general problems of the 2026 Cadillac Escalade - part 1

The engine malfunctioned. On October 19, 2026, the dealership advised by telephone that the engine would need to be replaced. The specific internal component or cause of failure has not been provided. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 1. During highway driving, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and did not respond as expected. The driver backed off the accelerator and observed a flashing check-engine light. Unpredictable acceleration created concern about safely keeping pace with traffic. Additional noises and an unusual odor later developed. The vehicle was parked safely. 2. Yes. The dealership evaluated the reported problems and advised on October 19 that engine replacement was necessary. Written diagnostic findings have not yet been provided. 3. The dealership evaluated the vehicle. No separate inspection by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or an independent service center is known. According to the records available to us, the vehicle was driven only two miles in connection with the dealership’s certified pre-owned (cpo) inspection. This raises concern about whether the inspection adequately identified the engine problem before sale. 4. Symptoms began October 13, 2026, during the initial drive home after purchase: black exhaust smoke during hard acceleration. On October 14, hesitation and an unusual whooshing/rushing-air noise occurred during highway acceleration. The check-engine light flashed intermittently, then went out when exiting the highway. On October 16, additional squeaking noises and an unusual odor developed while driving to work. Mileage was 12,599 at delivery on October 13 and 12,671 by October 17—only 72 miles driven since purchase. Symptoms began on delivery day and worsened within three days. Engine replacement was deemed necessary six days after delivery.

6. 2l engine blew with less than 6,200 miles. Driving highway speed, started by hearing a slight tick and within 3 miles, the tick got louder, check engine light came on, then the pull over notice, pulled over and wouldn't start. Awaiting install of new motor for a rear main bearing failure according to service manager.

On Friday, xxx, my 2026 Cadillac Escalade esv (VIN: [xxx]), with approximately 10,000 miles, experienced a sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on a busy highway exit ramp. My wife, [xxx] daughter, and dog were in the vehicle. The engine died without warning, resulting in total loss of power. We were extremely fortunate that no following vehicle struck us. This created an immediate and serious risk of a high-speed collision. The vehicle was towed to pepe Cadillac of [xxx]. Pepe Cadillac diagnosed the failure as involving metal shavings/contamination in the oil, internal engine failure consistent with spun bearing and/or crankshaft/connecting rod issues, and stated that it matches the known l87 6. 2-liter v8 manufacturing defect. A complete engine replacement is required. The vehicle remains at the dealership waiting on a new engine. This failure pattern matches the manufacturing defects that were the subject of the prior safety recall on 2021–2024 l87 engines (NHTSA 25v274000) and that are currently under investigation in engineering analysis ea26005, which covers 2021–2026 model year vehicles including the Escalade and Escalade esv. I am submitting this complaint so that it can be added to the open investigation. Sudden loss of propulsion while driving is a clear safety defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vehicle engine shutdown on routs [xxx] in [xxx] while traveling at 70mph. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Catastrophic engine and power train failure.

I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6. 2l v8 engine and took delivery on xxx. At approximately 9,700 miles, the vehicle developed an engine-related problem and the check engine light illuminated. I brought the vehicle to Cadillac of norwood in [xxx] on xxx during diagnosis, the dealership identified metal contamination in the engine oil. I was advised that, because metal was found in the oil, further internal diagnosis was stopped and the engine would need to be replaced. The dealership subsequently ordered a complete replacement engine. As of xxx, the vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting the replacement engine and has been out of service continuously since September 16. This is particularly concerning because the vehicle is approximately six months old and has fewer than 10,000 miles. An internal engine failure resulting in metal circulating in the oil at such low mileage raises concerns about premature engine failure and the possibility of loss of engine power if a similar failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven. Prior to this failure, I had also noticed an abnormal ticking noise from the engine. The vehicle has required multiple dealership visits since purchase for other concerns. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of the premature engine failure and replacement on this 2026 Cadillac Escalade. I believe this should be evaluated for potential similarity to other reported 6. 2l v8 engine failures in gm full-size suvs and trucks. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Started hearing a knocking sound from the engine Saturday. Stopped driving the car the rest of the weekend. Took to the Cadillac dealer today and was just told the car needs a new engine. This is unacceptable on 130k 2026 vehicle. Hopefully, you can apply severe pressure on gm to get this issue fixed once and for all.

