Equipment Problems of Cadillac Escalade - part 1

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.

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Subject: 2019 Cadillac Escalade - delayed engagement 1st/2nd gear - dealer unable to diagnose vehicle: 2019 Cadillac Escalade VIN: [xxx] mileage: 111,590 date of incident: xxx to present dealer: mark christopher auto center, ontario, CA I am reporting a transmission safety concern. My 2019 Cadillac Escalade experiences a delayed engagement into drive and slipping/hesitation when shifting into 1st and 2nd gear, especially on initial launch from a stop. There is a 2-3 second delay before the vehicle moves, followed by a harsh engagement. On xxx I took the vehicle to mark christopher auto center Cadillac in ontario, CA for diagnosis. The vehicle was retained for diagnosis. On xxx the dealership informed me the technician could not diagnose and could not repair the issue. No repair was performed. The defect remains. This is a known documented issue. Gm preliminary information pip5175e, NHTSA TSB #xxx, states: "vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears. " the TSB directs technicians to inspect for loose stator support to pump cover bolts causing a leak at the gasket and to inspect the 1234 clutch plates. This delayed engagement creates a safety hazard when entering traffic or making left turns, as the vehicle does not move when expected. I am requesting NHTSA investigation and manufacturer accountability. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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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).

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My vehicle died in the middle of an intersection, I was stranded in the intersection, I could not put it in neutral to move it out of the way. Luckily I was in town and not on the freeway. That is my issue. My cadi had to be dragged onto a tow truck bed and dropped at my local gm dealer in wabash. The reason it died was the fuel module. But not being able to move my vehicle out of the way is so very dangerous.

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Second screen in my 2025 Cadillac Escalade burned my daughter at 158 degrees.

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The original speedometer layout was two horizonal lines. . . One was a tach and the other the speed. However the speed line had no numbers so I had no idea of how fast I was going. There was a small digital readout that was obscured the steering wheel when driving in the normal 10 and 2 hands. Was very excited when a software upgrade came down which added a second option for the speedometer which is the more traditional half circle. But is it offset to the left of center so now the hi beam indicator light is hidden behind the steeting wheel (the original layout is still available). Other option is dangerous. . . . Chose one cant see how fast or cant see high beam indicator light. What is wierd is the dash goes side panel to side panel (over 50 inches) and yet they cant seem to place critical driver information where can safely see it.

The night vision does not work. I told it to the dealer on 17 July they claimed they don’t know how to fix it. They blow it off and say that it’s because of the temperature but it’s not true. It wasn’t working at night when it was nice and cool. It wasn’t working during the day. It doesn’t work at all. They have a history of failing and general motors does not have a solid fix. They had this in their shop for six weeks and they still couldn’t figure out how to fix it. It still doesn’t work to this day. The temperatures have dropped at night, especially in the rain and that is not the problem. They lack of experience with night vision camera cameras is the problem and they are unable to fix it.

Repeated check engine light due to emissions systems problem cannot be fixed even after several repairs with gm tac case help.

I am the owner of a 2017 Cadillac Escalade and am reporting premature and widespread deterioration of the factory exterior paint/clear coat. The condition is present over large areas of the roof and hood and is not limited to normal isolated scratches or rock chips. The finish has developed extensive hazing/cloudiness and a severe pattern of surface deterioration that is particularly visible in direct sunlight. I am concerned this may be related to the known paint/clear-coat problems reported on 2015–2020 Cadillac Escalade vehicles. I am requesting that this complaint be documented and that the vehicle be inspected by Cadillac/gm for a possible factory paint or paint-process defect. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident that would explain this condition. I have photographs and video documenting the condition. Please provide me with a case number and document this complaint in the vehicle’s service history.

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Failed the inspection in texas. No details.

