Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Cadillac Escalade - part 1

On February 12, 2026, while driving my 2026 Cadillac Escalade from corpus christi to portland, texas, I encountered a severe safety issue. While driving on the bridge, the engine started making a loud knocking noise and then abruptly stopped working, causing the vehicle to turn off in the middle of traffic. I have only had my vehicle for a total of 55 days, and the mileage on my vehicle is 2,455 miles. This incident highlights a critical motor failure that poses a significant safety risk.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

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.

On 12/18/2025 at approximately 73,097 miles, while driving on I-75 near wildwood, florida at about 75 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure. The engine became seized/locked, the vehicle progressively lost power, and there were abnormal/loud mechanical noises. I was able to avoid a crash, but the event created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion at interstate speed. No accident occurred. The vehicle later received an engine replacement at plaza Cadillac (leesburg, FL). Dealer paperwork indicates completion on 01/07/2026, and the vehicle was returned to me on 02/02/2026. After the engine replacement, the vehicle displays safety-related warnings including: “service transmission now – unable to shift soon” “service electric parking brake” because of these warnings, I am not driving the vehicle. The dealer plans to tow the vehicle in for inspection. In addition, the dealership has stated in writing that they typically clear diagnostic codes for test driving and that no post-repair/post-road-test diagnostic scan reports are saved or printed, meaning there may be limited retained documentation verifying that all modules were fault-free at release after the engine replacement. Cadillac case reference: Cadillac care center service request #88422536. I consent to sharing this complaint and vehicle details with the manufacturer.

See all problems of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

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.

The engine suddenly stalled while I was driving on a public road, creating an immediate safety hazard. The check?engine light came on, and the dashboard warned of zero oil pressure. I had no choice but to have the vehicle towed to a Cadillac dealership. After their inspection, I was informed that the engine had catastrophically failed and required full replacement. This failure occurred right after the recall work was completed, during which I was assured the engine was healthy and the new oil? viscosity procedure had been performed.

See all problems of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

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.

Loud knocking sound in the engine appeared out of nowhere. This is the same engine as what exists in the 2021 year models which does have a recall on them, but for some reason the 2019 models like I have are not included in the recall. I cannot drive the car for fear of the engine seizing up.

See all problems of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

We just purchased our new 2026 Cadillac Escalade v this month. We were driving on interstate 64 when we experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and a warning that there was no oil pressure. We barely made it to the side of the highway where the engine had seized up and was unable to be started. The vehicle was towed to our local Cadillac dealer. They informed me today that the crankshaft had failed similar to the previous 6. 2 l engine recalls. They have ordered a new engine. They are unable to tell me when the new engine will be there or how long it will take for the repairs to be done. I should also mention that our 2022 Cadillac Escalade experienced catastrophic engine failure as well. This led us to our new purchase of the 2026 Escalade. There were no warning signs prior to this catastrophic failure. It put myself and my entire family at significant risk as the failure occurred to highway speed.

Traction light and engine light flashing at 95,900 miles took Cadillac esv to authorized dealer and he advised their was a misfire on cylinder 3 after several attemps to repair now advising he hear a knocking in engine that needs to be replaced.

See all problems of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

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.

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph to the dealer, the vehicle experienced reduced engine power. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The VIN was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 37,600.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made abnormal sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the year and VIN were not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,571.

See all problems of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

Complete engine failure happened while driving at slow speed. Engine recall had been completed on September 3, 2025. No replacement recomended. Complete engine failure happened on January 12, 2026. Had towed to dealership. Dealership just confirmed to me that it will need to have engine replaced on January 19, 2026. There was no sign or symptoms right before the failure.

Component/system involved: engine / powertrain and vehicle electronic control systems, including serial data gateway module description of failure: while driving at highway speed (approximately 60 mph), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion without warning. Engine power was lost while traveling on an interstate, forcing me to pull onto the shoulder without propulsion. The loss-of-power event occurred more than once during the same trip. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Cadillac dealership for inspection. Dealer diagnosis confirmed internal mechanical engine failure, including metal debris present in the engine oil, requiring full engine replacement. During diagnostic procedures, the dealership also identified electrical communication faults involving the serial data gateway module, including voltage fluctuation and wiring chafing within the vehicle harness. These faults caused loss-of-communication conditions between control modules and required repair. Safety risk: the loss of propulsion occurred at highway speed with passengers present in the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. Sudden power loss on an interstate increased the risk of collision due to the inability to maintain speed or maneuver safely in traffic. Confirmation / inspection: the failure was confirmed by an authorized Cadillac dealership. The engine was removed and replaced due to internal damage. Electrical communication faults related to the serial data gateway module were also confirmed and repaired. Warning indicators: no warning lamps or alerts were displayed prior to the loss of propulsion. Communication faults were identified during post-failure diagnostics. Current status: the vehicle has undergone engine replacement and electronic repairs and is currently under post-repair monitoring due to the severity and safety implications of the failure. Availability for inspection: the vehicle and repair documentation should be available through dealership.

See all problems of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

The engine valvetrain is suspected, specifically an afm (active fuel management) lifter or related lifter/oil control component. The vehicle and affected components are intact and available for inspection upon request. An unresolved internal engine malfunction presents a risk of sudden power loss, engine damage, or stalling while driving, which could increase the risk of a collision, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. The issue has been reproduced consistently by the vehicle owner. Diagnostic work has been performed by independent parties, including inspection of the exhaust system, belts, and valvetrain components. Further confirmation by a dealer has not yet occurred. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Independent mechanical inspection and repairs have been performed. No warning lamps or messages were displayed. Symptoms include a delayed chirping/ticking noise beginning approximately 20–30 seconds after engine startup, which is repeatable and changes with engine load and cylinder deactivation behavior.

