Power Train Problems of Cadillac Escalade - part 1

While driving there was a loud noise and car started shaking and continued making clunking sounds. Had to pull over. Vehicle is not drivable. Had it towed to the dealership, they are saying the ther is an issue with a rod and engine is blown and needs a new engine. They are describing the same exact issue that this motor is on recall for other vehicles with the same motor and same year, but for some reason the manufacturer won't put ours on the recall list.

See all problems of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

Vehicle make: Cadillac vehicle model: Escalade model year: 2022 component(s) affected: engine, fuel system, powertrain, vehicle stability control incident date: [insert date of incident] mileage at time of incident: [insert approximate mileage] summary of complaint: while driving my 2022 Cadillac Escalade at approximately 70 mph on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost all power and stability. This was due to an injector breaking off inside the engine, sending metal fragments into the camshaft, which subsequently locked the motor. This created an extremely dangerous situation as the vehicle became unresponsive and unstable at high speed. Just two days prior to this incident, the vehicle had been serviced by quantrell Cadillac in lexington, ky, where a recall repair involving the engine was performed. Despite that service, a catastrophic failure occurred almost immediately afterward. After the breakdown, quantrell Cadillac attempted repairs over the course of three weeks. These repairs included replacing the injectors, camshaft, and other components, before eventually replacing the entire long block. However, upon picking up the vehicle, it is exhibiting the exact same failure symptoms again—making a popping noise, stalling the engine, and becoming unsafe to operate. This vehicle is clearly not safe to drive and poses a serious risk to myself, my passengers, and others on the road. There have already been multiple recalls related to this issue, indicating a broader systemic problem. We are requesting the NHTSA’s immediate assistance to investigate this safety issue and help us obtain a replacement vehicle that meets all applicable federal safety standards. This level of repeated engine failure & instability is completely unacceptable for any vehicle—especially one with such recent manufacturer service and recall repairs. When this stall occurs, the entire computer system & all safety features are shut down and collision avoidance is also disabled. Have viideo.

See all problems of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

On August 5, while driving on I-79 at 78 mph, our Escalade suddenly and completely shut off. The entire system failed — no power, no control — while our three children were in the car. This is the second gm vehicle we’ve owned to do this. Our previous yukon denali also shut off twice at highway speeds before we got rid of it out of fear for our safety. We reached out about the Escalade recall and were assured two months ago that our vehicle was not affected. Clearly, that assurance was wrong — and we’re now reliving the exact same terrifying situation with yet another gm vehicle. My kids are traumatized and refuse to get back in the car. Frankly, I don’t blame them.

See all problems of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

Auto started for about 5 minutes. Got in started vehicle and drove off. Immediately sounded like a motorcycle, loud exhaust. Volume of noise increased, upon acceleration. Checked under vehicle for exhaust problems when got to destination, 30 minutes drive, found nothing. Stayed about 90 minutes. Drove back home, same noise. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Informed transmission fluid pump was cracked. Upon finding out pump is internal to transmission, wondered how this could happen.

See all problems of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

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).

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.

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.

While driving, I got a message stating on the screen stating that transmission needed to be serviced. This was very scary as I slowed down and then was not able to put the vehicle in park and the parking brake was not able to be disengaged to be able to move the vehicle. After moving the transmission shifter back to different positions, I was then able to put the vehicle into drive and then park it where it wouldn't move after that. Dealership now says that there is an issue with the transmission valve body that needs to be replaced.

23 Escalade l87 engine and transmission issue along with rear cross traffic alert emergency breaking. @ 8600k lifter failure (repair) @ 8750k transmission toque converter replacement @10600k spark plug replacement rough idle @17k in for hard down shift transmission valve replacement @21k in for lifter and same transmission down shift issue service advisor advised that the lifters need to be replaced again and the hard down shift failed to be fully addressed. The upper level from gm advised no remedy could be found until service bulletin could be resolved. No repair work to be performed. To release to customer as is until engine replacement can be performed. So gm is forcing us to take back our vehicle on the road with a failing engine that needs replacement but due to not having enough stock to repair in timely fashion are placing us back on the road until one can become available. This now opens us up for massive catastrophic failure with my family on the road and not to mention others on the highway and public road system. I’m astonished that gm would do this to their customers and jeopardize the safety of their customers and other citizens on the roads. Something has and needs to be done. They are now placing my family and other lives in danger to save money. Vehicle serviced at field’s Cadillac st. Augustine FL and recently at randy mario Cadillac jacksonville FL. Case number with gm[xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

10 speed transmission valve body failed with 14k miles which resulted in inability to accelerate/shift and the car would not shift into reverse. After researching this appears to be a very common problem experienced by owners of other gm vehicles with the same 10 speed transmission.