On Sunday, September 6, 2026, at approximately 10:38am, my wife was driving our 2026 Cadillac Escalade esv platinum sport (VIN 1gys9rkl8tr113098, ~9,000 miles) with multiple young children in the vehicle. The vehicle began making loud clicking noises and lost power at a busy intersection, with no prior warning lights or messages; the clicking was the only symptom before the sudden loss of power. She maneuvered it partially off the road; it would not restart. She removed the children onto the roadside while managing a disabled vehicle in active traffic, creating real risk of a secondary collision. I arrived at 11:00am and tried to restart it, including adding fuel, with no success, only intermittent clicking and no start. A jump start was attempted before aaa arrived. Aaa arrived at 1:16pm, inspected the vehicle, and confirmed the battery and fuse boxes were fine and not the cause. Onstar was also contacted. The vehicle was towed at 2:37pm to camargo Cadillac, our dealer. I contacted the dealership the next morning. On September 9, their service department confirmed the engine had failed internally and requires full replacement, a diagnosis made by the authorized dealer, not merely suspected by me. The failed engine remains at the dealership, unremoved, and is available for inspection upon request. I've opened case #sr:110162786 with Cadillac customer assistance; I am not aware of a direct gm factory-level inspection yet. At approximately 9,000 miles and roughly nine months of ownership, this vehicle suffered a total, sudden engine failure with no advance warning, stranding my family in traffic. This engine (l87, 6. 2l v8) is subject to a prior recall (25v-274) on 2021-2024 Escalades for related crankshaft and connecting rod defects, and NHTSA has since opened investigation ea26005, extending to 2025 and 2026 model year vehicles due to continued reported failures. I'm submitting this to add my vehicle's experience to that federal safety record.

Engine failure and replaced. Received vehicle back and placed under 2k miles on the new engine and 3 times now it has shut off while in motion and required a restart.

Vehicle issues / defects 1. Damaged passenger entertainment screen at delivery the passenger-side entertainment screen was damaged when the truck was delivered. The damage was present from the time the vehicle was received and was not caused by the owner. 2. Engine failure at approximately 7,000 miles the vehicle suffered a complete engine failure at approximately 7,000 miles. Given the extremely low mileage, this represents a significant mechanical failure very early in the vehicle’s service life. These issues should be documented as part of the vehicle’s warranty and service history, including all repair orders, photographs, dates the vehicle was unavailable for use, and communications with the dealer/manufacturer.

On August 25, 2026, while driving my 2026 Cadillac Escalade, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine lost power and the vehicle became inoperable while I was on the road. There was no meaningful advance warning that would have allowed me to safely anticipate the failure. The sudden loss of engine power created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could no longer be driven normally or moved under its own power. The vehicle ultimately had to be transported by a specialty tow service to an authorized Cadillac dealership. The Cadillac dealership inspected the vehicle and advised me that there was a major internal engine failure involving the bottom end of the engine, including the crankshaft/rod-bearing area, and that the engine requires replacement. The vehicle was purchased brand new on December 31, 2025 with approximately 15 miles and suffered this major engine failure less than eight months after purchase. The vehicle had approximately 12,000 miles at the time of the failure. The vehicle is currently at the authorized Cadillac dealership and is available for inspection. Cadillac/gm has been notified of the failure, and a case has been opened with the manufacturer. My primary safety concern is that a major engine failure occurred suddenly while the vehicle was being driven. A sudden loss of propulsion in traffic could create a significant risk of a collision, particularly at highway speeds or in circumstances where the driver needs engine power to safely maneuver the vehicle.

Complete engine failure at 75mph. Vehicle only has 5000 miles on it.

I was driving on 35 mph road and first got a notification to service charging system, vehicle may stall, with the battery light on. Less than a mile after an alarm went off non stop stating engine overheating shut vehicle down immediately. Roadside mechanic came and discovered the serpentine belt failed. I have 1,100 miles on this car.

I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade on July 27, 2026. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began experiencing significant engine-related problems, including shaking, rough running, loss of power, knocking-type noises, misfires, and a check-engine light. The vehicle underwent three separate repair attempts for the engine-related concerns. During these visits, the dealer diagnosed and attempted to correct the misfire and related engine issues, including work involving the ignition coil/coil pack. Despite these repair attempts, the problems continued or returned. A fourth visit was then conducted as a final repair attempt. During this visit, a general motors engineer became involved and attempted to diagnose and correct the vehicle’s continuing engine problems. Despite this additional manufacturer-level repair attempt, the underlying engine concern was not successfully resolved. The vehicle was essentially brand new when these problems began. After three repair attempts and a fourth final repair attempt involving a gm engineer, I remain concerned about the safety, reliability, and long-term condition of the engine because of the repeated shaking, loss of power, misfires, abnormal engine noise, and warning lights.

