Cadillac Escalade ESV Complaints (2022)

53 consumer complaints on file.

#11759502August 25, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Engine knocking on cold start up. Second time hearing this. Loud “rattling” noise emanating from exhaust tips on rear of vehicle. I experienced this once before and notified my dealer. Additionally, at that time, I had a loss of power while towing a very, very, light empty trailer. The vehicle was struggling to maintain normal driving speeds and required considerable throttle input to do so. The loss of power was so pronounced that I actually pulled over to the side of the road in a parking lot to check to see if the wheel bearings had locked up on the small trailer I was towing. Of course, the trailer was completely normal and the hub temperatures were completely normal. I later found out about the GM L87 Engine issues and the recall issue. This vehicle then had the “pico“ test performed on it, and I was informed that it had passed. However, today I once again heard the same engine knock that I heard a few months ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751078July 17, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, the vehicle loss automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact shifted to neutral and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,436.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737485May 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Subject: Safety Complaint – 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transmission Failure After Recall Repair To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. VIN: [XXX] My vehicle experienced a serious transmission malfunction where the vehicle would not properly engage in reverse. The “R” gear indicator blinked multiple times, and the vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to operate. Cadillac dealership diagnostics later confirmed issues related to the transmission valve body and/or transmission control components. After researching this issue, I discovered that GM and NHTSA issued Recall No. 26V085000 regarding transmission control valve body wear in certain 2022 Cadillac Escalade vehicles equipped with the 10-speed transmission. The major concern is that my vehicle had already received the recall/software update before this failure occurred. Despite completing the recall remedy, the exact transmission problem still happened. I never received any warning before the failure. I was forced to spend significant time and money dealing with towing, dealership visits, diagnostics, and transportation disruption for my family. This raises serious concerns that the recall software update does not actually resolve the underlying mechanical defect within the transmission valve body. For a luxury SUV of this value and age, this type of major transmission failure is unacceptable and creates a serious safety concern. I request a full investigation into why the recall remedy failed, confirmation of all recall work completed on my VIN, and extended warranty coverage for the transmission and related drivetrain components. Sincerely, [XXX] 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
#11736835May 10, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. While driving in [XXX] near [XXX] and XXX [XXX] , the engine suddenly failed without warning and left me stranded in traffic. Prior to the failure, there were either no warning signs or insufficient warning indicators to safely prevent the incident. The sudden engine failure created a serious safety concern because the vehicle lost power while operating on a public roadway. I was forced to pull over unexpectedly in traffic conditions, placing myself and others at risk. The vehicle had to be towed and I was informed the engine would require major repair or replacement. I have since learned that other owners of GM vehicles equipped with the 6.2L engine have reported similar catastrophic engine failures. The failure appears to occur unexpectedly and can leave drivers stranded without adequate warning. I believe this issue represents a significant safety risk and should be investigated. 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
#11735728May 5, 2026
ENGINE
Motor damaged. Needs new motor. Crank shaft, seals, bottom end all damaged
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732291April 19, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Accelerated onto highway and some power was lost. Engine light came on and dash read the following: rear axle system off, service stabilitrak, auto hold unavailable. Lost some power while entering the highway could’ve been put in a bad situation with traffic. Dealer confirmed issue said lifters and potential cam. No warning or lights before issue occurred. Took straight to dealership the next morning. Vehicle at dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729220April 4, 2026
ENGINE
Engine started knocking and past half a mile completely lost power and stoped, towed to dealer, will wait till Monday for any info
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728991April 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728396March 31, 2026
ENGINE
After the recall work was performed, the vehicle began consuming engine oil at an abnormal and excessive rate between oil changes. Most concerning, during a recent check, the engine oil level was found to be extremely low, with no oil registering on the dipstick. This condition presents a significant risk of engine damage or failure and raises serious safety concerns. Prior to the recall service, the vehicle did not exhibit any abnormal oil consumption. The issue has only occurred after the recall was completed, which strongly suggests a direct connection to the repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726880March 24, 2026
ENGINE
