Cadillac Escalade Complaints

358 consumer complaints on file.

#11636904January 19, 2025
ENGINE
Two weeks after purchasing our 2022 slightly used Cadillac Escalade, my family and I were on our annual Thanksgiving camping trip. December 1, 2024 we were on our way back home from this trip on a very busy highway frequented by semi trucks and large RVs (nearby desert camping). While driving and towing a small trailer at approximately 60 mph on this highway, my vehicle unexpectedly shut off forcing me to act quickly to avoid an accident. (Semi trucks and RVs cannot brake and respond as quickly and there were several in the lane next to me, and approaching behind me). I was able to pull over to a shoulder before the vehicle slowed to a complete stop. After attempting to restart my vehicle I was unsuccessful and contacted OnStar to tow me to the nearest dealer. My family and I waited for 5 hours on the side of this highway with semi trucks and RVs passing us at 60 mph. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer, yet 100 miles away from our home, and remained in the dealer’s possession for 29 days. The dealer determined my vehicle experienced engine failure and was in need of an engine replacement. I have only owned this vehicle for 1 and a half months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636887January 19, 2025
ENGINE
[XXX] driving on the freeway in AZ when had the motor completely fail with only 10,000 miles on it putting my family in harms way at 70mpg trying to get to right side of the road during rush hour traffic with no power. Complete failure due to a lifter I was told by dealer 55days later it was fixed and have still issues. Currently doing a lemon law buyback that’s now over 90days with no responses from GM. Now having to take them to court to get rid of this unsafe vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636678January 18, 2025
ENGINE
On Saturday, December 28, 2024 @ 1 PM while driving 70 mph on the I-10 freeway; the vehicle downshifted causing the engine RPM’s to increase. We had 15 seconds to make a decision as the vehicle shutdown immediately. On my driver’s side were 5-6 lanes of freeway with cars going 70 mph, while on the right-passenger side was Exit 73b called Waterman Ave. in San Bernardino, CA. We managed to park on a small strip dividing the 5-6 lanes and exit lane, as we couldn’t get over to the shoulder. In addition, the vehicle was stuck in Park and would not go into Neutral. The engine wouldn’t start. NO WARNING LIGHTS. Called 911 at 1:04 PM and asked for an officer to assist us because we were scared for our lives sitting on the freeway. We were worried someone would hit us from behind. About 1/2 hour after my 911 call an officer arrived. We told him what happened, and informed him we called AAA’s Roadside Assistance. The officer informed us that if there was a call, he would have to leave, and he was worried we’d get hit by drunk driver going 70 mph. Our vehicle was towed to Dutton Motor Company in Riverside, CA. • Engine failure possibly due to oversized lifter bores. Replace the engine to fix. • We had 15 seconds to stop suddenly going 70 mph, not on the shoulder of the I-10 freeway. Our safety was at risk so I called 911 asking for an officer. • Dealer told us the engine needs to be replaced. • Vehicle not inspected by police, insurance, just shop at dealership. • No warning lights. Absolutely nothing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636662January 17, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failure at 29k. There were no signs of malfunction or warning. There were two incidents before Cadillac approved warranty for a new replacement engine. First incident I was passing a vehicle on a two lane road when I was mid past the car suddenly vehicle died electrical and all. Message came on saying to restart engine. Thankfully I coasted past the vehicle I was passing and onto the shoulder of the road. Vehicle would not restart and left us stranded for hours waiting on a tow company. Had it towed to Cadillac where they told me it was a faulty fuse that caused the failure and it was fixed and was a fluke. They got it running said no other issues were found and vehicle was good to go. I had it back for only a few days and my wife and I were on the way to a restaurant. I stopped at a red light, again no signs of malfunction, no warning lights etc. the vehicle just completely dies again. Would not restart and left us stranded in a busy intersection. Thankfully a state patrol was sitting at the light across from us and came to our assistance and called for a tow. This time at the dealership they said engine failed and needed replacement. Just got it back as of Jan 2025 after 3 months. We were extremely fortunate that both times my 1 year old was not in the vehicle with us and no accidents occurred. From my knowledge 3 other Escalades were at the dealership for the same reason as ours was. Extremely dangerous situations the vehicle put us in and disappointment from a 6 figure vehicle from a manufacturer known to be reliable. I’ve owned two prior generations of Escalades and multiple other GM vehicles never having any issues and put over or close to 100k miles on each of them. Note we bought this vehicle “used” around 10k on it when purchased so we were unable to file a lemon law claim against it. Thankfully it came with a 100k bumper to bumper warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636653January 17, 2025
ENGINE