I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade from autonation Cadillac west palm beach on July 27, 2026. At only approximately 375 miles, the vehicle developed serious engine/drivability problems and front/rear bumper alignment defects. The Escalade began shaking/stuttering, hesitating, experiencing inconsistent power, and making an abnormal knocking-type noise. The check-engine light illuminated. I took the vehicle to delray Cadillac, where technicians found a cylinder 4 misfire and ultimately determined the problem involved the cylinder 4 lifter system. The repair required substantial internal engine work on an essentially brand-new vehicle. Cadillac replaced eight lifters, along with associated gaskets, bolts, guides, and related components. The engine was opened for the repair, and the technician inspected the camshaft/cam lobes and related valvetrain components before reassembly and testing. After receiving the vehicle back, I still notice abnormal power delivery. At approximately 45–55 mph, the engine intermittently hesitates and feels as though it struggles to maintain steady power, even though the check-engine light is currently off. This concerns me because major internal engine work was already required at only about 375 miles. The vehicle also has visible front and rear bumper alignment problems. The rear bumper protrudes outward instead of sitting flush with the body, and the front bumper also appears misaligned. These issues were reported to Cadillac. I am reporting this because a new vehicle requiring major valvetrain/engine repair at approximately 375 miles, followed by continued hesitation and inconsistent power, may present a safety risk during acceleration, merging, or highway driving.

My engine locked up with only 9k miles on it. Left me stranded in 109 degree heat. Had it towed to local dealer over 3 weeks ago they determined engine was bad and ordered new engine from gm but the engine is on back order. I need gm to buy my vehicle back so I can replace it I have nothing to drive.

I pulled out onto a highway and sped up to 65 mph. About 10 minutes later, I heard a ticking sound. That sound proceeded to get very loud, almost like a loud pan banging/squeeling. The car seemed to “drive” normal but that sound was heard only on acceration of the gas pedal. If I was not pressing on the gas, the car sounded normal. Once I pressed the gas, the loud squeal occurred . I had it towed 3 hrs away to the Cadillac dealership who replaced my engine. Said it was the crankshaft in my 6. 2l engine. The car was returned to me, and two days later, the check engine light came on. I drove to the local gm dealer to get it scanned. It said “engine control module starter drive control” and “engine control module starter motor control”. So I drove it home. The next day, I went to start it and nothing happens. The screen lights up, says “service 4 wheel drive” and I can’t put in neutral or gear. Does not turn over, nothing. Now I’m waiting for my tow back to dealer which is 3 hours away and onstar said it could take up to 5 days bc of distance.

The contact owns a 2026 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle failed to maintain automotive power. In addition, after depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, cause of the failure was not known. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine, engine oil pan, and the engine oil filter. The vehicle was also diagnosed with rod bearings #1 and #2 failures, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

The motor started making a ticking noise, then when we came to a stop, the motor died. I was able to get it started and get us home. As we made it home, the noise began to get worse. The next morning I planned to take it to the dealership. The car started and I began to drive. We entered the freeway and as traffic picked up, we came to a stop on the freeway. The engine died again. I was able to start it one more time and cotinued on until we got to the exit the dealership is on. At this point the car died again and we were unable to get it started. It left us stranded on the offramp. Car needed to be towed to dealership where it was discovered the engine had failed. Cadillac replaced the engine with a new one. This happened at 7100 miles.

Complete engine failure in 2026 Cadillac Escalade sport platinum with 3100 miles.

I was driving my new 2026 Cadillac Escalade down the highway when my engine froze up! it was damaged so bad that they replaced the engine. So obviously gm has not fixed this problem. They promised that the issue was fixed or I would have never bought this vehicle.