On [03/23/2026], while traveling at 79 mph in high-speed highway traffic, my 2022 Cadillac Escalade suffered a sudden, total engine seizure and complete loss of propulsion. This catastrophic failure occurred without any prior warning lamps or symptoms. The loss of motive power at highway speeds created an immediate life-threatening situation, forcing me to navigate through traffic to the shoulder with no engine power. This vehicle is currently at [Parks Chevrolet Charlotte] awaiting a full teardown and is available for inspection. Critical Safety Concern: This engine seizure occurred AFTER Recall 25V-274 was marked "Completed" on June 18, 2025. This incident represents a direct failure of the recall remedy and is a documented escalation of the issues being investigated under NHTSA Recall Query RQ26001. I am reporting this to provide evidence that the current remedy is insufficient to prevent high-speed engine seizures and loss of propulsion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724245March 13, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
On February 21, 2026, my 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV experienced a sudden and complete engine seizure at highway speed at 57,825 miles just 8,613 miles after passing GM's PicoScope inspection under Safety Recall N252494000 (NHTSA Campaign 25V274). After fueling, I entered a highway on-ramp and accelerated to approximately 70 mph. Within 30 seconds, the engine lost power completely with no prior warning lights, no diagnostic trouble codes, and no audible warning. The only dashboard notification was a prompt to press the Start button. The vehicle behaved as if shifted into neutral, decelerating rapidly from 70 mph to 40 mph while I was navigating an exit merge ramp. I reached the right shoulder safely. Under normal weekday traffic, this failure on an active merge ramp could have caused a serious collision. The engine would not restart. The vehicle would not shift out of Park. OnStar could not remotely start the vehicle. A tow truck was dispatched; the operator could not shift the vehicle to neutral and required a dolly. The dealership confirmed the engine had seized and the engine would not crank. A complete engine replacement was performed under the recall warranty (RO 606490). The recall remedy was performed August 20, 2025 at 49,212 miles. GM records confirm the PicoScope result: "Engine Passed." The engine seized 8,613 miles later with no warning. This is consistent with 30-plus NHTSA complaints reporting loss of propulsion after the prior remedy, and demonstrates the inspection-based remedy is insufficient to identify engines at imminent risk of seizure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719433February 20, 2026
ENGINE
My car die by itself when I was driving on a highway; screen shows oil pressure low. It has been haven electric problem many times.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717881February 13, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) in August of 2025. However, soon after the recall inspection, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before responding. The vehicle also hesitated when started and shifted into drive(D) when depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal whining sound, and the vehicle was pulling to the left or the right while driving and had to compensate by returning the steering wheel to the center. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer that performed the recall service. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer informed the contact that there were no performance issues with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710761January 13, 2026
ENGINE
Traveling at 70mph the car had some hesitation, then the dash displayed "vehicle is in neutral ", then displayed "shutting down systems to save battery ", then "vehicle is in transport mode". Pulled onto the shoulder of the highway and vehicle would not turn over or start. Called Cadillac roadside and had vehicle picked up and transported to FITZGERALD CADILLAC in Annapolis Maryland.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709004January 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 2022 CADILLAC ESCALADE IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP CENTRAL HOUSTON CADILLAC [XXX] MY ENGINE RECALL IS OUT AND STOP WORKING ! THE 150,000 MILE WARRANTY IS NOT GETTING UPHELD BY GENRAL MOTORS ! I AM BEING TOLD THAT MY CASE IS DENIED ! GENERAL MOTORS GIVE ME A CASE NUMBER XXX [XXX] ! GENERAL MOTORS IS SCAMMING THE RECALL REFUSING TOO DRIVE REPLACE THE ENGINE PROBLEMS THEY KNEW WAS HAPPENING! BIG STAR CADILLAC DEALERSHIP STATED MY ENGINE REPAIRS WAS FIX WITH OIL REPLACEMENT SERVICE ! THAT WAS NOT TRUE AND IS FALSE STATEMENT! RIGHT NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE! I NEED MY NEW ENGINE NOW ! THANK YOU 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
#11709003January 6, 2026
ENGINE
It happened on a family road trip to Big Bear, CA for Thanksgiving. Driving up a mountain road with my wife, 3 children and 3 dogs on a 2 lane highway. Engine gave out and completely seized. No warning, no lights, just a sudden loss of all power followed by a complete shutdown. I pulled over as far as I could but were still sticking out on the 2 lane highway and put our entire family in danger as well as other drivers that could not adequately see us on the blind turn. Fearing being hit, I had my family exit the vehicle and stand to the side awaiting help in a somewhat safer area..The side of the mountain was a sheer cliff, but we didn’t want to be struck. Had a good friend drive up the hill to rescue the family and dogs while I wait for a tow truck. The vehicle completely locked up and would not shift into neutral. Tow truck drivers could not/would not tow the vehicle because of the placement and the fact it was locked. After about 4 hours waiting, the day turned to night and the battery completely drained so I no