See all problems of the 2014 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

The forward collision warning system will shut off while driving and an error message will appear. Also, the entire dashboard and radio goes blank and restarts while driving. Also, the backup camera often does not work, instead of an image the screen will flash purple then go black without any image at all. We have brought the car in multiple times for repair, the dealer has had the car for well over a month and it is still not repaired.

The engine failed my check engine light came on, it was in the middle of traffic on 4/2/2026. The vehicle had a very rough idle it went away and then came back and then rough idle again I had 2 miles to go to reach my home and then it just shut off. I called the dealer immediately and then I call aaa I received a loaner from the dealer, and they said they would set up a meeting with the tech advisor and myself. My 2026 Cadillac escalate only had 3186 miles on it I was told by the dealership that it was a bearing issue.

Transmission shifts to neutral on the highway with speed of 65 on the left most lane with no shoulder parking available. Huge safety hazard. Also happened when stopping at the stop sign when taking it to safe location. Transmission failing.

See all problems of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

With just over four years of service, backup camera driver assistance system began to fail, with it working intermittently and eventually going completely dark. This being a safety feature, the warranty ought to cover it but manufacturer argues not. We understand many other Cadillacs have the same problem.

On March 19, 2026 around 830am est, the vehicle turned off while I was driving around ~40mph. I lost all power while on a busy street and I was unable to move the car to the side of the road. The car would not shift into drive or neutral, and therefore remained in the middle of the road until a tow truck had to flatbed it to the Cadillac dealership. The l87 recall on this vehicle was performed in August 2025, however the Cadillac dealership said there were no issues found with the l87 recall. The symptoms of today's issue - vehicle turning off while driving and does not start back up, is similar to other reports of this l87 recall and demonstrates that this recall was not accurately performed and/or remedied during the service.

While driving at approximately 40 mph there was a loud pop and the panorama sunroof shattered. There were other cars traveling at the same speed or less, but nothing struck the vehicle to cause the glass to shatter. The glass did not immediately give way, but had it, there were passengers that would have been impacted. The roof was inspected by the dealership but is no longer available for inspection as the dealership could not provide a loaner or rental vehicle. There was no warning. The temperature was mild. This is not about the repair expense or time involved but about the safety or the panorama sunroof.

Transmission issues. My vehicle lunges and has hard shifts when accelerating from low speed to high speeds. Also lunges when slowing down or stopping.

See all problems of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

Vehicle: 2024 Cadillac Escaladenv VIN: [xxx] mileage: ~31,000 miles on December 29, 2025 at approximately 7:30 a. M. Eastern time, while driving at approximately 30 mph under normal operating conditions, the front panoramic sunroof glass of my 2024 Cadillac Escalade v catastrophically shattered without warning. Ambient temperature was approximately 21°f. Weather conditions included freezing rain and high winds. The vehicle interior was heated. The interior sunshade was closed at the time of failure. The vehicle was equipped with a roof rack and a mounted cargo box positioned directly above the sunroof plane, providing physical shielding of the glass from above. There was no collision, no road debris strike, and no external object interaction. The glass failure was sudden and explosive. After safely pulling over and retracting the interior sunshade to assess the damage, glass fragments fell into the passenger compartment and struck both front occupants. Two children seated in the second row were not injured. Visual inspection shows no identifiable impact point, crater, or localized strike origin. Fracture patterns appear to originate near the perimeter of the glass panel, suggesting possible stress related or installation related failure rather than impact damage. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vehicle showed error on the dash for all various systems. It told me those systems required service. I parked the truck and it locked me out of it. Onstar could not open the doors, they kept telling me the truck was unlocked. My app could not open the doors. I called roadside and they showed me how to remove the cover on drive side handle and insert the manual key. The lock turned but the vehicle would not unlock due to the automatic doors. We had to insert an airbag and jimmy open the door by hooking the interior door handle. The issue is this vehicle will lock you out of your car in an emergency. With the key you cannot unlock the doors. Luckily I only had dinner stuck in the car. I have little children and my fear is they will be locked in the truck if this happens. In the event of an emergency there is no way to get into the truck without smashing windows. The running boards in this mode disappear which makes it even more challenging to break the window and get over and inside. This is a very serious and dangerous design by Cadillac on the Escalade 2025.

