Cadillac Escalade Complaints

1,865 consumer complaints on file.

#11695455October 24, 2025
ENGINE
Component/system that failed; availability for inspection GM 6.2-liter V8 (L87) gasoline engine and cooling system. At ~4,000 miles the engine suffered a catastrophic internal failure and the radiator failed concurrently. Dealer diagnosed “engine failure” and replaced the entire long block with an OEM unit and replaced the radiator. Repair orders and the vehicle are available for inspection at the selling/servicing Cadillac dealership; I can provide copies on request. How safety was put at risk The vehicle lost normal operation unexpectedly and required a tow. A sudden loss of propulsion and cooling can cause stalling in traffic, overheating, and loss of power-assist systems, which creates a crash hazard. My family member was stranded and unable to move the vehicle for approximately an hour, increasing exposure to traffic and environmental danger. We no longer feel safe driving a vehicle that already experienced an early engine failure and is being refitted with the same 6.2L design. Has the problem been reproduced/confirmed by a dealer? Yes. Cadillac dealer confirmed engine failure and completed engine and radiator replacement under warranty. Service Director acknowledged they have seen similar failures on prior model years that were subject to recall. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by manufacturer/others? Yes. Inspected and repaired by an authorized Cadillac dealer acting for General Motors. I can provide the service director’s email and repair documentation. Warning lamps/messages/symptoms prior to failure Prior to failure the vehicle exhibited overheating and loss of power; then became undriveable and required towing. Engine and coolant system faults were indicated at the time of the incident (exact DTCs not provided to owner). Context/known issues GM has recalled 2021–2024 vehicles with the same 6.2L L87 engine family for internal defects (connecting rod/crank/bearing failures). My 2025 Escalade experienced a substantially similar failure at very
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695020October 22, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. At the time of purchase and registration, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The mileage was 172,400; however, the contact researched the Carfax Report the following day and discovered that the mileage was 243,000 and was updated 10 days before the date of purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that the dealer was made aware of the issue; however, the dealer stated that the manager was out of the country and would reach out to the contact when he returned. The contact had not received a call back. The contact stated that due to the mileage discrepancy, the dealer refused to service the vehicle for several unknown issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695083October 22, 2025
ENGINE
My engine was replaced in January of 2025 before the actual recall. I have the serial [XXX] for my new engine . I need to know the build date of this engine so that I can know if my 2nd engine is a new engine with the corrected crankshaft or the remaufactured engine with the defective crankshaft.GM refuses to tell me the build date I have a right to know. 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
#11694736October 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and another recall; however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission made a whining sound. The vehicle lost power and shut off without warning. The failure had occurred while driving at various speeds, or while idling at a stop sign or red traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The dealer confirmed that the recall repairs could be performed. The failure persisted after the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694378October 19, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, while driving northbound on the Palisades Parkway at approximately 11:30 PM, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without any prior warning. I was traveling around 45– 50 mph when the dashboard lights began flashing, and the vehicle shut down completely in active highway traffic. All systems—including power and acceleration—dropped instantly. I was unable to maintain speed and was not even able to brake, and had to fight to steer the vehicle safely onto the shoulder as it slowed down. There were no warning lamps, messages, or irregular behavior prior to the failure. The shutdown occurred instantly and without cause, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a dark highway late at night.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694374October 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, while driving in regular city traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion without any warning or dashboard alerts. There were no warning lights, messages, or abnormal sounds before the failure occurred. The vehicle instantly shut down while in motion, causing a total loss of acceleration power and leaving me stranded in the middle of traffic. This occurred the second time I was driving the car after prior service, and the vehicle again stopped completely, forcing me to pull over and contact OnStar roadside assistance. This was the second major propulsion failure in a short period, each time occurring unexpectedly while driving. The repeated sudden shutdowns without warning present a serious safety risk and indicate an unresolved defect in the vehicle’s electrical and propulsion systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694372October 19, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On Friday, September 5, 2025, while driving with my family, the vehicle suddenly stalled while in motion. There were no warning lights or error messages before the failure occurred. While traveling at normal road speed, the vehicle instantly lost propulsion, steering assist, and braking power, leaving me without control in live traffic. For several seconds I was unable to steer or slow down normally — it was an extremely dangerous situation. The vehicle briefly restarted twice, then completely died and could not restart again. I had to pull over to