Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Cadillac Escalade - part 1

On xxx, my 2022 Cadillac Escalade (approx. 21,000 miles) shut down on its own while I was stopped in traffic on us-xxx in [xxx], near xxxairport. The dashboard then displayed 'service transmission. ' I was able to restart the vehicle and it restarted with no issues, but a vehicle shutting down in live traffic is a safety hazard — if this happens while moving, or if it had not restarted, I and others could have been hit. No crash, fire, or injury occurred. I dismissed the dash message; I understand the fault code remains stored. There has been no dealer diagnosis yet. A VIN check on xxx showed 0 open recalls onm this vehicle. I am reporting this so it is on record as a possible safety defect involving a sudden shut down in traffic with a transmission warning. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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My engine had a malfunction. My safety was put at risk due to not knowing if the vehicle would stop before I was able to safely get it to be checked. The dealer has been confirmed by the dealer as engine failure due to bearing failure. This was determined by metal pieces in the oil pan. There were no warning signs, including no warning lights.

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There is internal engine failure. Yes it is available for inspection. My safety as well as others were at risk when the engine started to fail, without warning, causing my car to jolt and briefly lose control of steering. If complete engine failure happened while driving, I would not have control over my car. My life and other's lives would severely be at risk. Car has been inspected and confirmed engine failure. Car is unable to be driven as we do not want to put anyone else at risk or make the problem worse. Car will be towed on Monday. There was absolutely no warning of this occurring. The symptoms first appeared while driving and the incident happened shortly after. There was a loud noise followed by my car being jerked traffic. I immediately pulled over until I could get my car safely home. When inspected the car was ticking with brief knocking noises. The ticking continued while the knocking noise became more abrupt and frequent.

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Vehicle passed the l87 v8 recall inspection, but subsequently suffered sudden engine failure/knocking.

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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.

Normal routine engine maintenance - suddenly the vehicle died with engine alerts of engine failure, transmission failure, low oil pressure, low 12v battery detected. Car stalled exiting highway normal driving conditions, would not start, electrical system malfunctioning warning signs and alert code immediately popped up in email, phone and onboard display for these issues, and I received an email from my onstar system for code p0016 which seems is affiliated with the following from a major recall notice: p0016 is a critical code indicating a major internal engine defect covered by a safety recall (n252494000), often requiring engine replacementproduct safety recall l87 engine loss of propulsion (related field action: see special coverage n252494003) gm program #: n252494000 NHTSA: 25v274 date issued: 2025-04-24.

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).

I was driving the vehicle into a xxx parking lot in [xxx] on Thursday xxx at around 7:00pm, and as I slowed to park, the vehicle completely died and the dash screens went dark. The vehicle would not restart. I was able to rule out quick fixes such as a battery or fuse issue and then had the vehicle towed to the closest Chevrolet/GMC dealership. The vehicle has been at the dealership since the xxx. On Monday, xxx the dealership informed me that the engine had seized and that this is the same known defect as recall NHTSA campaign 25v274000. The dealership said the engine must be replaced for the vehicle to be operational. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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Started car and all of sudden shaking, loss of power, flashing engine light and punch of flashing warnings. The car is being towed to Cadillac dealer!.

Around may 2025; we noticed a ticking/knocking noise coming from our engine. We popped the hood, confirmed the noise was coming from somewhere in the engine. Shut the vehicle off, noticed that the drive belt was significantly damaged/frayed. Brought it to the dealership - they we were informed that our engine had failed related to the gm 2025 recall. Engine was replaced at 68,500 miles with new engine. October 2026, around approximately 103,000 miles, we heard the same ticking/knocking noise coming from the engine. Again, popped the hood & found the drive belt to once again be destroyed, this time even worse from our perspective. Cracked in several places, frayed edges along several sections. Had the vehicle towed back to the same dealership the following day (Monday). Service advisor let us know the next day that the engine had "internal failure. " per the technician, "crankshaft bearing failure - premature wear, oil pressure collapse, and destruction of the main and rod bearings. ".

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 was traveling in the middle lane at the normal rate of speed approximately 70 mph. All of a sudden I see a message to press start engine button again. I pressed the button and nothing happened. We started loosing speed and I notice that the car had downshifted into neutral. We were unable to navigate safely to the side of the road before coming to a complete stop in the middle of a busy highway with cars travelling at a high rate of speed. I had two small children in the back seat. When the police arrived, they tried unsuccessfully to determine how to move the car into neutral to push it to the side of the road. There was no safe way to exit the vehicle or move it. We contacted onstar and they dispatched roadside assistance and ran diagnostic. No known issues were noted. I contacted corporate and they said there are no known issues with this make or model despite there being numerous reports of other drivers experiencing the exact same thing. This could have been a tragedy. This car is well maintained, low miles, and was purchased new. The vehicle is now at the dealership with undetermined issues. The police noted that this is a known issue that they have seen with these vehicles. The dealership and the manufacturer have been unhelpful in resolving this issue and addressing safety concerns.