The onstar module has failed and this seems to be an ongoing issue with a lot of gm’s. My car was recently in to fix the major gm engine recall and after that my onstar stopped working. I called and they said it’s not a connectivity issue it’s a part issue. So it will have to be taken to the dealership. I pay money to have onstar and unlimited wifi. There should be a recall for this.

I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2023 Cadillac Escalade involving unexpected acceleration and loss of propulsion while driving. On xxx, while traveling to [xxx] in slow-moving traffic with super cruise engaged, my vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. I immediately applied the brakes to avoid striking the vehicle ahead. I reported the incident to the Cadillac dealership and contacted onstar. Onstar records reflected the acceleration/hard-braking event, but the dealership could not identify the cause. On xxx, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of engine/transmission power while I was driving. I contacted onstar, which reported transmission control module-related diagnostic codes p0747 and p0700 and indicated reduced power/transmission malfunction. I had difficulty reaching a safe location and the vehicle was ultimately towed to a Cadillac dealership. I have also experienced ongoing excessive oil consumption. I first reported this in may 2024 at approximately 21,000 miles. Multiple oil consumption tests were performed, but I repeatedly had to add oil between changes. In June 2026, the vehicle displayed an “add oil” warning even though the oil life monitor showed approximately 37% remaining. The vehicle has also had recurring hvac problems requiring multiple dealership visits, including a coolant flush for an air pocket and later vent actuator recalibration. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by authorized gm/Cadillac dealerships multiple times, including recall work, oil consumption testing, powertrain diagnosis and hvac repairs. Despite these repeated visits, concerns continue. My primary safety concerns are the unexpected acceleration and subsequent loss of propulsion/reduced power while driving. I am reporting these incidents because they may indicate a safety-related defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On 09-15-25, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade passed the picoscope test that was performed at the randy marion Cadillac dealership, located at 4700 southside blvd. , jacksonville, FL. , in reference to the 6. 2 engine recall. After the engine oil change and oil filler cap replacement, the dealership failed to provide the insert for the owner's manual and had no idea what I was talking about. As a result, I'm asking that an owner's manual insert be mailed to my home address. Thanks!.

I am the owner of a 2017 Cadillac Escalade affected by special coverage adjustment 17016 (program id n162058750). The issue involves the chrome trim on the steering wheel separating, creating a sharp edge that poses a safety hazard to the driver. I contacted Cadillac to request a repair under this special coverage program. My vehicle developed this defect while still under the mileage limit of the program, well before exceeding 120,000 miles. However, Cadillac has refused to provide any repair or assistance, stating that the coverage has expired today. I understand that this is not a legally mandated recall, but the defect is clearly safety-related, with potential to cause cuts or injury while driving. I have documented my communications with Cadillac, including my requests for a goodwill repair exception due to the safety risk, but they have declined to help. As a consumer, I feel unprotected and at risk. I am submitting this report to NHTSA to request that the agency review this safety concern and ensure that Cadillac addresses it appropriately. I seek guidance on what actions can be taken when a manufacturer refuses to remediate a known safety issue that manifested during the coverage period. I am concerned not only for myself but for other owners who may encounter the same hazard. I respectfully ask that NHTSA consider this complaint seriously and advise on how this safety defect can be resolved.