The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Escalade. The contact accidentally spilled coffee on the center console and the cupholder. The service transmission and shift message were displayed. The lights illuminated on the gear shifter. The display was flashing on and off. The contact stated that while driving, the message to slow-down to shift gear was displayed. The contact tested the vehicle in reverse(r), drive(d), and park(p). The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly slowed down to 10 mph and slammed into park(p). The vehicle failed to move. While the vehicle was idling, the vehicle started to roll. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined there was no coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

Manufacturer recall numbern252494000 NHTSA recall number25v274 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available hello, I was informed of this recall 25v274 but the issue has yet to be resolved despite my attempts to schedule service. I contacted marvin k brown on may 9th 2025. I have been unable to get a clear timeline for repair. ”] as this recall involves a potential safety risk, I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving the matter. Please advise on the next steps and how soon the necessary repair or remedy will be made available. --.

The transmission needs a new valve body at 43,491 mile, and is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk because I was driving on the highway at approximately 70mph, when all of a sudden I received a loss of power message on my dashboard along with the check engine light. The vehicle then shifted hard into a lower gear and there was an obvious loss of power along with higher than normal rpms and a severe loss of fuel economy. I had to pull over to the shoulder and turn off the vehicle for 10 minutes hoping that everything would be fine. I brought it in to the dealership today, and they confirmed that it's the transmission valve body. Previous symptoms have been hard shifts when shifting out of park, and occasional loss of power to the engine. I don't understand how it is possible for these parts to be back ordered if they are still manufacturing these transmissions for the newer 2025 models and soon to be 2026 Escalade models. This is a real safety issue aside from the engine recall fiasco that gm is under fire for. They need to be investigated for both the transmission and engine problems!.

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.

My 2024 Cadillac Escalade esv with 19440 miles on it experienced what I can only assume is a catastrophic engine failure today. On 4/13/2025 while driving around 65mph on a major highway the vehicle lost all power and turned off. At first I didnt notice the issue until a sound began to go off asking me to turn the engine back on. The vehicle had shut off and forced a neutral shift. This happened in between changing lanes and if I was not a very aware driver this would have caused a major accident. I was able to navigate the vehicle to a turning lane where it came to a complete stop and would not turn back on. The vehicle had to sit on the side of the road for over an hour waiting on a tow truck to get it to the dealer. With the vehicle having no power and not re-starting I was stranded partially in a turn lane on the side of a major highway. Although my family was in the car with me I am glad it happened with me there and not my wife and 4 children only. This sudden engine failure seems to be a known issue and needs to be addressed ASAP to prevent major auto accidents.

The car started with a rough idle and a check engine light. It was also louder than normal. Driving down the main road approaching a light on the brakes. The light turned green and when I went to hit the gas the car died in the middle of the road. Car would not restart. Obd code p0016 the car is currently at Cadillac service.

Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade mileage at incident: approx. 43,000 date of incident: April 1, 2025 I had my 2023 Cadillac Escalade serviced at the dealership to replace two tires and perform an oil change. After waiting over four hours, I left — only to have the vehicle completely lose power while driving at 60 mph on the highway, just 18 miles later. A message instructed me to restart the vehicle, but it would not crank. I was forced to pull off and pay for a tow. After returning the vehicle to the dealership, communication was virtually nonexistent. A technician called the next morning to ask why the vehicle was there. No one followed up until I called on April 8. After holding for 30+ minutes, I was told the starter fuse blew, the engine locked up, and it would need a full replacement, taking 2–4 months. I had just purchased a full set of four new tires, which were damaged during towing because the vehicle couldn’t shift into neutral. The dealership never offered towing assistance, and I had to wait hours for a loaner. Customer service was extremely poor — they were unaware of the vehicle’s status, misplaced keys, and were unprofessional in person. As of April 23, 2025, I have received no updates, communication, or timeline regarding the repair. I am still paying my car note and insurance on a non-operational vehicle. This incident raises serious safety concerns and potential product failure on a nearly new vehicle.

My wife was driving this vehicle home after dropping off kids at school when the engine suddenly stalled in the middle of the road. Luckily no one was directly behind her or she would have been in a collision. After being towed to the dealership, they informed us the engine "failed". There was no check engine light or warning message prior to the engine suffering sudden and catastrophic failure. Vehicle has less than 28k miles. The car is currently at the dealer with no time frame for repair because the engine is on "back-order".

Battery terminals going from battery to power distribution panel on top of battery, crimps bad/corroded causing intermittent connection and overcharging the battery by providing false voltages to alternator,.

See all problems of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

We were traveling on a highway trip, approximately 71 miles from home the engine made a brief grinding noise and then with in about 2 seconds the engine completely shut down and stopped running. After having the vehicle towed back to my Cadillac dealer, the dealer determined that the engine was completely damaged by an "outsourced" defective crankshaft installed in the initial engine installation. The dealer has had my vehicle for exactly 1 month and says it is waiting for a new engine with no idea when they will receive the new replacement. I need my vehicle.

I purchased my vehicle a little over a year ago and have had multiple engine repairs. The first issue started with the lifters going out. Shortly after the lifters were repaired, the engine seized, causing us to get an engine replacement. A few days after having the new engine, we had the same knocking/ticking noise coming from the engine which was also repaired once again. Then yesterday, 3/13/25, the engine started to knock/tick once again, but this time more aggressively. (new engine had only 15,000 miles. ).