Catastrophic engine failure while driving with 2,500 miles, leaving me stranded on the highway in the dead of night. Cadillac towed it in for repairs, yet refused to install a new engine, instead swapping out block with a rebuilt one and moving all other components over from the blown engine. As this was a “v” model which is equipped with an 6. 2 lt4 engine, I was told that this would not be subject to the constant failures that plague the 6. 2 l87. So I agreed to purchase the considerably more expensive v at a cost of $200,000 and I was still placed in the same danger that I was in with the less expensive models. This vehicle was not on any recall list and I was offered no compensation whatsoever for having a rebuilt engine which is now part of its permanent record at both Cadillac and carfax. Same thing happened to my 2023 Escalade while my daughter was driving, total loss of power, engine seized, she barely made it to the shoulder safely from the left lane. I had to get rid of it after that as I felt my family’s safety was in jeopardy had we continued to drive it. The buyer I sold it to just notified me that the replacement engine blew up just like the original one and needed a to have third engine replaced. VIN of the 2023: [xxx]. Cadillac is repairing/replacing these defective engines with the same defective parts, so of course they will continue to fail again and again. Recommendation of upgrading oil viscosity is a complete joke and has done nothing to resolve this dangerous issue. This is a massive problem, just about everyone I speak with who has a Cadillac Escalade has experienced the same fate. I am aware of injuries associated with this situation, gm and Cadillac need to be brought to task here before someone gets killed if that hasn’t already happened. I can provide any other information should you require including pictures and videos of these cars being towed away as well as repair tickets if needed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle randomly stalls and shuts down. This can happen while pulling out in traffic. It has happened 5 times or more.

Catastrophic engine failure. Main bearing lock up.

Our engine failed with only 18k miles on it.

The contact owns a 2026 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. Later, while driving approximately 75 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated unexpectedly in the middle of highway traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off the road and parked in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,099.

While driving my 2026 Cadillac Escalade with approximately 15,000 miles, I experienced a sudden loss of engine power. I was able to safely move the vehicle onto the shoulder of the road. The vehicle would not continue operating and required towing. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle with a catastrophic internal engine failure requiring complete engine replacement. The engine is the 6. 2l v8. There were no prior indications that the engine was about to fail.

Complete engine failure at 7000 miles.

Driving on [xxx] in missouri, on the way to kentucky for business. Outside of st. Robert, motor started knocking and losing power. Ac quit, knocking got worse the power loss continued. I limped it to the top of the hill with hazards on, pulled off the interstate on a large shoulder, not safe. Could not stand in the ditch due to all the ticks, stood in front of the car then it started raining. Oncoming traffic started getting very close due to low visibility/heavy rain. Tow truck arrived in 2 hours. Towed to thompson Cadillac in springfield, cost me extra since it was beyond 100 miles. Diagnosed as engine failure, will be 3 months in the shop, and I get a Buick subcompact as my rental, all they would approve. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On June 18, 2026, while my nearly new 2026 Cadillac Escalade esv was being driven on the ohio turnpike, the vehicle unexpectedly entered reduced-power or limp mode, lost propulsion, shut off, and would not restart. The vehicle had approximately 2,234 miles. The sudden loss of propulsion and engine shutdown occurred in active highway traffic and created a serious risk of a collision. The vehicle had to be towed from the ohio turnpike to cole valley Cadillac. Cole valley Cadillac opened repair order 6206894 and determined that the engine requires replacement under the manufacturer’s warranty. The repair records reference replacement of the engine, engine core, and engine block. The vehicle has remained out of service since June 18, 2026, and no confirmed repair-completion date has been provided. General motors was notified under Cadillac customer assistance case 103386652 and gm repurchase case 1153162. I am reporting this incident because a catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion in a nearly new vehicle at highway speed could place the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk.

On Monday xxx, I was on my way to the dealer for my first oil change. I was driving through a toll both, also under construction just outside [xxx], when the engine lost power without warning and just stopped. While scrambling to find a tow truck I finally got the vehicle started and limped it to the dealer, patrick Cadillac in schaumburg, IL,. Nearly a week later, a technician informed me that the engine is unrepairable and needs to be completely replaced. He also informed me that engines are on back-order and no eta is available. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine failior. Engine lost power on highway and lhad to limp to safety in traffic. With my children in the vehicle.

At 9,000 miles the engine on my 2026 Cadillac Escalade esv started knocking and the dealership replaced it. They did not provide a loaner or a rental vehicle for the time the vehicle was at the shop. After the replacement, the new engine sounds the same and will probably needs replacing as well. After the fix I started getting electrical issues my rear right signal and taillight started acting up. Sometimes the rear signal doesn't work and another times the rear right taillight would stay on after turning the vehicle off and locking it.

The car engine stopped on the highway while driving. Wouldn’t turn back on all of my four children were on the car.

Complete engine failure. Car stalled out at highway speeds and nearly caused collision. Would not turn over to be moved off freeway.