Cadillac Escalade owners have reported 401 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Cadillac Escalade based on all problems reported for the Escalade.
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed an undisclosed failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 36,000.
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all problems of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade
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Widely known problem with the 2017 Escalade motor with the active fuel management system. Driving in a very remote part of wisconsin when engine light went on, indicating a lifter failure due to the afv shutting down cylinders. This is an extremly common problem with this engine/feature. I was left stranded with my family and a costly repair. (5k).
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all problems of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade
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I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade that is affected by recall n252494000. Although the recall repair is not yet available, I’m experiencing several serious symptoms that appear related to the recall: the engine consumes oil at an abnormal rate. I need to add oil frequently between scheduled changes. When I press the gas pedal, there is a delay in response — the car doesn’t accelerate immediately, then suddenly surges. I also hear a light metallic ticking or knocking sound when the engine is warm, especially at idle. I use this vehicle daily for work, and these issues are affecting safety and causing financial loss. I brought the vehicle to a dealership, but they were unwilling to replace the engine without a diagnostic trouble code. I’m concerned that gm is delaying the proper fix, and I am requesting NHTSA to investigate and ensure that affected customers like me receive a complete engine replacement when symptoms are present — even without error codes. Thank you for your attention.
My vehicle was recalled under n252494002 l87 engine loss of propulsion. The car was taken to the dealership June 19, 2025 and determined to require a engine replacement. The dealer has had the vehicle for a month without repair of the vehicle. This seems like an unreasonable time to replace the engine.
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all problems of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade
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On 18 June 2025, I was on i95 driving highway speeds and the engine shut down and transmission shifted to n. I was able to coast to a left shoulder (we were in a construction zone so right shoulder was blocked off). Alert on digital dash said to press start engine again. . . Nothing. I tried a second time and the vehicle started. I was able to drive about . 5 miles and the engine shut off again and it shifted to neutral. I was able to coast to the right shoulder this time. Engine would not restart. Vehicle was towed to Cadillac dealership on 501 in myrtle beach, SC. I was notified about a month ago about a recall. I went into the dealer the next day and they confirmed my vehicle had a recall for potential loss of propulsion. I asked how to get it fixed and they said I would have to wait until they had a way to fix it and I would be notified. I had one warning lamp about the supercruise no longer working and to see owners manual. No other warnings.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000(engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I was in car. I just stepped out of the car its stop working car couldn't start. I need to get started to start the car. It happens a lot. I went to caddilac dealer service they everything good. This car for work not luxury. I drive uber and always on road. So I afraid something will happen. I want to change this car for new without recalls. Thank you.
Engine noise loud knocking feels like engine is going to stall, had in service 6-9-25 for 3 days technician heard noise stated could be related to recall but no fix available at this time electrical glitch radio navigation shuts off during while driving screen dash goes dark.
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all problems of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
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Was traveling on a busy interstate and vehicle check engine light came on flashing and stability system light as well. Existed next off ramp and when the car started slowing down the engine shut off. Was able to get to a safe location and car would not start. Had it towed to the dealership and they stated engine failure.
Waiting months on inspection had an appointment called and verified that was the appointment was for inspection . Took care of in and was told not opened. That was in July. The value of car has dropped because of this issue and can’t trade in or loss a ton.
All Cadillac dealerships are refusing to inspect the vehicle to ensure engine is safe despite specific instruction in recall that dealership will and determine if vehicle is affected. If not affected they will change oil viscosity. Dealerships are refusing to perform this test and change oil.
At 86,000 miles my 6. 2 engine had to be rebuilt. Costing $14,000.
Scary, driving with my 3 kids. Engine lights and hazard lights saying pull over. Loud sound coming from the hood. We immediately pulled over. Dealership and private mechanic told us we need a new engine. We just spent $15k on a new transmission. Dealership won’t help us, said our 2020 wasn’t part of the recall. We can’t find an engine if our life depended on it. It’s the same engine as the recall yet they haven’t recalled the 2020 engine yet. The dealership didn’t even tell us what to do or where to complain besides their dealership. No help. Our Cadillac now sits un drive-able. We have to try to get a loan and buy another vehicle. So upset. GMC is not admitting anything with the 2020’s.
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all problems of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade
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The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power and was pulled over, turned off, and then restarted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
Experienced engine failure as outline in recall for 6. 2liter l87 engines. Engine failure occured on 5/28/2025. Confirmed engine failure by Cadillac dealer on 5/29/2025. Vehicle is still in repair shop with no eta on replacement motor. Cadillac has failed to provide a comparable loaner vehicle. This is creating financial impact as I use my vehicle for work.
