general problems of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade - part 2

Component/system failure: the engine experienced catastrophic failure related to recall n252494000 (NHTSA 25v-274), resulting in complete loss of power and immediate engine shutdown. The original engine was removed and replaced by the Cadillac dealership. The failed engine should be in possession of the dealer or manufacturer and should be available for inspection upon request per manufacturer retention policies. Safety risk: the vehicle lost all power while traveling at highway speed on highway 70 with three children and two adults in the vehicle. I was forced to coast into a center turning lane between oncoming traffic in both directions, with no ability to accelerate or move out of traffic. The shutdown occurred without warning, creating a high risk of rear-end or head-on collision. Loss of life was narrowly avoided. Confirmation of failure: the failure was confirmed by an authorized Cadillac dealership, which determined the vehicle was affected by the active engine recall and replaced the engine under recall service, confirming the failure matched the known defect. Inspections: the vehicle was inspected by the Cadillac dealership acting on behalf of the manufacturer. No police or insurance inspection occurred since no collision took place and the issue was handled through recall repair. Warnings or symptoms: there were no prior warning lights or drivability symptoms. While driving, a message stating “not safe to drive” appeared, and within approximately five seconds the engine shut off completely. There was no abnormal engine noise before shutdown. After failure, the vehicle could not be restarted, turned off, or shifted and automatically placed itself into park.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

While driving about 60–65 mph westbound on NY route 17 near exit 125, a warning message appeared on the dashboard reading “restart engine. ” within seconds the vehicle lost all propulsion, steering assist, and braking power. Pressing the accelerator did nothing and the car began rapidly decelerating in live highway traffic at night. I struggled to steer into the shoulder with great effort because the steering and brakes had become extremely heavy. Once stopped, the engine would not restart — there was no crank and no response when pressing the start button. The vehicle was later towed to the dealership for inspection. This failure occurred without any prior warning other than the single “restart engine” message that flashed moments before the loss of power. There were no check-engine lights, alerts, or performance issues beforehand. Unity Chevrolet Cadillac confirmed that the engine had seized and replaced the entire engine assembly, starter, and battery under warranty. The vehicle remained out of service from August 7 to August 22 2025. This sudden failure created a severe safety hazard — a complete loss of propulsion, steering assist, and braking at highway speed could easily have resulted in a high-speed collision.

Recall info: the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. This information creates anxiety for myself and my wife who already suffers from a medically documented anxiety disorder every day that we drive somewhere. Because of the location of our residence, we have to drive on the highway most of the time for convenience which exaggerates this situation. We have owned/leased gm vehicles our entire lives and particularly Cadillac for the last 24 years. We own this vehicle out right and planned to keep it indefinitely. The fact that there is no immediate remedy for this situation and one day possibly providing a higher viscosity oil, an oil filter replacement and requiring a new oil fill cap is very disappointing and insulting for a vehicle that we had to wait for and then pay over $130,000 for. At this point, thank god there is no incident, I would like to keep it that way and would like to have an immediate resolution of possible switching from our 2023 model to a comparable 2025 and be reassured that it does not have these mechanical defects with no additional costs incurred on my part.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact called on behalf of a dealer who owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The dealer received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000(engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Currently under an open, incomplete safety recall (gm program #n252494000 / NHTSA 25v274) for the l87 engine defect that can cause catastrophic engine failure and complete loss of propulsion.

My vehicle was recalled under n252494002 l87 engine loss of propulsion. The car was taken to the dealership June 19, 2025 and determined to require a engine replacement. The dealer has had the vehicle for a month without repair of the vehicle. This seems like an unreasonable time to replace the engine.

On 18 June 2025, I was on i95 driving highway speeds and the engine shut down and transmission shifted to n. I was able to coast to a left shoulder (we were in a construction zone so right shoulder was blocked off). Alert on digital dash said to press start engine again. . . Nothing. I tried a second time and the vehicle started. I was able to drive about . 5 miles and the engine shut off again and it shifted to neutral. I was able to coast to the right shoulder this time. Engine would not restart. Vehicle was towed to Cadillac dealership on 501 in myrtle beach, SC. I was notified about a month ago about a recall. I went into the dealer the next day and they confirmed my vehicle had a recall for potential loss of propulsion. I asked how to get it fixed and they said I would have to wait until they had a way to fix it and I would be notified. I had one warning lamp about the supercruise no longer working and to see owners manual. No other warnings.

The contact owns a 2023 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 engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000(engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I was in car. I just stepped out of the car its stop working car couldn't start. I need to get started to start the car. It happens a lot. I went to caddilac dealer service they everything good. This car for work not luxury. I drive uber and always on road. So I afraid something will happen. I want to change this car for new without recalls. Thank you.

Waiting months on inspection had an appointment called and verified that was the appointment was for inspection . Took care of in and was told not opened. That was in July. The value of car has dropped because of this issue and can’t trade in or loss a ton.

All Cadillac dealerships are refusing to inspect the vehicle to ensure engine is safe despite specific instruction in recall that dealership will and determine if vehicle is affected. If not affected they will change oil viscosity. Dealerships are refusing to perform this test and change oil.