Driving down freeway and engine started making engine clicking noise, lights for engine, stabil- trak and numerous others came on. Gas pedal made even louder noise and shaking as I pulled over as I could not keep driving as it sounded like engine was going to blow up. Limped off the road and took it to dealer. Of course, they are saying it's a lifter failure and not an engine failure. Dealership wording it the way the want trying to get me to pay for it even though there is a recall and engine warranty for 150,000.

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv, equipped with the 6. 2l v8 engine, developed an abnormal engine knocking/clicking noise despite previously receiving the remedy for gm engine safety recall n252494000, NHTSA campaign 25v274. On August 21, 2025, at 37,437 miles, costa mesa GMC Cadillac performed the recall inspection. The repair invoice states that the engine passed the picoscope inspection and that the dealer changed the oil and filter and installed a new oil-fill cap. On September 16, 2026, at approximately 49,000 miles, I first noticed an unusual engine noise while driving through a store parking lot. After returning home, I observed a clicking/knocking noise at approximately 1,500–2,000 rpm. On September 17, I brought the vehicle to costa mesa GMC Cadillac at 49,093 miles. Repair order 61438 documents an engine knock during acceleration. Approximately two hours after drop-off, the service adviser informed me that gm had authorized replacement of the engine. As of September 24, 2026, the vehicle has remained at the dealership for one week and is awaiting a replacement engine. The vehicle is available at the dealership for inspection, subject to coordination with the dealer. Whether the original engine will be retained and available for inspection after replacement is unknown. My safety concern is the potential for engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion while driving, which could increase the risk of a collision. The recall notice specifically identified this risk. I am reporting the abnormal engine noise and dealer-reported need for replacement; whether the engine had reached the point of imminent seizure or loss of propulsion is unknown. The dealer evaluated the vehicle and reported gm’s replacement authorization. The exact internal component failure and root cause are unknown because I have not received the final diagnostic or repair report. Whether a gm representative separately inspected the engine, rather than reviewing the dealer’s findings, is unknow.

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).

My wife's 2022 Cadillac Escalade was recalled for possible engine failure. The vehicle passed the recommended engine inspection procedure; new weight oil was installed, and I was assured that the Cadillac was safe to drive. Yesterday, while driving my family home from the children's playground, the engine failed as I was driving at the posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour. There was no warning of any kind, the engine just stopped working. I had to cross over the northbound lanes of traffic, with other vehicles, in theory, going the posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour, without engine power. While coasting the vehicle and my family to safety, I barely missing going down an embankment. The only reason there was not a crash is the fact that I was a professional driver and former driving instructor. This was a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation and has to be investigated.

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.

I was driving down the interstate going 80 miles an hour and my engine completely shut off. I had to cross four lanes of traffic, on an interstate where the speed limit is 75 miles an hour, to get over on the shoulder while my car was able to accelerate. It was traumatizing and extremely dangerous and a miracle that a wreck was not caused. Engine would not start up after that.

My 2015 Cadillac Escalade 6. 2l v8 with active fuel management has had repeated lifter/valvetrain failures. On 10/2/2025 at approximately 109,536 miles, an independent repair shop confirmed a failed lifter on cylinder 3. The driver-side cylinder head was removed and all eight lifters on that bank were replaced along with a pushrod. On 9/9/2026 at approximately 116,689 miles, only about 7,153 miles later, the vehicle again developed severe shaking while driving. A different independent repair shop documented diagnostic code p0300, cylinder 1 low compression and misfiring, and noted that the lifters on that side had recently been replaced. Additional lifter-related parts, including lifters, a pushrod, guide and vlom plate, were replaced. The shaking and misfire occurred while the vehicle was being driven, which concerned me because a sudden engine misfire or loss of normal engine performance could reduce power and affect safe control of the vehicle in traffic. Both failures were confirmed and repaired by independent automotive repair facilities. After the most recent repair, I returned the vehicle to the mechanic because it still felt different and had some vibration. The mechanic stated that the engine currently checks out, but I can still feel vibration that was not present before these problems. I do not know whether the removed failed lifter components are still available for inspection, but I have repair invoices documenting both failures and repairs. To my knowledge, the lifter failures themselves have not been inspected by general motors, police, or an insurance representative. The second failure was documented with code p0300, low compression and a cylinder 1 misfire. I do not know whether the check-engine warning lamp was illuminated at the exact time the symptoms first began.

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The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Escalade. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, while driving 45 mph, the vehicle lost motive power, the rear wheels locked up, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. No warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, and the message "transport mode on" displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact was informed by the service manager of a potential catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,953.

