Table 1 shows one common engine and engine cooling related problems of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling problems |
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2025 Cadillac Escalade, which experienced a catastrophic engine failure while being driven on a public roadway with approximately 13,000 miles on the vehicle. While traveling from [xxx] to [xxx] , the vehicle suddenly lost power while in motion. A warning message appeared stating “press to start again. ” the engine shut off completely while driving, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. The vehicle went into neutral, and I was forced to maneuver to the side of the road to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Once stopped, the vehicle would not restart. Multiple attempts were made using both the push-button ignition and key fob remote start, but the vehicle remained inoperable. The vehicle was towed and later diagnosed as requiring a complete engine replacement despite being less than one year old. I believe this is a serious safety defect because the vehicle lost power without warning while being driven. Had this occurred in heavier traffic, while crossing an intersection, merging, or traveling at higher speeds, it could have resulted in a serious accident, injury, or death. This was not the first major issue with this vehicle. Within weeks of taking delivery, multiple components required repair or replacement, including: • complete replacement of the camera system due to defective cameras • replacement of a defective lighting component • transmission failure concerns • cylinder #2 misfire issues the repeated failures of major vehicle systems, culminating in a complete engine failure and loss of propulsion while driving, raise serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle. Additionally, after the engine failure, the vehicle could not be placed into neutral and had to be dragged onto a tow truck, causing damage to the tires and raising concerns about emergency roadside recovery procedures. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
On xxx, I was driving my 2025 Cadillac Escalade (6. 2l engine) on [xxx] , at 55 mph in a construction zone. The right lane had a cement barrier one foot from the yellow line, eliminating any shoulder, and the left side had only a narrow berm before the median. Without any prior warning, I heard a loud “pop” and felt a jolt. Immediately, the check engine light illuminated, the vehicle went silent, and it began to coast. A message appeared instructing me to press “start” to start the vehicle. The battery remained operational, but the engine was unresponsive. I had not struck any object. I activated my hazard lights and, because I could not pull to the right due to the barrier, I coasted across lanes into the median. I could not exit the vehicle to safety due to location of the vehicle and the construction on both the north and southbound lanes of the highway as well as concrete barriers. The vehicle would not restart and could not be shifted into neutral, requiring specialized towing. Police responded and positioned a patrol car behind me due to the dangerous location. I could not safely exit the vehicle. The tow truck had to block the left lane to remove the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to medina auto mall. The service technician advised this is “more likely than not” the same 6. 2l engine failure subject to recall in 2021–2024 gm vehicles. However, the vehicle cannot be diagnosed for 3–4 weeks due to backlog. If confirmed, an engine replacement may take several months. The vehicle has approximately 11,500 miles, has run perfectly with no prior issues, and was properly maintained, including an oil change performed by the selling dealer, vandevere Cadillac (akron, ohio). This sudden loss of propulsion on a highway in a construction zone created a serious safety risk, including the risk of a high-speed rear-end collision resulting in injuries to myself and other drivers. It was a frightening situation. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
My 2025 Cadillac Escalade esv lost power and shut down while I was driving on the highway. The gas pedal stopped responding, and the vehicle would not restart afterward. This created a serious safety risk because the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion while driving in traffic. The vehicle is less than one year old and is already going to be on its third engine. The original engine was already replaced once before. The previous replacement engine was a brand-new gm engine with 0 miles, but it failed after only about 20,000 miles. Pepe Cadillac confirmed that this is the second replacement engine, which means the third engine counting the original engine. The dealer also confirmed that the engine locked up due to internal bearing material failure and needs to be replaced again. The repair order number is 140134. I am concerned this is a serious safety-related engine defect. A brand-new gm replacement engine should not lock up after only about 22,000 miles, especially while driving on the highway. I am also concerned that simply replacing the engine again may not fully address the safety and reliability issue with this vehicle. Cadillac customer care case number: 100539041.
My engine started to make noise so I took it in for service and was told by Cadillac service it was a blown piston rod and it required a full engine replacement.
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade. While driving 55 mph on the highway, the vehicle experienced sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The contact was able to pull over safely onto the service road. The oil pressure and temperature messages were displayed at the time of the failure. Upon research, the failure was linked to NHTSA action number: pe25001 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about a buyback; however, the manufacturer declined to buy back the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. The VIN was not available.