longer had hazards, which made it even more dangerous. Finally got a tow that had the right equipment to complete the task and had it towed to a local dealership which confirmed a seized engine. (You don’t even want to know how they got it off the tow truck). The dealership had the vehicle for approx 35 days and I just received it back. It currently has the check engine light on and the electronics do not function so it’s going back this week. My wife is scared to drive it, and we don’t know exactly how to proceed from this point. Contacted an attorney, so we’ll see what happens next. It was an absolute nightmare situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708555January 3, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My 2022 Cadillac Escalade Diesel (3.0 LM2) is experiencing a failure of the engine coolant control valve, a known defect addressed by GM under Special Coverage bulletin N252508341. The failure causes: •Intermittent reduced engine power •High-speed radiator cooling fans running continuously •Check engine light •Emissions system malfunction As a result of this condition, the vehicle fails emissions/smog testing and cannot be registered or legally operated in my state when the fault is active. The reduced power condition occurs unpredictably during normal driving, creating a drivability and safety concern, especially during merging, highway driving, and traffic conditions. GM has acknowledged the defect through a Special Coverage program but has denied repair coverage due to salvage title branding, leaving the vehicle with an unresolved emissions-related defect that affects safe operation and compliance. This issue is unrelated to any prior damage and occurs during normal vehicle operation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699920November 17, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
At approximately 6:45pm on Friday November 14, 2025, while driving among tractor trailers in the passing lane at highway speed on westbound RT 30 near mile marker 191 (Lancaster, PA), my 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport Platinum experienced a complete loss of propulsion. This catastrophic and sudden engine shutdown came with no warning lights, no symptoms prior to a complete loss of power. The vehicle had previously been inspected as part of the recall service by Fred Beans Cadillac in Doylestown months prior and customer was informed it had passed the recall inspection and was given the recommended corrective action - (new oil [0W40], oil filler cap and new oil filter). Customer had ABSOLUTELY NO REASON TO SUSPECT this engine had issues, because it "passed" GM's recall... This vehicle's unexpected & compete loss of power gravely endangered the lives of the vehicle's four occupants who were absolutely terrified during this experience ! I put the vehicle's hazard lights on and guided it to a stop on the right shoulder of RT 30 at the mile marker 191 Westbound. I contacted my insurance provider's roadside assistance for a flatbed tow off the highway. Vehicle was eventually flatbed to Kelly Cadillac for engine diagnosis. [will give much more details in subsequent communications as the characters here are limited] We are awaiting Cadillac dealer's diagnosis of the cause of this catastrophic engine failure with complete loss of propulsion at highway speed (after the recall was performed and vehicle was cleared). I have added photos of the confirmation from the insurance company's dispatch of a flatbed to my location on RT 30 as well as a screenshot of us on the right shoulder of RT 30. I have attached text messages received from GM of the engine issue that were received AFTER the vehicle was stopped on the shoulder of highway. My family - and others on the highway that evening - could have been gravely injured or even killed by this Cadillac's complete malfunction !
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688781September 22, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report an ongoing safety issue regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade related to an engine recall. On September 19, 2025, I took my vehicle to the dealership for inspection, but they chose to pass the recall inspection despite the fact that the engine continues to experience serious issues. The problems include: •Engine propulsion failure and loss of acceleration at highway speeds, creating a hazardous situation. •Rumbling noise from the engine when releasing the accelerator pedal. •Erratic RPM fluctuations, with the engine surging significantly up and down. •Frequent engine misfires, which increase the risk of stalling. •On several occasions, the accelerator dropped speed on the freeway unexpectedly, endangering me, my passengers, and others on the road. These symptoms are ongoing and pose a serious safety hazard. I believe the inspection should not have been passed, as the engine clearly remains defective. I strongly urge that the engine be replaced to address these issues. Please advise on the next steps, as I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my passengers. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685692September 8, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum on 9/5/25. I asked the dealership if there were any recalls and they told me if there were any they were taken care of. It has not been taken care of, it is against CA and federal law to sell a car with an active recall that hasn’t been repaired. I would like to file a formal complaint against Mercedes Benz of Walnut Creek Ca. I do not have time to deal with this recall and I want them to take this vehicle back immediately. I do not want to risk the lives of my family or others on the road with an E87 Engine Propulsion Failure on our crowded highways here in the Bay Area.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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