After receiving the recall notice, the car was taken to the dealership in mid-November 2025 at 42,713 miles for the pico engine test. The engine passed the test and had the oil and oil filter changed to the 0-w40 oil and a new oil cap. On January 9, 2026 at approx. 43,700 miles, the engine seized while driving the freeway at approx. 70 mph. The car was towed to the same dealership who confirmed that the engine was destroyed and needed replacement. 2. 5 weeks later, I received the car back where the service writer confirmed that the replacement engine was not a “ new” but instead a “re-manufactured” engine with the same 0-w40 oil. Subsequent to this, I contacted Cadillac and started the process of a repurchase. Cadillac has agreed to repurchase the car in the amount of $69,801 based on a mileage usage charge of $31,895 based on 42,713 miles. Depending on your state’s lemon law, I would encourage any other owner with this problem to force a repurchase of this car. There are many stories out there of these vehicles experiencing more than one engine replacement. This vehicle can not be trusted.

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.

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.

See all problems of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

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.

The engine has an active fuel management system that has frequent failures of the lifters which causes the push rods to bend. This causes a misfire and the check engine light to illuminate. A broken piece of material entered the lower portion of the engine which could have caused an engine failure while on the highway. I had the vehicle towed to a dealership before a catastrophic failure occurred. Cadillac refuses to warranty this defect when the engine reaches 70k miles. The dealership sees this often and replaced the lifters on only one bank (head) at the cost of $4,000. This occurred on my 2018 Escalade which was under warranty at the time. They had to replace the camshaft and all the lifters on that vehicle.

The check engine light has been coming on intermittently and the engine has felt rough operating. On December 23, 2025, despite the absence of an illuminated "check engine light", I was driving the vehicle when it suddenly lost power/acceleration in the middle of a busy street, which caused me to nearly get into an accident. I brought the vehicle into the dealership on 12/29/25, and is still there as of 1/7/26. The dealership has hooked my car up to the scanner, which found code p0300, and they indicated that it's showing a history of misfires across all cylinders. The dealership has said that they cannot fix the car because they cannot get the engine light to illuminate and because as of 1/7/26, my VIN is not included in part of the widespread engine recall. My vehicle poses an extreme safety risk to drive, and I do not feel comfortable driving it, knowing that the engine is misfiring and could lose acceleration or power at any moment and without warning.

Had to get cam shaft replaced last year. Now the lifters are going bad.

Within the last 20,000 miles this car has, and is now, been at the dealership 3xs for sudden lifter/camshaft failure. This last time almost caused an accident. One time the check engine light never even came on, two other times it came on as the car started slowing and shaking, so no notice as to what was about to happen.

See all problems of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

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.

It had a rough idle and took it to the dealer. Cam shaft failure most likely due to faulty lifters and engine replacement needed. Similar to known issues on this year and on years that are involved in recall. This could lead to engine failure and loss of propulsion like the newer years. Car has been properly maintained and serviced at dealer.

I was driving on the freeway on cruise control going 80 mph. All the sudden my speedometer dropped and I had no power. My transmission light started blinking cruise control stopped working and my car started shaking violently and sounded clunky. I had to pull over to the shoulder immediately. I called my mechanic and he told me not to drive it any further so we towed the vehicle to his shop. There was absolutely no warning signs. This was the only sign something was wrong.

My 2021 Cadillac experienced a catastrophic engine failure that is mechanically identical to a known gm engine defect currently under recall. Gm has denied coverage solely because my VIN is not included, despite the failure matching recall symptoms and diagnostics. This defect caused sudden loss of vehicle use and presents a safety and financial risk. Gm is excluding vehicles with identical failures from recall coverage based strictly on VIN rather than defect presence. I am requesting NHTSA review of recall scope and defect coverage.

While driving vehicle reported multiple system failures and started shaking. Was safety parked and towed to dealership. Dealership found metal shavings in engine oil. No resolution as of yet.

My 2022 Cadillac Escalade is in the repair shop central houston Cadillac [xxx] my engine recall is out and stop working ! the 150,000 mile warranty is not getting upheld by genral motors ! I am being told that my case is denied ! general motors give me a case number xxx [xxx] ! general motors is scamming the recall refusing too drive replace the engine problems they knew was happening! big star Cadillac dealership stated my engine repairs was fix with oil replacement service ! that was not true and is false statement! right now I can not drive my vehicle! I need my new engine now ! thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My wife was driving my kids to their nana and papas house when the vehicle loss power. The vehicle started to have a knocking noise and started to vibrate towards the engine compartment. The dash lit up like a christmas tree. We took the vehicle to a local mechanic and he suggested that we might need a tune up. We purchased 8 brand new spark plugs, spark plug wires and 8 brand new coil packs. The local mechanic installed all of the new parts and the vehicle acted just like it was before the tune up. We then took the vehicle to boyd Cadillac in henderson,nc. Tim, who is our service provider, contacted us and told us that we had severe engine failure. His recommendation was a complete engine install. We have used boyd Cadillac, tim on several occasions. We had an alternator replacement done which was not under warranty. We had lifters replaced under warranty around the 50k mile mark.

Lifter failure. Camshaft damage and failure. Those were replaced. Within two weeks later: complete engine failure. Seized while driving on interstate in traffic. Was stranded on interstate near dfw airport. Required complete engine replacement. There was no warning before it seized.