Purchased 2016 Cadillac Escalade in April 2022 - VIN [xxx] . License plate [xxx] . Car has had electrical shortage issues in the navigation screen ever since purchasing. The navigation screen flickers, switches between apps simultaneously and isn’t responsive to finger touch as advertised. I have taken the car to the dealership 4 times within the 90 day dealership warranty. Those dates were April 25, 2022; may 26, 2022; September 3, 2022; and September 24, 2022. However, the problem hasn’t been resolved. This has also caused the car ignition start up to start slowly. The battery has been checked and is fully charged and working properly. The ignition, alternator and transmission are all working properly in good condition. I believe the dealership sold me a “lemon” vehicle. The initial carfax report didn’t disclose any mechanical or electrical issues. I paid a $6000 downpayment and have paid $15,999. 98 so far. My monthly car payment is $999. 98. This car isn’t safe to drive and I am seeking a financial settlement of $20,000 and for the dealership to take back the car without a negative ding on my credit report and no voluntary repossession listed on my credit report. [xxx] my car completely shut down and no longer would start. I had a brand new battery installed a few days prior. Called aaa 4x’s and they couldn’t jump start my car. They tested the alternator, starter, and transmission and there were no failed sensors. I didn’t have any warning lights. I had my car towed to my mechanic and he verified nothing was wrong with transmission, starter and alternator. I noticed there was a strong burn smell and something popped underneath the car causing the car to no longer start or turn on. I ended having to voluntary surrender the car back to capital one auto finance (account [xxx] ) on Monday [xxx] because the car no longer is operable. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My vehicle comes to an abrupt stop while driving or when I’m pulling off at an intersection. This has happened on 4 different occasions in which I’ve injured my knee due to the vehicle stopping at random while I’m driving or pulling off. I’ve stated this to Cadillac of memphis and to landers GMC. The first time I happened I hit my knee by the control panel on the driver side. I’m in a brace because my patellar tendon are inflamed and as well my hoffas fat pad due to the impact. Cadillac of memphis stated it was something that went out and needed to be replaced. They replaced the battery and another part. That did not correct the issue. It happened again after that repair. The third time it happened I was told it was because the transmission was about to go out. Landers replaced the transmission. The advisor stated it should fix the problem. This was about a month ago. Today on 08/08/2025 it happened again and I also hit my knee injuring it even more than more. I’m still in a brace and now have to re-evaluated to see if the abrupt stop caused more injury. This is dangerous because my entire body jerks and cars are coming up behind me in the road and I can get into an serious accident. I need something done about this.

My wife and I purchased this vehicle in 2023 with 33,xxx miles on it and since we’ve had it, the vehicle has locked itself with the key fob inside 3 different times, we’re going on the third suspension replacement with normal driving that is ruining alignment and tires, we’ve had multiple issues with the computer system resetting itself and not acting appropriately, key fob not working, seat heaters in the back turning themselves on, and glove box randomly opening. Yesterday, my wife tried to start the car and everything on the dash just started flashing, the vehicle attempted to turn over and made terrible knocking noises in the engine compartment. The final straw for us was on July 13th when my wife placed our then 7 month old son in the car after church with the remote start feature working, placed his diaper bag in the vehicle with keys inside the bag, and as she walked around to the driver door, the vehicle locked itself and shut off in 103*f heat. My son began screaming and the vehicle would not unlock. My wife was forced to punch the window out, lacerating her hand open, and even after peeling the window out, the vehicle still would not unlock even manually. I had to leave my fire station to meet her at the hospital where she received stitches. Cadillac sent out an inspector on 8/17/25 and we still have not heard anything back. I have filed with the bbb auto line as well. There was never any warning lights or messages, other than repeated “service suspension system” warnings, which has been replaced twice in 20,xxx miles and now needs to be replaced again.

**exhaust emissions system issues** I have visited the dealership four times for the same problem that was fixed. Unfortunately, the system broke again within three days of each visit. This repeated issue has resulted in a significant amount of wasted time and effort.

My 2021 Cadillac Escalade has an open recall with no remedy available. It has been over 3 months with no repair solution from Cadillac. This has left me unable to use the vehicle for its intended purpose, including loss of rental income through turo. Cadillac has not provided alternate transportation or compensation.

