general problems of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade - part 1

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.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 69 mph with the cruise control set, the vehicle started driving sluggishly and failed to maintain the set speed. The vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 62 mph. The ‘high oil temperature” warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly to 55 mph. The vehicle then lost automotive power, stalled, and shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with complete engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,400.

While driving approximately 55 miles per hour vehicle started making loud knocking noise then vehicle shifted to neutral. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Waiting for inspection to confirm engine failure. Vehicle has 32,000 miles.

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).

Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds - 2023 Escalade. We easily could have been killed. I drive a 2023 Cadillac Escalade that I purchased from motor werks Cadillac in [xxx] . It was very expensive. The car has under 33k miles on it, off memory. I informed the dealer I would be taking the car on a family vacation road trip from [xxx] to [xxx] (for spring break), and requested they perform any necessary preventative service on it to ensure it was in perfect shape to make the trip. They performed the service (basic air filter change etc) and returned the car to me two days before I packed my family [xxx] and [xxx] daughters and wife) into the car and began the journey. After driving less than three hours, the engine completely and suddenly died, without warning, while we were traveling at 75 miles an hour on the highway in the left lane in the middle of rural [xxx] . At the same time all of the electronics in the vehicle died as well. It was an extremely dangerous situation because the road is heavily trafficked by semi trucks, which I was barely able to avoid as I attempted to coast across all the lanes of traffic to get onto the shoulder of the road on the right hand side. Because the car was without propulsion, I was not able to get fully onto the shoulder, but mostly. This left the car in a precarious position because the semi's that we're driving by could easily have hit the car had they not been careful and veered slightly to the left. We easily could have been killed. There's more to the story, like the dealer telling me Cadillac is aware that catastrophic engine failure at highway speeds is a known issue impacting Escalades around the country, and including significant mental trauma that my children experienced by being stranded on the side of the road for several hours in the dark in a car that had no engine, no electronics and no heat. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On oct 14,2025 dealer did a gm safety recall under n252494000 on March 14th 2026 the motor with out, the dealership is now going to replace the motor under the recall.

My vehicle lost full engine propulsion going 70mph on the highway. We were blocking lanes of traffic and lost speed at a very rapid pace. No engine or warning light came on before the car lost engine and shifted into neutral. We called 911 and the California highway patrol had to assist in us not getting hit from behind as our car was disabled and would not restart to move off of lanes of traffic.

2023 Cadillac Escalade esv - passed safety recall n252494001 l87 in August of 2025. March 2026 experienced loss of propulsion (while driving), major noise and violent shaking. Every warning came on. There were no other symptoms very fortunate no one was behind us as vehicle completely stopped on road. Reported problem to dealer and took into them. Said it was serpentine belt and we were charged to replace (they never showed us the belt nor took a picture of it. In April 2026 the same exact issue occurred with complete propulsion failure (vehicle dies abruptly with significant noise and shaking) on the road near home (nearly hit by following traffic). Called dealer, told to not move the vehicle and we had to have it towed to same dealer. In shop now for 2 weeks, we have heard 3 different reasons with no fix of the issues. They will not call us. We have to phone them and it is a different issue each time we call. We were told gm is involved; but we have had no verification.

The original engine was replaced in my Escalade in September 2025 under the gm engine recall. The original engine was working, but it failed the inspection at the dealership and was replaced. March 1st, 2026 the Escalade died while driving. Police came and helped block traffic and called a tow truck since the engine was dead. The Escalade was towed back to the same dealership and they confirmed the newly replaced engine failed under the same bulletin that mandated the replacement of the original engine.

6. 2 engine had the recall fix done to it. It did not work because the engine seized up yesterday.

On 2/17/2026 , while driving to work at 55 mph , the engine quit and dash board said to restart engine. Could not restart engine and had Cadillac Escalade towed to gerry lane Cadillac in baton rouge, louisiana . Today 2/24/2026 , we received a call from dealership stating that it needs a new engine. (6. 2 liter engine ) it may be a month before we get our Escalade back.

On Saturday 2/14/26 our Escalade was making a light ticking noise. We made an appointment to bring it in for service, earliest appointment was 2/17/26. On the evening of 2/14 the vehicle died on the freeway and had to be towed to the local dealer after it would not start, crest view Cadillac in rochester hills, mi. Our service write tony griffin, confirmed verbally on 2/16 that the vehicle most likely will need an engine replacement, but had to be inspected first. I emailed him on 2/19 as I had no update and he let me know it needs more diagnostics but it will be getting an engine replacement. As of 2/21 the vehicle is still sitting in the parking lot with the battery now dead. I was given a loaner vehicle that is not at all suitable or nearly equivalent to my current vehicle. I have been given an electric Cadillac lyriq and have no means to charge it.

Vehicle was taken in to l87 engine recall in sept 2025. Passed said inspection on September 29, 2025 and new higher viscosity oil was put in the vehicle. Feb 14, 2026 - driving the vehicle down the highway at 70mph. Car shifts to neutral, engine turns off and losses propulsion. Manage to get to the shoulder of the highway. Vehicle would not restart or turn on. We were traveling with our 3 small children in the car. Stranded on the side of the highway until a family member could come pick us up. Took 18hours through Cadillac roadside assistance to find a tow truck. After 3 calls to the local dealership, 2 days later I was told the engine failed due to the l87 recall and a full engine replacement is required.