While on a family vacation in the black hills, I began to hear a knocking sound from the front right of the vehicle. Shortly after the engine began to sputter and multiple warning lights/ messages began to appear. Just prior to this, everything on the vehicle was functioning perfectly. We stopped operating the vehicle immediately when it began to malfunction and pulled over, leaving me and my young family stranded over an hour away from our rental cabin. The next day we were able to get a tow truck and find a dealership, denny menholt Chevrolet back in rapid city, sd that was able to look at it right away. We were told by denny menholt later that day that there was a bearing failure of the rod and piston on cylinder #8 and that the entire engine block was destroyed resulting in the need of a whole new engine. We were also told by the dealer that our vehicle was not included in the recall of all the other 6. 2 motors, however, gm was going to take care of everything including a brand new engine, rental car coverage, and shipping the vehicle back to us, all free of charge to us. Fast forward several weeks and we got a call from denny menholt stating that gm had gone back on their word and was not going to pay for any of the damages because we were 7k miles over the powertrain warranty. I have filed a complaint with gm customer service but have gotten nowhere after 3 weeks worth of phone calls and emails. The engine failure that I had is the exact same problem that all of the other 6. 2 motors have been recalled for, so I don't understand why my vehicle is not also included in the recall. This issue left me in a very bad place being stranded with a [xxx] and [xxx]. As a lifelong gm customer, I'm severely disappointed in gm and the way that they have handled my case. This Escalade is supposed to be their top of the line vehicle, it only made it to 77,632 miles before it had catastrophic engine failure, and now gm will not stand behind their product. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informatio.
Due to issues identified in - safety recall n252494001 l87 engine loss of propulsion we have had to get our Escalade [xxx] ) repaired with a cost of circa $9500. We are due to pick this up tomorrow. There was an issue with the lifters which caused damage to the engine and the crankshaft, the engine made a very louder noise so we pulled over . From that point on the vehicle would not start consistently, when it did it would not go into gear and would not go into neutral. My issue here is that although the issues that caused the repair to be neeed directly correlate to the recall my VIN is not included and thus we need to pay for this recall fix ourselves. Ideally my VIN and other like vehicles. Ours is a 2021 Cadillac Escalade 4d spt plat should be included. Per the recall notice 2021 Escalades are included hovwever my VIN is not. I’m trying to understand why even though the make and model is indicated in the recall. I have reached out to gm, Cadillac and the dealership and they all point to each other with no one assisting at all information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Sometime during the month of may, 2015, I received a letter in accordance with the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act in reference to a recall for the 6. 2l v8 gas engine (rpo l87) that applies to my vehicle. I have reached out to randy marion Cadillac, 4700 southside blvd. M jacksonville, FL. , 32216, on several occasions, but to no avail. I spoke with service department personnel who, could not provide any information concerning the recall and informed me that they would have the service manager to call me. However, after 3 months, I have yet to receive a response from the service manager or any other service personnel. On Monday, 08-26-25, I logged into my Cadillac app and searched under recalls and warranties and noticed a message indicating there were no incomplete recalls. Prior to my last log-in, there was informed acknowledgeing the recall and that my vehicle would be inspected as a result. I am confused and have major concerns about my recall status and the lack of communication from the Cadillac dealership. Can someone shed some light as to why there are no recalls that are displayed on my Cadillac app and what other steps that I need to take in order to remedy this matter. Thank you! [xxx] -ph# [xxx] gm safety recall n252494000. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
I am writing to formally report an unresolved issue involving a 2015 Cadillac Escalade that I purchased from a Toyota dealership less than one year ago. The vehicle has experienced a complete engine failure, and I am currently left with a non-drivable vehicle and a loan balance of approximately $30,000. Shortly after the engine failure, I took the vehicle to two different certified repair shops, one of which was a Cadillac service center. Both informed me that the engine is beyond repair and advised me to return the vehicle to the selling dealership due to the short time since purchase. I attempted to return to the Toyota dealership to seek a resolution or possibly trade in the vehicle. However, they informed me that the engine is now inoperable, and they declined to offer assistance. Despite repeated phone calls and emails requesting to speak with a manager, I have not received any response to date. I have also been informed that replacing the engine would cost approximately $17,000, while the current value of the vehicle is around $18,000. This puts me in an extremely difficult position—paying off a $30,000 loan on a vehicle that I cannot drive or repair affordably. The dealership arranged my financing and is fully aware of my financial obligations. I believe they should take some level of responsibility for selling me a vehicle that failed so quickly, especially given that I purchased it less than a year ago. I am seeking assistance from the dmv to help resolve this issue. I believe there may have been negligence or lack of proper disclosure at the time of sale, and I request a formal investigation into this matter. I am also open to mediation or any recommended steps to hold the dealership accountable and find a fair resolution. Please advise on the appropriate next steps or documentation you may need from me to proceed with this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.