Lifters and fuel injectors failed at 45000 miles. Replaced under warranty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636615January 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I bought this car used and within a couple hundred miles the car would just shut off and the dash lights came on. I took it in and they diagnosed it and replaced the camshaft actuator. Within a few hundred more miles the same symptoms appeared as I was driving on a 70mph freeway. I had to pull over to the shoulder and this time noticed a metallic smell. Car would not turn on. Had to get it towed back to the dealer. After a month there they informed me the engine seized and needs to be replaced. Approximately 6 weeks and still no estimate to when I will get my car back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631413December 18, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Driving on a clear sunny day with the cruise control set at 65 mph. With no cars either in front of me or either side my Escalade suddenly did a total panic stop almost causing a crash. While this was happening there was no throttle response and I was unable to gain control of the car My Escalade is in perfect condition, kept immaculately and has only 17,000 miles on it. Taking it to the dealer resulted in no issues found. If I was on an interstate with a tractor Trailer behind me this could have a caused a major accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628238December 2, 2024
ENGINE
As i was driving on the highway in the left lane at approximately 85mph, without any warning lights from the vehicle, the car completely shut off. I had to cross over three lanes of traffic on a busy highway with the car completely stalled out to get to the breakdown lane. The vehicle was towed to my local Cadillac dealership where I was later informed that the engine had completely seized. The service department at the dealership indicated that this is a known issue with the engine in the model year 21-24 Escalades. He indicated that there are faulty bearings that send metal particles through the engine causing it to seize.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11624591November 11, 2024
WHEELS
The tires that were delivered on my new auto were deflective and dangerous as reported by the dealer on 10/1/24. The tires were wearing abnormally. One of the tires was worn so badly that I was warned that it could have blown at any moment. The tires had less than 16,000 miles. The car was maintained at the dealer every 5,000 miles. I was not notified about the defect until a worker at my home noticed the severe wearing of the edge of the right rear tire. (photo attached). As a result of the warning from the dealership I had to replace all 4 tires as I was warned that all of the tires will end up with abnormal wear within a 5,000 mile period. The problem was inspected and confirmed by the dealer. There were no warning signs, alarms or other signs other than at the time the rotation of the tires at 16,248 miles. The cause in my opinion was defective tires from the manufacturer (Bridgestone ALENZA) TPC spec356ms 275/50R22 111HM+S. The dealer stated that the auto might have been out of alignment but did not find any malalignment. I was informed by the dealer that I was lucky not to have been in an accident. I have photos of the defective tires.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621174October 22, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
1) The car suddenly brakes as to avoid a collision when there are no cars in the proximity of the vehicle (think about driving on an open road on a sunny day and the vehicle suddenly brakes without warning). 2) We have received notice of low oil shortly after oil changes which have been performed at the dealership. It has been communicated to us by the dealership that it is common for these vehicles to burn approximately four (4) quarts of oil over the course of 2,500 – 3,000 miles leaving approximately two (2) quarts of oil remaining. Required tow to the dealership. 3) We have received rear axle warning messages and heard beeping noises alerting of such on at least thirty (30) occasions. The dealer has not been able to diagnose what the issue is and says that the computer is not storing any codes. They have not attempted any repair after being taken in for service on three (3) separate occasions. 4) In the past few days, the vehicle has thrown many error codes on the dashboard display including the rear axle service, service transmission unable to shift, service driver assist system. 5) On Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 the vehicle again began throwing error codes. The engine failed to start and was towed to the dealer via GM Roadside. Required tow to the dealership. 6) A fuel pump part required replacement as fuel was not properly being delivered to the engine. Required tow to the dealership. Safey is at risk. We have three (3) children who regularly ride in the vehicle with us along with the safety of others on the road (especially sudden braking).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620606October 18, 2024