The transmission , the vehicle came to a sudden stop while driving, confirmed by a mechanic, no it has not been inspected by insurance or others accident was avoided, no warnings lights, transmission began to jump in gear like a lunge forward. Double checked it and it would not go forward then it would let you reverse only and then it will not go forward or reverse. The vehicle had to be towed. Engine starts fine but can't drive.

See all problems of the 2011 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

I was driving home on the evening of Monday [xxx] in my 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The car began to shake, the yellow engine warning light began flashing, black smoke began pouring out of the exhaust pipes and there was a strong smell of fuel. I was 1/2 mile from my home. I limped the car home, left it in the driveway overnight, and called Cadillac roadside assistance to have the car towed to the Cadillac dealership in boulder, CO the next morning. The dealership's initial diagnosis it a failed lifter and cam. This is a known issue across all gm's 6. 2l engines and is caused by their afm/dfm management system. I am at 69,000 miles, with only 1,000 miles to go on the powertrain warranty (70k). Gm needs to step up and recall these motors. They are saying that they might offer extended component coverage to someone that has had at least 2 failed lifter repairs. This does me no good with only 1,000 miles to go under my 70k powertrain warranty. There are many reports of completely failed engines from this problem on super low mileage vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I dropped my vehicle off for transmission service maintenance with no engine issues and no check engine light. The Cadillac dealer called me the next day and said the check engine light was on and the engine was bad and needed $12,000 repair due to faulty bad designed lifter's and camshaft also stated this is a well know defect in the engine and they have replaced many 6. 2 engines. Vehicle has 59,345 miles and has a 72,000 mile powertrain warranty. I contacted gm and was told no they would not help with the cost. I drove the vehicle home and it would stall out at stop lights the stabilitrack and abs lights came on and it would not go over 35mph. Vehicle is dangerous to drive.

See all problems of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

Vehicle will make noise as if gears are slipping, when going up the slop or on load. Potentially can stall or burnout gear and cause major accident. Cadillac should replace the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting rough. While at a stop light, the vehicle jerked abnormally. There was a hard acceleration while driving the vehicle. The contact stated while driving 55 mph on the highway, the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign: 24v797000 (power train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was related to the automatic transmission valve body. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 149,050.

See all problems of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

I called dealer and told them that the SUV was making a ticking sound and played them a recording of it. They told me that I could drive it in or call an 800 number and maybe get it towed. I decided to drive it in as towing it would prob take it to a dealer I did not know. There were no lights on indicating an issue. I was stopped waiting to turn left across traffic when the engine started making all kinds of clanging noise. At this point it quit and after a few attempts I got it restarted and towed it in to dealer the engine failure with out warning left me and my family in jeopardy in the roadway. Now I learn that lots of these 6. 2 v8s are blowing up as my dealer alone has several of them out back waiting with no eta on repair parts coming. So not only were we put in pearl but I have 125k in a brick setting at the dealer. And givin a smaller auto that I can not pull trailers with. I feel endangered and ripped off pleasse help.

Complete engine failure while driving. Vehicle is brand new with only 6,700 miles.

Traveling at high speed on major 5 lane highway. The engine shut off vehicle lost power went to neutral on shifter on it’s on would not shift . There was no warning no lights nothing that would have indicated a problem at all. Luckily my husband was able to get over 3 lanes and pull on shoulder which was very difficult and extremely dangerous in traffic. The vehicle would not start back up . There were 3 children and 2 adults in the vehicle at the time it was traveling 70mph and completely shut off we were almost struck by vehicles traveling at 70mph plus when trying to get vehicle to shoulder if we were unable to get this vehicle to shoulder this would have caused a multi vehicle pile up on major highway . We would have lost our lives and possibly others in other vehicles as well. Cadialic roadside assistance is picking up this vehicle and taking it to there closest dealership. This vehicle currently has 19,000 miles.

My vehicle has stalled twice while I was at a stop sign and/or red light. It says there are no recalls for my vehicle but I feel it may be a problem.

Truck goes into limp mode, reduced power, stuck in second gear, stabilitrak and engine lights. Took it to the Cadillac dealership and after 3100 dollars in repairs the truck is still doing it. If the high level techs can’t figure it out after 2000 in labor it’s should be a recall item.

See all problems of the 2008 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.

Engine breakdown in middle of the road. Lifter valves failed and had to be taken in for complete engine repair/replacement. Dealership is currently repairing. Vehicle is available to inspect after repair if requested. Lifter valves engine failure confirmed by dealership. Safety was serious concern as engine failed in middle road with family in vehicle during heavy traffic. Could have lost control of vehicle as engine went haywire. 45,997 miles. No warnings signs before complete failure. Just completed a road trip day prior with no issues.

I paid 8600 on my engine for lifters exc. . . In 2022 the now in 2025 I was told I need a new engine [xxx] the whole engine is messed up information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade 🔎.