The engine failed on I-17 while driving 75mph on 2/14/2026. The car shifted into neutral and was able to coast on to the berm of the interstate. The car was towed to flagstaff Chevrolet and was determined to have engine failure and is waiting for a replacement engine. When the engine failed a warning message came on warning of severe engine overheating and shut down and the car automatically shifted into neutral.

For the second time, engine stalled out and car would not start. Going 75 miles per hour on major highway on cruise control and engine just stopped in the middle of the road. Major hazard and crash risk, unable to restart car and had to be towed. Trafffic was dodging vehicle and it was a major safety hazard. Approximately 7 months ago, the car would not start and had to be towed; we reported the incident to dealership, were told there was nothing wrong and there was no diagnosis. We inquired about the engine recall at that time and were told our vehicle was no affected. Our issues are exactly the same ones being stated as part of the recall for the same make/model/year for engine failure or this vehicle. Lives were put in danger today and we are fortunate there was not crash given location and speed of vehicle when engine failed abruptly. Towed to dealership, car remains there without diagnosis and we are no longer comfortable driving vehicle.

6. 2 liter l87 engine failed on highway at 101363 miles.

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.

While driving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade (approx. 42,308 miles), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power while accelerating on a busy highway. Engine power shut down without warning. I was able to pull to the shoulder, but the vehicle then became non-responsive and would not restart. The failure appears related to the electrical/charging system (12v battery, battery management system, alternator, or related modules). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure placed my family and others at serious risk. The loss of propulsion occurred in traffic, creating a collision hazard. After stopping, the vehicle had no heat and limited power while unable to start leaving us stranded on the shoulder of a heavily traveled highway in 10-degree weather. My two toddlers were in the vehicle, creating additional risk from traffic exposure and cold. This was a repeat incident. Approximately two weeks earlier, the vehicle experienced a similar power loss. A Cadillac dealership replaced the 12v battery and stated the issue was resolved. However, on January 22, 2026, I contacted the dealership and provided a video showing abnormal starting behavior, indicating the problem may not have been fixed. I followed up by phone the next day but received no response. Despite this prior repair and warning, the same failure occurred again. There were no clear warning lights or messages immediately prior to the power loss. After the failure, the vehicle was unable to restart. I also attempted to use onstar, a paid emergency service, but was placed on hold for approximately 30 minutes. Due to unsafe conditions, my wife had to come pick us up to remove our children from danger. This incident involves a repeat loss of power while driving, prior warning signs, and failure of emergency support systems, raising serious safety concerns.

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,.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer at 51,000 miles, and stated that the engine would be inspected, and if necessary, repaired or replaced. Additionally, the vehicles that passed the inspection, dealers would add higher viscosity oil, install a 6-oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. After driving 16,000 additional miles, approximately 6 months later, the engine started knocking, and the vehicle accelerated slowly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who had inspected the engine. The contact stated that when the engine was inspected, it caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired under the recall due to the recall being considered closed, and the title was now considered a salvage title, even though the vehicle did not have a salvage title when the engine was inspected. The engine was ordered and was scheduled to be replaced at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

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.

2023 Escalade, the dealer did the oil change recall to put the thicker oil and oil filter in it a few months ago after the motor was ticking. They had to get recall approved by gm, due to it not showing up under my VIN for the recall. They approved it and on Friday 1/16 driving on a 55mph 3 lane highway with my newborn baby the car just stopped driving and shut off with no warning and not enough time to pull into a shoulder or out of the way. Sat in the car for 30 mins with my newborn baby until cops arrived to help with safety and we waited 45 mins for a tow truck. Cars were swerving nearly hitting us multiple times and you cannot neutral override them to atleast push or pull the car out of the road while waiting for a tow truck.

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv has been at the dealership countless times over the last 2 years with strange engine sounds, acceleration issues, 4 wheel drive would top working and I couldn't make turns without a grinding sound coming from under the hood, check engine light (with no issues seen/heard). The engine recall was "passed" in October even after our concern with the engine sounds and strange things occurring while driving. Last week my wife was driving on a 4 lane 70mph freeway with our son in the car at night and the car said "press start again" and then started slowing down. She could not brake or accelerate. Luckily there was nobody to the right and was able to make just across the line to the side of the road when my car just came to a stop and everything turned off. So she sat there with my son in the dark for an hour barely off the side of the the road before a tow truck driver came but he couldn't even get the car into neutral to get it up onto the truck. My Escalade is now at Cadillac of south charlotte in north carolina waiting for a new engine. We are scared to drive it even after the "fix" hearing that it can happen again with my kids in the car. Gm needs to be forced to buy back or lemon these cars before someone gets seriously injured or worse.

While driving approximately 50 mph on a busy road, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and stalled, leaving it unable to restart in the roadway. The car was towed to the dealership, where a new battery was installed and the engine seized.

My vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement after a recall remedy (oil change with thicker oil) was performed and the vehicle passed the pico test. Engine symptoms became more pronounced after the oil change. In addition, the vehicle has experienced repeated steering system abnormalities requiring multiple repairs, including replacement of airbag-related components and the entire steering column, with abnormal steering noise persisting afterward. The dealership confirmed the engine failure after finding metal debris in the oil and diagnosing a spun thrust bearing, which resulted in a complete engine replacement under warranty. The steering issue was confirmed by dealership technicians, including a lead technician who acknowledged during a ride-along that the steering noise was not normal, despite multiple repair attempts and replacement of the steering column.

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.

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.