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On [XXX], my wife and I were stopped in traffic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at approximately 7:35pm. Another vehicle failed to stop due to being distracted on his phone and rear ended my 2022 Cadillac Escalade. My wife and I were both injured. None of our airbags deployed and the On-Star system never came on and never detected the crash. By the airbags never deploying, this caused my wife to hit her head on the dashboard as well as on the speakers on the passenger seat. It happened in front of a fire station so they heard the crash and immediately ran out the fire station to help us. The vehicle just arrived at the collision center on 10/17/2024 and they will begin inspection for repairs. None of my emergency warning lamps or any other lights or messages came on in the vehicle. The vehicle just appeared normal like nothing happened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11618026October 4, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally address the serious issues surrounding my 2021 Cadillac Escalade, VIN [XXX] [XXX] , which have been exacerbated by misleading communications and inaction from Lindsay Cadillac in Alexandria, VA. This situation has led to significant inconvenience and financial strain. On September 4, 2024, the vehicle was delivered to your dealership due to water leakage causing mold damage between the “B” and “C” pillars. Upon arrival, we were erroneously informed that the warranty had expired. It was not until September 15, 2024, after correcting this with Service Consultant Donna Wozniak, that it was acknowledged the warranty is valid through 2025. Despite clear signs of warranty-covered issues, the explanations provided by staff, suggesting the damage could be from towing or previous beach trips, are not only implausible but appear to be intentional diversions. The vehicle has never been used to tow nor has it been submerged in water, making these justifications unacceptable. The lack of immediate remediation upon the vehicle’s drop-off led to severe mold growth, a situation Mr. Sergio Desdunes has used to unjustly refuse warranty coverage, instead advising me to seek unwarranted insurance claims. Moreover, a recent disclosure by my insurance company highlighted a NHTSA service bulletin [XXX] ), initially recognized by Ms. Wozniak but subsequently dismissed by Mr. Desdunes. This deceptive handling suggests an attempt to avoid responsibility for the known defect. This culmination of neglect by Lindsay Cadillac in Alexandria dealership, notably the misuse of the mold condition as a reason to deny warranty obligations, underscores a grave lapse in service integrity and accountability. This conduct is unacceptable and compels me to seek further actions to resolve these issues effectively. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615305September 18, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The primary issue was with the vehicle’s software system, which was incompletely updated on 9/13/24. This has caused the safety features to malfunction. Additionally, the parking emergency brake engaged suddenly while I was driving. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request, as I have already reported the issue and requested immediate attention from the dealership. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety,, was severely put at risk when the parking emergency brake suddenly engaged while I was driving. This sudden braking caused me to sustain a strained neck and strained back. I was fortunate to avoid a more serious accident, but this malfunction was extremely dangerous. Additionally, the faulty safety features and the repeated and incorrect engagement of the OnStar emergency system have caused further distress and distractions while driving. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •As of now, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. I have scheduled an appointment for inspection on 10/2, and I have made the dealership aware of the issues through my communication. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •The vehicle or component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I have only reported the issue to the dealership so far and requested an immediate inspection and resolution. 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •Yes, there were symptoms prior to the emergency brake incident. After the incomplete software update on 9/13/24 the vehicle’s safety features began malfunctioning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11614577September 14, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Driving and power started to die and engine warning lights came on. Pulled over immediately and engine stopped. Wouldn’t come back on. Towed by Cadillac and discovered engine blew. Apparently a know issue with many similar in the shop awaiting new engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596072June 24, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I started my Escalade and 5 minutes later I lost power which as the entire vehicle had no power. So I left it alone for an hour or so in my garage and I started up again and this time didn’t loose power. Everything appeared normal and working again. Than the next day I started it up and I had this popup message SD card has been removed press ok to exit navigation (when no SD card was removed). I also noticed that my backup camera, grid lines, or augmented reality has also intermittently not working on days. It sometimes works as normal and sometimes it does not. The message shows Service Augmented Reality System. The following next day, while I’m cruising on the highway the Escalade shifted into neutral when I was going 75 mph and had no mechanical power. So I pulled over stoped the vehicle and shut it off. Restarted after 15 minutes and it operated normally. I’m worried about Safety since it shifted to neutral at highway speed and lost mechanical power, along with other power issues which is extremely dangerous. This vehicle either is a lemon or there is a unknown manufacturing defect and in both cases needs to be replaced due to egregious safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594885June 17, 2024