the shoulder and call for assistance. This repeated sudden loss of power while driving, without any prior warning lamps or messages, creates a severe risk of collision or injury to occupants and others on the road. The vehicle’s unpredictable failure to maintain propulsion or braking control is unsafe and unacceptable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694371October 19, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving about 60–65 mph westbound on NY Route 17 near Exit 125, a warning message appeared on the dashboard reading “Restart Engine.” Within seconds the vehicle lost all propulsion, steering assist, and braking power. Pressing the accelerator did nothing and the car began rapidly decelerating in live highway traffic at night. I struggled to steer into the shoulder with great effort because the steering and brakes had become extremely heavy. Once stopped, the engine would not restart — there was no crank and no response when pressing the start button. The vehicle was later towed to the dealership for inspection. This failure occurred without any prior warning other than the single “Restart Engine” message that flashed moments before the loss of power. There were no check-engine lights, alerts, or performance issues beforehand. Unity Chevrolet Cadillac confirmed that the engine had seized and replaced the entire engine assembly, starter, and battery under warranty. The vehicle remained out of service from August 7 to August 22 2025. This sudden failure created a severe safety hazard — a complete loss of propulsion, steering assist, and braking at highway speed could easily have resulted in a high-speed collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694158October 17, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After waiting months to get my vehicle checked for recall N252494000 NHTSA 25V274 I was told my vehicle passed inspection. When I asked to see the detailed results of the pico test I was told there are no detailed results and I was not shown anything proving my vehicle was tested and whether it passed or failed. My invoice states "Performed pico test test took multiple tries to complete having to unhook and reinstall pico to complete" which does not make me confident in the result. While talking to the service manager, he mentioned their original pico equipment was replaced by GMC after approximately 5 vehicles failed inspection. Since GMC sent the new equipment there have been no failed inspections. I can't find a way to express my concern to GMC or Cadillac online, that is what brought me here. This recall includes a safety risk serious enough to replace the vehicles engine, I want reassurance that the test was performed properly and my vehicle did not fail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693623October 15, 2025
ENGINE
The engine started making a tapping noise on the right side. Then the tapping noise got louder and then stopped but the engine light came on and the engine started running very rough. By the noise was described to the shop and they said it is bad lifters and camshafts and this is very common for the GM 6.2L engine. The vehicle has 117,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693478October 14, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Clicking that the dealer stated was normal. It was not loud knocking saying that is how the high flow fuel pump worked. Safety braking did not work at all. And there was a water intrusion in the trunk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692012October 8, 2025
ENGINE
I have been waiting for GM to send authorization for the dealer to inspect and remedy the engine, as per the open recall, but have heard nothing since May 2025, when GM stated parts were not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691622October 6, 2025
WHEELS:HUB, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from the front wheel hubs on the driver’s and passenger’s side wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was brake fluid leaking from the brake lines, causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691289October 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689832September 26, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake system failed within 3 months of purchase of Cadillac Escalade. The mileage was 4,209 miles, when the incident occurred The vehicle was towed to Massey Cadillac, Authorised Service Partner (ASP) and diagnosed that 'DIAG BRAKE LIGHT C058A BREAK MASTER CYLINDER HAS INTERNAL FAULT'. They replaced the faulty part and the brake is working good now I was saved from a major accident, there was a chance to ran over some one as I realised the failure of brake, while the vehicle was in motion. I believe, this a potential claim for a compensation from manufacturer. I filed complaint with General Motors and I did not get a satisfactory reply. They were dragging it without any timely response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688796September 22, 2025
ENGINE, SEAT BELTS
Engine failure Driver side seat belt light on dashboard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687917September 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11687494September 16, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving south on I-25 when lights started flashing snd then i lost power and had to coast to the shoulder with no means to expedite my exit from the interstate. At the coasting point white heavy smoke came from tail pipe. . I know there is a recall for 21-24 models. For the very problem i had. The recall now has no fix. This needs fixed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687245September 15, 2025
ENGINE
I started the car and noticed a smell. Then my red battery light came on and a notification that my battery was not charging. I drove less than a mile and noticed smoke under my hood. I pulled over to a safe place and opened the hood to see flames around my alternator.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687481September 15, 2025
ENGINE
Bought vehicle certified in 2023 with 86000 miles now at 123000 Engine needs replacing..Bought it from an accredited Cadillac dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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