Cadillac Escalade ESV Complaints (2023)

92 consumer complaints on file.

#11661591May 17, 2025
ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint regarding Safety Recall No. N252494000 affecting my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. In September 2024, the engine in my vehicle failed and required a full replacement. I paid $11,000 out of pocket for the repair. After learning of this recall, I checked my vehicle’s recall status and found that it was marked as “completed ” even though I never brought the vehicle to a Cadillac dealer for inspection or recall-related service. I believe the recall was improperly closed without any inspection or corrective action. I request that NHTSA investigate why my vehicle's recall status was marked complete without being serviced, and urge GM to provide reimbursement for the costs I incurred due to a defect now identified under this official recall. I have supporting documents, including the repair invoice and payment proof, and am willing to provide them upon request. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660745May 13, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660273May 11, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving my vehicle on the highway at approx 55 mph. Without warning my vehicle’s engine failed and the vehicle went into neutral. I had to coast until the emergency shoulder was available as power steering was dwindling. As I pulled into the shoulder the wheel locked. The vehicle’s engine could not be restarted and the vehicle was towed to the Cadillac Dealership. I feared for my life as cars were behind me at 55 mph or higher when my engine went out. I nearly didn’t make it into the shoulder before the vehicle stopped completely.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660147May 10, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was on the highway while cruising with a speed of 65 to 70 mph all of a sudden vehicle started to shake and lost control speed went down to 20mph on the highway check engine light came up foward collision, Stability, traction control and engine died started again stall, had to tow the suv to the dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657311April 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656461April 23, 2025
ENGINE
On Monday, [XXX], at [XXX] my husband and I were traveling down [XXX], in Selma, California, north bound, going approximately 75mph and the engine quit running. The transmission automatically went into neutral and I was able to coast into the center median of the freeway. We were very scared because we were in the fast lane and had to coast into the median lanes where traffic was speeding past us. I called Onstar and they called out a tow truck and CHP (California highway patrol). They had to tow the car to Giant Chevrolet in Visalia, CA. The vehicle was in the shop and we received a new engine. They repaired it under warranty and gave us a rental car. We received the vehicle back on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. There were no warning messages on the dash before this happened. It had 33,341 miles on the car when it happened. 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
#11656317April 23, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655634April 19, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
my 2023 Cadillac Escalade vehicle broke down while I was driving on the highway this past Wednesday. While driving at highway speeds, the transmission unexpectedly shifted from Drive (D) to Neutral (N), and after that, I was unable to shift back to Drive or start the vehicle. The car was then towed to Cadillac of Silver Spring in Maryland for further inspection. I was informed the engine may be locked, but other technicians suggest it could be an ECM or electrical issue. The vehicle is still under warranty and only has 12000miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655382April 18, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer with the assistance of a Police patrol. The dealer diagnosed that the engine was blown, and the engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and was able to be restarted after 20-45 minutes. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Cadillac of Manhattan (646 11th Ave, New York, NY 10036) several times; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently and was rear-ended by another vehicle. The contact stated that the accident was a fender-bender. There was no injury sustained. No Police report was filed. The vehicle was able to restart after 20-45 minutes. The contact resumed driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654411April 14, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654042April 11, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated while her husband was driving later, the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653485April 8, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653146April 7, 2025
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine lost power and needs to be replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving on the I35 at 75 mph when I had catastrophic engine failure. It caused high potential for myself to be rear-ended or a pile up. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? My local dealer confirmed this is a known issue for 6.2l LS motors. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no other signs immediately prior to the failure. Two weeks before the failure, I took the vehicle back to the dealer because of the oil use and the low oil engine light.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652761April 4, 2025
ENGINE
[XXX] driving down [XXX] in Delaware at 68mph, with no prior warning my Cadillac Escalade had a total power loss and shifted into neutral in the center lane of a 4 lane highway nearing causing a collision that could of took my life as well as my 3 children. We were stuck in the center lane of a dangerous highway for 2 hours. The dealership (Delaware Cadillac) has notified me that at 36,000 the entire engine has failed with no prior warning or issues. And is going to require a complete engine replacement. This is extremely dangerous. I also own two other Cadillac Escalade models and scared the same thing is going to occur. No lamps were illuminated, there was no driving issues or concerns prior to this happening. 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
#11648246March 13, 2025
ENGINE
When driving at 60 miles an hour in the interstate the engine stopped and the shift moved to N. The car was on, message on the screen “please start” and I could manage the car to go to the side of the road until complete stop. The car was towed to a Cadillac dealer and the engine had to be replaced. Very scary situation and than God nothing happened. GM offered to extend the engine warranty but would not provide a good explanation or confirm the issue was fixed and wont happen again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647272March 9, 2025
ENGINE
Engine stopped working making left hand turn crossing traffic and then seized up on the freeway. Both times with no indication of an issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643436February 18, 2025
ENGINE
My 2023 Escalade started making a 'knocking" noise on Saturday 1/25/25. I called the dealership on Monday and they scheduled for a service appt. I let them know that it sounded like it was coming directly from the engine area. I have never had issues with the vehicle in any capacity previously. I did not drive the vehicle until thursday to the dealership because it sounded serious. On Thursday ON the way to the dealership the car completely broke down in the middle of the road with NO WARNING SIGNS or check engine lights coming on EVER. Not once did a light come on to tell me something was wrong. Upon the car being at the dealership for a week. They called to let us know that they found metal shavings in the oil pan, the oil in the car had almost completely drained and the car needs a complete new engine. An engine that is backordered through GM. And I have NO date upon which it can be fixed. My car was unable to be moved until the tow truck came. If I was in the middle of the interstate my life would have been at risk. I have since talked to 2 other people in my small city that have had the same issue. My dealership *also small, has a wait list of 4 other people for this same issue. This is a major safety concern and also a consumer issue. There is currently NO recall on the engine even though nation wide there is a major issue!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641456February 8, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
my wife was driving down the road late at night and the engine turned off and all the lights inside the car (dash lights, etc) and outside the car turned off...it was super scary. no warning lights came on before this happened...there was no warning given by the car that something was wrong. Got the car to the dealership and the dealer diagnosed it with a blown engine. this failure could have caused death or injury if there were other cars/people around.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640784February 5, 2025
ENGINE
My 2023 engine failed while traveling at highway speeds on the Taconic parkway. I was traveling with my entire family and the car lost all motor power. I was able to control the car to get it off the road but it was extremely dangerous. It could have caused a massive accident. After several hours and being left stranded without a vehicle the car was towed to Cadillac. A few days later they determined it was engine failure. The dealer had not been helpful at all and put me in a much smaller suv through hertz explaining it will be at least 3-5 months without the vehicle. The car has 14,799 miles on it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640363February 3, 2025
ENGINE
When the car reached approximatly 10,000 miles we had two cylinders drop causing the engine to fail and leave us stranded. We contacted Cadilac and they insisted there was no issue with the vehicle, we asked for them to buy the vehicle back or take it back and they insisted that there was no issue with the vehicle. We soon learned that there have been over a dozen other vehicles that have been brought into the same dealership with the same issue. They repaired the vehicle and said it was safe, but my wife still doesn't feel safe driving the vehicle for fear of it breaking down on long trips. I feel GM should take the vehicle back, but they won't do anything to help make the customer feel safe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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