ENGINE
On 6/16/24 While driving on I95 the car started making a flapping noise and the car started to lurch and buck. No warning lights were on at the time. I pulled over and turned the car off and could not get it to restart right away. After a few tries it did turn on and the engine light stayed on but the car would not shift into gear. The car had to be towed and we were told there was a total engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11591452May 30, 2024
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX] my 2023 Cadillac Escalade Super Cruise VIN: [XXX] with approximately 9600 miles failed to operate in a safe manner and has malfunctioned. The vehicle has been well maintained and follows all manufacturer specifications. It is a lemon. The engine seized while operating on the highway. The vehicle lost speed, there was a crashing boom sound, followed by extreme shaking as grinded to a halt. It was extremely challenging for the driver to maintain control. The dealership confirmed the engine will not turn over, they removed the oil filter and examined the oil sample from it. The sample showed signs of metal, a clear indication of an internal failure. The procedure now is to order a new engine, radiator, oil cooler lines and all one time use components of the fuel injection rails all seals, gaskets and bolts required by General Motors. In addition, the emergency braking system did not engage. The onstar system emailed me the night before a clean bill of health with their diagnostic app. There were also no check engine lights prior to using the vehicle. Our use of the vehicle has been impaired, the market value has dropped, and there are obvious safety concerns in placing my family in this vehicle. My research online indicates this is a known issue, however no safety recall has been issued. Police arrived on scene to assist in tow. Police station was Boxford, MA. A report has yet to be completed. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589021May 16, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
This is the second time the car has completely shut off and unable to restart. This is the second time it failed on the interstate. When the car died the car could not be switch to park and had to hold the brake pedal to prevent the car from rolling backward. Second whenever the car was turned of the hazard flashers would turn off. The dealer has previous looked at the car and claimed no problem. This is extremely dangerous to have a car random dying on the interstate. The car at the dealer with often have communication error codes that are just cleared and send you on your way.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11586035April 30, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While operating my vehicle at speeds exceeding 70 mph in the leftmost lane of [XXX] , the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral. Despite attempts to manually select a driving gear, the transmission failed to engage, causing a rapid loss of speed. In an effort to avoid a potentially hazardous situation due to the decreasing speed in a high-speed lane, I attempted to maneuver the vehicle towards the right shoulder but was unable to because of the oncoming traffic. It became necessary to bring the vehicle to a complete halt, turn off the ignition, and then restart the engine in the left lane with traffic building behind me. The vehicle managed to restart but with difficulty, allowing me to exit the highway and pull into a nearby gas station where it eventually stalled and could not be restarted. - The vehicle displayed no warning lights or error messages prior to or during the incident. - got the vehicle towed to Cadillac dealership for inspection and diagnostic testing. The Engine needs to be replaced - The dealership was unable to provide a conclusive explanation but noted that similar incidents had been reported with this model. - Independent research indicated a pattern of similar issues among owners of the same model, involving unintended shifts into neutral while driving. - Multiple online forums and consumer reports sites have documented complaints regarding this issue. [XXX] - The inability to maintain or control vehicle speed in high-speed traffic lanes presents a significant risk of collision. - Inexperienced drivers may not respond adequately to such unexpected vehicle behaviors, increasing the likelihood of accidents. This incident underscores a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention from both the manufacturer and regulatory bodies. I recommend a thorough investigation into the model’s transmission system by the National Highway Safety Commission. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11576528March 11, 2024
AIR BAGS
Was at red light my light turned green proceed threw the light, another vechile ran the red light hitting my car at 50 mph. Sending the car into a 360 air bags did not deploy and on star never called
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0

← Back to Cadillac Escalade