Had to replace the camshafts about 10,000 ago. Vehicle is now having what sounds like lifter clattering. Engine is operating rough when gas is applied. I’ve seen a lot of recalls on 6. 2 motors and don’t want my engine to die if it can be helped. I’ve taken the vehicle to my mechanic several times and he thinks it’s the lifters or something more serious. Hopefully the connecting rods aren’t the issue.
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all problems of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade
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Gm has a coolant control valve issue that impacts all Escalades and suburban vehicles. Vehicle will maintain speed as a result of issue. This is a huge safety issue. All of a sudden the car drops to 45mph.
This vehicle has a recall. It notes the engine can fail and cause a crash but the dealership says they have no issued a remedy and therefore will not inspect the vehicle. This vehicle is used for our 3 children and I do not understand what we do to remedy it.
I am reporting persistent safety issues with my 2022 Cadillac Escalade esv, with ~87k miles. Despite a completed recall for an engine seizure, the vehicle continues to fail dangerously, eroding confidence in its safety and reliability. Early in ownership, the computer and dashboard were replaced due to malfunction. Later, the engine seized while driving at 70 mph on a highway, a recall-related issue requiring a three-month repair. The vehicle has spent significant time in the shop, impacting usability. On may 20, 2025, my wife experienced a sudden shutdown at a busy intersection while merging onto a high-speed road. The vehicle lost power without warning, stranding her in a hazardous position. She exited to direct traffic, risking a collision. After ~5 minutes, she restarted it, and the system prompted her to reset the front windows’ limits, suggesting a computer issue. This post-recall failure indicates unresolved defects. These incidents—computer replacement, engine seizure, and shutdown—show a pattern of unreliability. With 87,000 miles, lemon law eligibility may be limited, but gm should have offered a buyback earlier given the history. These failures pose serious safety risks. I urge NHTSA to investigate potential defects in the 2022 Escalade esv’s engine and electronics. I also seek guidance on whether gm should repurchase this vehicle to ensure safety. Please confirm receipt and advise on next steps. I can provide service records.
I am the owner of a 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv equipped with the 6. 2l v8 (rpo l87) engine, which is now subject to NHTSA recall number 25v274 and gm manufacturer recall n252494000 due to a known defect in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components. This defect can lead to catastrophic engine failure, sudden loss of propulsion, and significantly increases the risk of a crash. Despite my VIN being actively flagged under this recall and the serious safety implications involved, the authorized gm dealership has repeatedly refused to perform the required inspection outlined as the first phase of the official recall remedy. Their justification is that the “remedy is not yet available. ” however, gm’s official NHTSA filing explicitly states that the recall remedy includes initial inspection, and that vehicles passing inspection will receive a higher viscosity oil change, new oil cap, oil filter replacement, and owner’s manual insert. I have expressed my safety concerns directly to dealership management, stating that sudden engine failure poses a severe risk to myself and my two young children, especially during highway operation. Despite these concerns, I was denied service, told inspections cannot begin, and informed that no timeline for inspection is available. I am requesting NHTSA intervention to ensure gm and its authorized dealerships comply with the recall remedy procedures immediately, including the inspection phase outlined in gm’s public filings. This refusal to inspect my vehicle under an active recall, while knowingly acknowledging the risk of propulsion loss, presents an unacceptable safety hazard to my family and other drivers. Please escalate this issue and require gm to take immediate corrective action.
We were driving on the freeway when all of a sudden the vehicle went into neutral, shut off and started slowing down. We were in the middle lane and our 3 children and grandparents were also in the car. This was incredibly dangerous and thankfully slowly we got to the right shoulder and the vehicle no longer turned on. We had to contact aaa and we took it to the dealership where we dropped it off. A few weeks ago I had called the dealership to ask about the repairs for the engine recall and they said they didn’t have anything solutions for that recall. Now dealer is stating it is still under warranty yet they haven’t been able to provide a vehicle large enough to accommodate our family. Nonetheless, they are stating that it might be over two weeks before they can get a new engine and then install it.