Vehicle: 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv VIN: [xxx] engine: 6. 2l v8 l86 mileage: less than 59,000 miles I am reporting a serious premature engine failure involving the 6. 2l l86 engine in my 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv. The vehicle has been properly maintained with regular oil changes and routine service. On September 8, 2026, the vehicle developed a chirping sound during startup. After driving, the chirping stopped, but a ticking noise occurred when the vehicle was restarted. I immediately had the vehicle evaluated by an independent mechanic. The mechanic kept the vehicle for two nights so that a cold-start evaluation could be performed. On September 10, I was informed that the engine noise was caused by lifter failure. The vehicle was then towed to a Cadillac dealership in [xxx]. On xxx, the Cadillac dealership diagnosed lifter failure and camshaft damage. The vehicle had not experienced a loss of oil pressure, noticeable loss of power, hesitation, or other significant warning symptoms before the failure. I am concerned because general motors has issued technical service bulletins addressing lifter failures and ticking noises involving the 6. 2l l86 engine and the Cadillac Escalade, including gm bulletin 15-06-01-002 and gm bulletin 19-na-218. The vehicle has less than 59,000 miles. I am requesting that NHTSA document this engine failure and review whether similar failures involving this engine and vehicle warrant further investigation or action. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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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.

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle completely stalled. The check engine warning light was flashing, and the stability, parking, and collision warning lights were illuminated alongside several other unknown alerts. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where two failed lifters were initially replaced. However, due to an abnormal sound, the vehicle was returned to the dealer, where the engine was replaced with a remanufactured engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 67,300.

The same exact engine make and model was recalled and mine didnt fall under it but I am having the same exact issues. And now my car is in the shop and im having to pay an outlandish amount of money to get my car fixed from a known recall on my exact vehicle and engine.

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.

There was knocking and stalling happening. I looked up the issue and saw that there was a recall on all 2021 Cadillac Escalades with my exact engine. Unfortunately my VIN did fall in the recall but I have the same issues and now my car has been at the service station for almost 2 weeks trying to figure this out and get the situation taken care of.

The engine started clicking and rumbling out of no where. I have done every maintenance protocol since buying and was told there was a recall on all of these engines. Somehow mine is not covered in the recall?.

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.

2023 Cadillac Escalade sport platinum, VIN [xxx], equipped with the 6. 2l l87 v8. The vehicle has a recurring vibration/shudder during steady, light-throttle driving, particularly in the low 30 mph range and again around 53 mph. At approximately 53 mph, the vibration can remain sustained while speed and throttle are held steady and generally stops or improves when I accelerate. The selling Cadillac dealer has repeatedly road-tested the vehicle. The service manager personally reproduced the condition and confirmed that the vibration goes away when the vehicle is operated in l9. After further evaluation, the dealer advised me in writing that the vibration was “positively confirmed” to be caused by the cylinder-deactivation process and that it cannot be changed. The vehicle previously underwent the applicable gm l87 engine recall inspection and passed that inspection. I am reporting this because the vibration and hesitation are noticeable and sustained during normal steady-speed driving, and I am concerned about whether this cylinder-deactivation behavior presents a drivability or potential safety issue. I have not experienced complete loss of propulsion or engine failure at this time. Been ongoing at purchase. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2024 Cadillac Escalade had the 6. 2 v8 engine recall done in 6/25. I’ve put less than 8k miles on it since and just rolled 32400 miles total. While driving with my family in the car on 8/30 on the highway, it lost all power and just shut off while driving highway speeds. I was able to safely stop but very dangerous. Vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to dealer.

This vehicle had the recall engine replacement and now hearing engine tick.

Since may 24, 2026, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv has repeatedly experienced reduced engine power, check-engine warnings, multiple dashboard alerts and loss of propulsion. During one incident, the motor stopped responding, the vehicle lost power and came to a complete stop in the middle of a public roadway. This exposed me and surrounding motorists to a serious collision risk. Whether the shutdown resulted from an internal engine failure or an electrical/control-system malfunction remains unknown. Onstar documented recurring warnings and fault codes, including engine/transmission communication faults. The same condition returned after multiple dealership visits and repair attempts, including module resets/reprogramming. At times the check-engine light was no longer illuminated upon arrival, but the dangerous symptoms and onstar reports had already occurred. An authorized Cadillac dealership blamed alleged aftermarket alarm/tracking equipment and proposed charging approximately $1,900 to remove it. I paid $250 for an independent inspection, which found no such aftermarket equipment and identified the questioned component as a genuine gm part. This incorrect diagnosis delayed meaningful investigation. Gm escalated the matter to a specialized field engineer at braman Cadillac. I was informed that the senior engineer could not identify the cause and requested another engineer. The promised follow-up inspection was still pending nearly three weeks later. Despite repeated visits and manufacturer involvement, no confirmed root cause or permanent repair has been provided. Gm did not arrange towing for the latest return. I drove the malfunctioning vehicle in the emergency lane everyt time because it could not be trusted to maintain normal operation. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for inspection. I request investigation of the recurring shutdown/loss-of-propulsion safety defect and the unsuccessful diagnostic and repair history.

Oil pressure sesnsor warning. The dealership is saying I need a new motor.