While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade to utah, the engine completely locked up and failed without warning. The vehicle had to be towed to a gm-authorized dealership. Upon inspection, the dealership confirmed the failure was directly related to an active safety recall on the vehicle. Prior to the failure, there were no check engine lights or no other warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. The failure occurred suddenly and without additional notice. The dealership stated the needed part is currently on national backorder and that the vehicle cannot be repaired or safely driven until the part arrives. It has now been over four months since the vehicle was brought in, and there is still no estimated repair date from gm. This has left me without a functioning vehicle due to a known safety defect. The vehicle remains inoperable at the dealership.

While driving on a major highway and traveling at 80 mph or so, the vehicle flashed a warning light saying “press start again. ” I noticed the gas pedal was no longer responding and the rpm gauge dropped to zero. The vehicle shifted itself into neutral and I was forced to steer the truck to a shoulder and scraped the underside of the front ground effect trim. The vehicle then shifted into park and would not start. When a tow operator arrived, the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral to be towed and the electric parking brake kept activating by itself while trying to load and unload the vehicle from the flatbed. The vehicle is now completely immobile and I’m waiting for information from the dealership.

I was driving on the new jersey parkway when my car just shut down in the middle of the road. The dealer believes it’s the engine- how can this happen to a car 2 years old?.

My [xxx] was sleeping in the parked car. My wife was also in the car with her. Engine and ac were on. The key was inside. Doors and trunk were unlocked. I got outside the car and got my older kid. The doors opened as usual. Then my wife stepped outside the car to get something from the trunk, and she closed her door as well to avoid heat coming in. The vehicle immediately auto locked the doors with the key inside it. So my little one got locked inside. The doors or the trunk did not open again. There was no cell reception, so no way to get roadside help or call 911. The car was parked under direct sun in hot weather. It then shut off the engine (and ac) as well. To avoid heat stroke, we broke into the car to save the child. Obviously damaged the vehicle in the process. The problem of doors/trunk locking with the key inside happened a second time the next day. This time engine was off. I was already inside. My door was open. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? locks, remote how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? risk of child death from heat stroke has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? not yet taken to a dealer has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? none information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Twice in the last 6 months the vehicle doors have locked at random while the key was inside the vehicle. Both times, my children were trapped in the vehicle exposed to potential heat issues. Fortunately, in both cases the doors were able to be opened through another door that was still open one time and by hitting the unlock button through a slightly rolled down window. Breaking the glass was the next option. This is a serious safety defect that is putting young children and pets at risk for heat injury or death. There are no indications as to why this started, no warnings displayed, and seems to occur at random. Disabling autolock features does not resolve the issue meaning some glitch or equipment failure is causing the doors to lock despite all autolock features turned off.

Power train:automatic transmission:control module:software. Consequence rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

It been twice that I have experienced lifters issues and damage caused to engine because of these. First time I fixed it in a NY mechanic shop because dealer workflow and expecting dates (all lifters, crankshaft, and seals were replaced new), less than 1 year later again the lifters failed (2) but this time ruined my engine. Went to local gm dealership and asked at service department if they could fix it complementary due to all reported lifters issues from gm as we all can see online and rejected my offer. So far vehicle is still not fixed and it’s been 5 months in shop looking ways to see if engine could be solved but have to replaced. Also on the Escalade 2018 the seats (middle seat row and 3rd are really being noisy, I purchased vehicle 3 years ago with about 80k miles but these seats are not fully locked in the bottom and metal with metal makes sounds on bumps and bricks streets. When purchased I used to take vehicle to dealer but actually it continues with issues and I just lost confidence and pricing and turnaround were not convenient. Unfortunately, the 2018 Escalade is the worst vehicle decision I have made in my life. When told service manager that I couldn’t believe how a 2018 vehicle was failing engine and again, he told me he has seen 2024 so it shouldn’t be surprising. More to say but will keep simple.

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