I purchased the vehicle two weeks ago. As we were driving on the freeway the car would not accelerate and it started making a clanking noise and then the cab filled with smoke. We pulled over and exited the vehicle. My husband opened the hood and saw a fire. He quickly put out the fire with 3 stanley cups of water. My husband said that the failure caused a hole in the side of the block and the oil completely drained out of the vehicle and was all over the freeway.
The vehicle stop in middle of the road. And can't start without starter. Noises coming out from the car. I went to caddilac dealer they just give me power to battery and saying everything ok. And happened a lot.
Vehicle is burning oil with low engine oil light flashing months before the oil change is required. Vehicle does not always have full power and may slingshot forward at time of acceleration as opposed to a smooth acceleration.
I brought my Cadillac Escalade in on two different instances where it stopped on me. One time it completely died, the other time it stopped and turn off, then needed to be restarted, with multiple instances. Both times the dealership told me it was related to the fuel pump, and they replaced it. Since then, I brought it in again saying it had random shakes and noises, and they claimed it does that when its in all wheel drive. This doesn't make sense. I have been using it in 2wd as recommended, and it still has the shakes and noises. In the past few weeks, the car stopped on my twice. One time I was making a left turn at a stop sign, the other, I was in the middle of an intersection. Now, I will not drive it out of fear for my family and own lives. I called to make an appointment at autonation Cadillac west palm beach, and they said there is nothing that can be done since the engine needs to be replaced, and Cadillac still hasn't issued a remedy. They said for me to call Cadillac directly, which I did. Cadillac opened a case for me, and told me I would receive a call in 1-2 days. I called back on day 3, and was told that I have to wait for the person who was assigned to my case to call me. They informed me that it may take a while because Cadillac had cut the help center's (including recall department) work hours to save money, while they should have been increasing it during this massive recall. Now I have no car to drive my family in, and no response from Cadillac, with no resolution in site.
I was told of this recall. That my motor may just completely shut off at anytime and that I will hopefully be able to maneuver off of the road at that time. But Cadillac states they do not have a way to fix it at this time. If something does happen, they will try. But only cars acting up are being looked at right now. Everyone else can just drive around and hope for the best. I’m scared to drive my car out of fear of it shutting down and causing me to get in an accident. I don’t want my family hurt, but I surely don’t want to hurt anyone else either. It’s unacceptable that there is no fix for such a serious issue and there isn’t even an estimate on when they will have a remedy, much less how long it will then take the dealership to do the repairs.
I was driving my vehicle on the highway at approx 55 mph. Without warning my vehicle’s engine failed and the vehicle went into neutral. I had to coast until the emergency shoulder was available as power steering was dwindling. As I pulled into the shoulder the wheel locked. The vehicle’s engine could not be restarted and the vehicle was towed to the Cadillac dealership. I feared for my life as cars were behind me at 55 mph or higher when my engine went out. I nearly didn’t make it into the shoulder before the vehicle stopped completely.
At [xxx] my car started shaking on the highway I was my kids I happened and thanks god was less traffic after this problem I goes to bayway Cadillac southwest houston texas 77074 from may 8 to till now my car is there and asking me 5000$ because they put new engine even this is not my fault im uber driver and that is only my source of income in loss a lot because my car is in there hand information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving the 2022 Cadillac Escalade engine recall (gm 6. 2l v8, rpo l87). My vehicle is used to tow a trailer regularly. The potential for engine failure due to defective connecting rods or crankshaft components poses a severe risk—especially while towing at highway speeds or on inclines. Loss of power while towing could compromise braking and control, endangering both myself and others. This concern should be escalated for owners who rely on these vehicles for towing. I am asking NHTSA to review how gm is prioritizing recall repairs for towing-use customers and to consider this a higher-risk category for resolution. My current situation is I have an appointment with williamson Cadillac in miami to scan the vehicle. If they determine its satisfactory to drive I will be towing a 7000 lb. Trailer from florida to upstate new york. I'm very concerned that if I lose the engine I will have an exasperated safety issue because of the large trailer. There will be greatly reduced stopping power and limited room to pull off the highway. I need to be in saratoga springs with the trailer and its contents before may 19. Please advise, as I do not want to cause a fatal accident that could have been avoided.
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,142.