I purchased a 2025 Cadillac Escalade in April 2025 and igot 9300 miles and the lifter noise is like type writer that speeds up with acceleration and the taping is loud I can not drive it anymore because I dont want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Component/system that failed; availability for inspection gm 6. 2-liter v8 (l87) gasoline engine and cooling system. At ~4,000 miles the engine suffered a catastrophic internal failure and the radiator failed concurrently. Dealer diagnosed “engine failure” and replaced the entire long block with an oem unit and replaced the radiator. Repair orders and the vehicle are available for inspection at the selling/servicing Cadillac dealership; I can provide copies on request. How safety was put at risk the vehicle lost normal operation unexpectedly and required a tow. A sudden loss of propulsion and cooling can cause stalling in traffic, overheating, and loss of power-assist systems, which creates a crash hazard. My family member was stranded and unable to move the vehicle for approximately an hour, increasing exposure to traffic and environmental danger. We no longer feel safe driving a vehicle that already experienced an early engine failure and is being refitted with the same 6. 2l design. Has the problem been reproduced/confirmed by a dealer? yes. Cadillac dealer confirmed engine failure and completed engine and radiator replacement under warranty. Service director acknowledged they have seen similar failures on prior model years that were subject to recall. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by manufacturer/others? yes. Inspected and repaired by an authorized Cadillac dealer acting for general motors. I can provide the service director’s email and repair documentation. Warning lamps/messages/symptoms prior to failure prior to failure the vehicle exhibited overheating and loss of power; then became undriveable and required towing. Engine and coolant system faults were indicated at the time of the incident (exact dtcs not provided to owner). Context/known issues gm has recalled 2021–2024 vehicles with the same 6. 2l l87 engine family for internal defects (connecting rod/crank/bearing failures). My 2025 Escalade experienced a substantially similar failure at very.
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly and turn on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 5,200.
1. 6. 2l gasoline engine. Vehicle available and has been in the shop at least 6 documented times. The 2025 was not part of the recall. Gm refuses to tell me if the known engine problems of the recall was fixed on my engine prior to building and delivering the vehicle 2. Engine continues to knock and studder sometimes as if it will shut down. 3. Initial knocking confirmed and mechanics changed our lifters. Problem still exist but gm engineers now say, “operating as designed. Fear for my life and my families life. Can’t trust it. 4. Yes, by gm authorized mechanics. 5. None at all on warning lamps, messages etc.
Purchased this vehicle brand new ( 3 miles ), just before christmas 2024, from bill cramer Chevrolet in panama city FL. We just hit the 7200 mile mark and took vehicle in for 1st service with 10% or so remaining on the oil indicator. This is my wife’s vehicle, so I do not drive nor hear it crank in the morning, or come home in afternoons very often. Since the service I noticed yesterday the engine sounding “different” than from initial purchase. Didn’t think much of it, just figured a new gizmo or gadget doing its thing that we weren’t aware of. Well this evening [xxx] I went to move it into the driveway. As soon as the vehicle started I knew instantly something wasn’t right. Had that classic “lifter tap” that eventually quieted down after 30-45 seconds but never fully went away. Previously there was no engine noise when starting, only the rumble of the exhaust and compressor kicking on for air ride. I let the truck go through its cold start/high idle sequence. Once at regular idle 5-700 rpm, I noticed a few sounds coming from the bottom end that really bothered me. I shut the truck off, let it sit for about 20-30 minutes and videoed the start up and noise. I just want to notate this, in case this now becomes the classic gm lifter failure. I will take another video in the morning with the vehicle truly cold start. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Was on the interstate driving 75 mph, with my daughter, her friend, my wife. And the car cut off, and dealership said engine locked. 45 minutes prior I was on a snowy mountain road, and this vehicle has 939 miles on it, one month old. Now I am reading about the investigation, and feel this is negligence on GMC. This could have been a disaster and life changing for me. I dont care if its a 75k vehicle or 135k like mine, this is dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the vehicle is currently at the dealership! told my wife to start recording in case something happened.
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 77 mph in the left lane, the vehicle lost motive power and shut down. The driver was able to move to the right lane and pulled over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called onstar for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about a buyback and the lemon law due to not being able to replace the engine in a timely manner. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 953.