Sometime during the month of may, 2015, I received a letter in accordance with the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act in reference to a recall for the 6. 2l v8 gas engine (rpo l87) that applies to my vehicle. I have reached out to randy marion Cadillac, 4700 southside blvd. M jacksonville, FL. , 32216, on several occasions, but to no avail. I spoke with service department personnel who, could not provide any information concerning the recall and informed me that they would have the service manager to call me. However, after 3 months, I have yet to receive a response from the service manager or any other service personnel. On Monday, 08-26-25, I logged into my Cadillac app and searched under recalls and warranties and noticed a message indicating there were no incomplete recalls. Prior to my last log-in, there was informed acknowledgeing the recall and that my vehicle would be inspected as a result. I am confused and have major concerns about my recall status and the lack of communication from the Cadillac dealership. Can someone shed some light as to why there are no recalls that are displayed on my Cadillac app and what other steps that I need to take in order to remedy this matter. Thank you! [xxx] -ph# [xxx] gm safety recall n252494000. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

This vehicle has a recall. It notes the engine can fail and cause a crash but the dealership says they have no issued a remedy and therefore will not inspect the vehicle. This vehicle is used for our 3 children and I do not understand what we do to remedy it.

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.

The vehicle stop in middle of the road. And can't start without starter. Noises coming out from the car. I went to caddilac dealer they just give me power to battery and saying everything ok. And happened a lot.

I was told of this recall. That my motor may just completely shut off at anytime and that I will hopefully be able to maneuver off of the road at that time. But Cadillac states they do not have a way to fix it at this time. If something does happen, they will try. But only cars acting up are being looked at right now. Everyone else can just drive around and hope for the best. I’m scared to drive my car out of fear of it shutting down and causing me to get in an accident. I don’t want my family hurt, but I surely don’t want to hurt anyone else either. It’s unacceptable that there is no fix for such a serious issue and there isn’t even an estimate on when they will have a remedy, much less how long it will then take the dealership to do the repairs.

I was driving my vehicle on the highway at approx 55 mph. Without warning my vehicle’s engine failed and the vehicle went into neutral. I had to coast until the emergency shoulder was available as power steering was dwindling. As I pulled into the shoulder the wheel locked. The vehicle’s engine could not be restarted and the vehicle was towed to the Cadillac dealership. I feared for my life as cars were behind me at 55 mph or higher when my engine went out. I nearly didn’t make it into the shoulder before the vehicle stopped completely.

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).

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact was notified of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

I was on the highway while cruising with a speed of 65 to 70 mph all of a sudden vehicle started to shake and lost control speed went down to 20mph on the highway check engine light came up foward collision, stability, traction control and engine died started again stall, had to tow the SUV to the dealership.

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade is part of NHTSA recall 25v274 involving a potential engine failure due to defective crankshaft or connecting rod components. It has now been over four months since this recall was issued, and there is still no remedy or parts available, according to both my dealership and gm customer service. This defect poses a serious safety risk, as sudden engine failure while driving can cause the vehicle to lose propulsion, potentially leading to a crash. I use this vehicle for business, so it’s driven frequently with passengers, increasing the danger and financial impact. Despite contacting the dealership regularly and calling gm directly, I’ve been told the same thing every time: the parts are not yet available and there is no fix yet. The vehicle has not been inspected, and I’ve received no alternative solution or loaner vehicle. I am concerned about the length of the delay and the risk to my safety and others on the road. I’m asking NHTSA to investigate and ensure that gm provides a timely resolution.

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade vehicle broke down while I was driving on the highway this past Wednesday. While driving at highway speeds, the transmission unexpectedly shifted from drive (d) to neutral (n), and after that, I was unable to shift back to drive or start the vehicle. The car was then towed to Cadillac of silver spring in maryland for further inspection. I was informed the engine may be locked, but other technicians suggest it could be an ecm or electrical issue. The vehicle is still under warranty and only has 12000miles.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to maintain speed while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was left at the local dealer for further repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

My wife and I purchased a certified used Cadillac Escalade sport platinum with 36k miles on it from a reputable dealership near our home. After having the vehicle for less than a week, the engine just lost power suddenly and without notice while our entire family (3 kids) were on our way home. We were able to coast off the main highway and onto a crossing road before it glided to a stop in the middle of an intersection. We were able to get the vehicle towed back to the dealership where they are telling us it needs a replacement engine. I am very concerned with how the event unfolded, and it could have been much worse had it happened where we were not able to get off the road. I am happy gm and the dealership are working quickly to replace the engine, but now I have safety concerns and feel like the vehicle has lost some of its value. Even before I could re-title the vehicle or make our first payment on it. I am reading similar stories and am baffled how gm could produce an engine with such a widespread problem, especially when paying significant money for the vehicle.

Gm engine replacement recall. The engine could blow up and give out causing a crash. Problem has been confirmed by dealer as "unremedied" vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer.

[xxx] driving down [xxx] in delaware at 68mph, with no prior warning my Cadillac Escalade had a total power loss and shifted into neutral in the center lane of a 4 lane highway nearing causing a collision that could of took my life as well as my 3 children. We were stuck in the center lane of a dangerous highway for 2 hours. The dealership (delaware Cadillac) has notified me that at 36,000 the entire engine has failed with no prior warning or issues. And is going to require a complete engine replacement. This is extremely dangerous. I also own two other Cadillac Escalade models and scared the same thing is going to occur. No lamps were illuminated, there was no driving issues or concerns prior to this happening. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving to work at 45 miles/hour and the car's engine cut out. My life was at risk because the car cut out without warning while I was driving. When the car stopped working, I called the dealership, and they came to take the car away. The car didn't give any warning or display any warning messages beforehand. The car has been at the dealership for a month and they still haven't repaired it.