did the engine recall. All documented in braman Cadillac. After the dealer gave me the clear after recall check, they did the gm change of oil etc. But I recently had an afrer recall failure with knock sounds coming from the engine. It is on 3 videos I saved, conditions were while iddle, while driving, while accelerating and braking. So vehicle motionless still had the sound. I had loss of power a few months ago, that I didn't associate to this recall until this sounds that I couldn't reproduce when took the car in, but it is on video. At this point I want my engine replaced and I need help with it as the solutions given from dealership are insuficient given the scope of problem. The car obly has 37k miles information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Xxx around 10:30pm I was driving on the expressway about 65mph when the car lost power and turned off without any warning. It immediately shifted into neutral without me shifting gears. I was stranded in the right lane at night with cars driving by. I was extremely nervous I was going to be rear ended. I was able to pull over to the right shoulder on the expressway and then the car wouldn’t start. I had to have it towed to my house. I tried to start it once I got home and it will crank but not start. The car is at the dealership near my house and they have confirmed that my car has engine problems and needs a new engine. The technician said, “it just locked up on you. ” car’s engine still under 100k miles! car has not being inspected by any other person besides Cadillac dealer. I did not receive any warnings lights or symptoms before car just turned off car started and run just fine all day. I provide all maintenance to the car. I also do oil changes every 5,000 miles because I use this car for my work. I bought the car in December of 24 in [xxx] when it had 5,000 miles on it. I was assured it had no issues then. I have provided all the necessary maintenance. I am now being told a new engine will cost nearly $16,000 with over a months wait to repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

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.

We were driving on an interstate in indiana and the car jerked and then automatically went into neutral. We couldn’t accelerate or put the car back into drive. We had to get over 2 lanes and onto the shoulder. We were able to put the car in park once on the shoulder but the car would not turn on or off. We couldn’t do anything. All electronics were still running but the engine was not running. The emergency break went on as well. The car sat on the side of the road for 3 hours with the electronics going while waiting for a tow which then wore out the battery. Because the car switched on the emergency break, the towing company had a difficult time getting it up on the tow truck. There were no warning lights going off. We were going 75mph on a highway with my children in the car! scariest thing ever. I can only imagine what could have happened. We were so lucky to not be hit on the highway trying to change lanes and not being able to accelerate. Then we had to sit on the side of a highway for 3 hours in 95 degree weather and we were 2. 5 hours from home! after 3 hours, a tow truck finally showed up. My family had to take a taxi to the nearest dealership because the tow truck would not take us. After 4 days, the dealership finally ran the diagnostic test and said the engine had seized up and we need a new engine which is on backorder. That dealership is 2. 5 hours from home, so we then had to pay for another tow truck to get my vehicle back up to home so the local dealership could work on it. It has been one week since this incident happened and we have no idea how long the repairs will take but it’s my understanding that they are just replacing the faulty engine with another faulty engine because gm has no fix for this engine failure issue so it will happen again!!!.

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.

Just got the call from the dealership bayway Cadillac of the woodlands that the l87 v-8 engine recall failed inspection and the engine will need to be replaced.

Motor ceased at 38k miles in October 2025 replaced engine and happened again several months later ceased at 3k miles in the middle of highway. Major safety issues with these 6. 2 v8 motors. Gm has not fixed the design problem.

As a loyal gm customer who has purchased three Cadillac Escalades and had them exclusively serviced at Cadillac dealerships, , I am writing regarding my 2023 Escalade, equipped with the 6. 2l v8 (l87) engine, affected by the recall (n252494000) impacting approximately 597,630 vehicles . I recently took my vehicle to a Cadillac dealership for the recall inspection, where it passed, received a switch to o@-40 mobil 1 supercar oil, and was granted an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the purchase date. Despite this , I am deeply troubled by gm's handling of the recall, which has caused significant unease, undermined my trust, failed to honor my loyalty, and imposed unfair burdens. I respectfully request clarification and action on the following issues: inadequate recall remedy and impact on gas mileage - the remedy for vehicles that pass inspection- switching from 0w-20 to higher-viscosity 0w40 oil- raises serious doubts about its effectiveness in addressing a manufacturing defect in the crankshaft and/or connecting rods, which gm acknowledges can lead to engine failure and increase crash risk. Many owners, including myself, question whether thicker oil is a permanent solution or a temporary workaround. Additionally, the switch to 0w-40 is likely to reduce fuel efficiency due to increased engine drag, imposing an unaddressed cost in deduced gas mileage. This is especially concerning for me, as I rely on my Escalade for annual drives from [xxx] to [xxx] for the winter months. Can gm provide technical evidence proving the oil change fully resolves the defect, and will the company compensate owners for the loss in fuel economy? inconsistent communications regarding the extended warranty - the dealership assured my vehicle is "fine" after passing the inspection, yet gm is providing an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles. This contradiction - claiming the engine is defect-free while extending warranty coverage - suggests gm anticipat information redacted pursuant to the freedom of in.

I was driving at highway speeds when my vehicle suddenly lost power and began rapidly decelerating. The vehicle eventually stalled in the middle of the roadway, creating a serious safety hazard for me and other drivers and significantly increasing the risk of a crash. This vehicle had previously undergone the gm safety recall inspection under recall n252494000 for the l87 6. 2l engine loss of propulsion defect. The recall inspection and remedy failed to identify the underlying engine defect, and the engine still catastrophically failed only months later. After the recall was completed, the vehicle was maintained according to gm’s updated recall instructions, including use of the required 0w-40 engine oil. Despite compliance with the recall remedy and maintenance requirements, the engine still failed during normal highway operation. The recall specifically acknowledged potential manufacturing defects involving the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components that could lead to engine failure and loss of propulsion. That is exactly what occurred in this incident. I believe the recall inspection procedure was inadequate and failed to detect defective engines that remain unsafe and subject to catastrophic failure even after being marked as “recall completed. ”.

Engine failure shortly after recall remedy performed by dealer. Recall 25v-274 / n252494000. Sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds with no warning. Engine stalls and will not restart. Vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral without engine running making it impossible to get vehicle to safety and out of traffic. Dealer confirmed that engine seized as part of recall and will need to be replaced, despite having recall oil change remedy performed. Cadillac case file #98347975.

Vehicle died and will not start. Call on star for tow truck 8 hrs no tow truck ! vehicle is super dangerous and unreliable. It’s going to get somebody killed.

Engine seized up.

Total engine failure on the I-95 express lane in miami.

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).

I am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated engine and drivability issues with my vehicle, which began shortly after purchase and have continued despite service visits. I purchased the vehicle on 03/04/2023. Within approximately one month (03/26/2023), I began experiencing abnormal engine behavior, including ticking noises and instances where the vehicle would shut off and require restarting. I immediately brought the vehicle to the dealership. At that time, the issue was not properly diagnosed and I was told after a test drive that the noise was “normal. On 12/18/2025, I was later notified of an engine recall involving the same type of engine problem I had been reporting since 2023. I brought the vehicle in 12/19/2026 and the engine failed 3 times. I was informed that an engine replacement was necessary, and the vehicle was left at the dealership. It was ready for pickup on 01/14/2026 after the engine replacement was completed. On 04/15/2026, the vehicle began making knocking noises and would not shift into drive or reverse. I had to turn the vehicle off and restart it in order to regain drivability. On 04/16/2026, while driving, the vehicle began making a loud revving noise without accelerating and started to slow down and lose power. I was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle would not respond properly until I turned it off and restarted it again in order to continue driving. These ongoing issues present a serious safety concern due to repeated loss of power and drivability while operating the vehicle.