Cadillac Escalade ESV Complaints (2022)

58 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#11682109August 21, 2025
ENGINE
I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade that is subject to NHTSA ID Number: 25V274000 / GM Recall N252494003 for a potential connecting rod/crankshaft defect in the 6.2L L87 engine. I have contacted my authorized Cadillac dealership (Cadillac Pensacola), Pensacola, Florida Five times by phone (dates:1 July 2025 - 15 August 2025) requesting an appointment for the recall inspection and repair. The dealership has failed to schedule an appointment or return my calls. This defect poses a serious safety risk due to possible sudden engine failure and loss of motive power while driving. GM’s recall remedy involves inspecting the engine and, if necessary, replacing it. The delay in repair scheduling is preventing me from having the federally mandated safety remedy performed. I am concerned that GM and its dealer network are failing to provide a timely remedy as required by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. I request NHTSA to investigate this delay and require GM to ensure an immediate repair or alternate remedy (loaner, buyback, or replacement).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669878June 28, 2025
ENGINE, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The vehicle acts like it wants to cut off, and when the lane driving assistance option is activated, it will jump lanes and almost cause an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669489June 26, 2025
ENGINE
I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade that is affected by Recall N252494000. Although the recall repair is not yet available, I’m experiencing several serious symptoms that appear related to the recall: The engine consumes oil at an abnormal rate. I need to add oil frequently between scheduled changes. When I press the gas pedal, there is a delay in response — the car doesn’t accelerate immediately, then suddenly surges. I also hear a light metallic ticking or knocking sound when the engine is warm, especially at idle. I use this vehicle daily for work, and these issues are affecting safety and causing financial loss. I brought the vehicle to a dealership, but they were unwilling to replace the engine without a diagnostic trouble code. I’m concerned that GM is delaying the proper fix, and I am requesting NHTSA to investigate and ensure that affected customers like me receive a complete engine replacement when symptoms are present — even without error codes. Thank you for your attention.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667581June 17, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
At the end of 2024, the GPS, OnStar, and telematics system in my vehicle stopped working completely. This failure disabled critical features including navigation, emergency support (OnStar), and Super Cruise. I was living in California at the time and contacted local service providers, but was told the necessary mobile phone control module was unavailable. After relocating to Texas, I took the vehicle to Covert Cadillac in Austin. The dealership confirmed the issue and ordered the part, but after several months and multiple follow-ups, the part has still not arrived. As of June 2025, the vehicle remains unrepaired, and I continue to drive without GPS or emergency support. The dashboard displays a constant GPS error. This issue, now lasting over 6 months, puts my safety and the safety of my passengers at risk—especially during long-distance travel and unfamiliar routes. The dealership has acknowledged the problem but cannot resolve it due to ongoing parts unavailability and lack of response from the manufacturer. This is a serious and unresolved safety defect. I am requesting an immediate investigation into GM/Cadillac's failure to provide timely service, support, or resolution for a vehicle-dependent safety system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662547May 22, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We were driving on the freeway when all of a sudden the vehicle went into neutral, shut off and started slowing down. We were in the middle lane and our 3 children and grandparents were also in the car. This was incredibly dangerous and thankfully slowly we got to the right shoulder and the vehicle no longer turned on. We had to contact AAA and we took it to the dealership where we dropped it off. A few weeks ago I had called the dealership to ask about the repairs for the engine recall and they said they didn’t have anything solutions for that recall. Now dealer is stating it is still under warranty yet they haven’t been able to provide a vehicle large enough to accommodate our family. Nonetheless, they are stating that it might be over two weeks before they can get a new engine and then install it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662258May 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am reporting persistent safety issues with my 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV, with ~87k miles. Despite a completed recall for an engine seizure, the vehicle continues to fail dangerously, eroding confidence in its safety and reliability.Early in ownership, the computer and dashboard were replaced due to malfunction. Later, the engine seized while driving at 70 mph on a highway, a recall-related issue requiring a three-month repair. The vehicle has spent significant time in the shop, impacting usability.On May 20, 2025, my wife experienced a sudden shutdown at a busy intersection while merging onto a high-speed road. The vehicle lost power without warning, stranding her in a hazardous position. She exited to direct traffic, risking a collision. After ~5 minutes, she restarted it, and the system prompted her to reset the front windows’ limits, suggesting a computer issue. This post-recall failure indicates unresolved defects.These incidents—computer replacement, engine seizure, and shutdown—show a pattern of unreliability. With 87,000 miles, lemon law eligibility may be limited, but GM should have offered a buyback earlier given the history. These failures pose serious safety risks.I urge NHTSA to investigate potential defects in the 2022 Escalade ESV’s engine and electronics. I also seek guidance on whether GM should repurchase this vehicle to ensure safety. Please confirm receipt and advise on next steps. I can provide service records.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661215May 15, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle is burning oil with low engine oil light flashing months before the oil change is required. Vehicle does not always have full power and may slingshot forward at time of acceleration as opposed to a smooth acceleration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658942May 5, 2025
ENGINE
[XXX] on Sunday I was driving Longisland’ highway around 70 mile per a hour on left line my Cadillac engine stop end notification start engine I barely stop my car called police officer he help me because car it wast safe area with tow truck take my car now car in service almost week still no response and I have a appointment last Saturday because it was recall one day before engine blows just want to notification if necessary low suite in figure best regards car service name smithtown king o road best regards 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
#11658050April 30, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hi at April 28 around 10.30 pm I was driving Longisland highway city to Hamton’ before exit 70 my engine stopped suddenly I was on the left line trafic coming behind me i barely controlled my car pull over very hardly right side and called police I have recorded 911 officer help me to tow my car it was dar and not safe area now car at the dealership smithtown king of Cadillac dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655663April 20, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving with my family and kinds a car a freeway and vehicle start making loud sounds And shut off We were so scared Caz it got stopped on the middle of traffic and I couldn’t checking the lane Caz of heavy traffic It was scary moment of my life Talked to the dealership they took two months to get me a new engine under Warrenty But I didt have my car for three months Now they gave me my car back with NO WARRENTY YHIS IS TERRIBLE I know it will happen again
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654303April 13, 2025
ENGINE
Without any prior symptoms or warnings when I was driving on the highway I felt the car losing power and the car started to slow down in the middle of the road and then check engine light came on when i was on my way to pull over. When I stopped, I felt a strong vibration throughout the car, as if it was about to shut down. Then it actually stopped. I tried once to start it, but failed. I towed the car to the dealership .It took them 4 days to diagnose it , l They charged me a diagnose fee for removing the top of the engine and then a separate fee for removing the bottom of the engine. Then they told me they had to call Cadillac support because they didn't know what to do.I waited about a week to know the result and then unfortunately they told me that I had to replace the entire engine and pay about $13,000. Let me tell you I was at the same dealership 4 days before what happened. I was there because they recommended me to do a throttle body cleaner. I did the recommended service and they confirmed that everything was working properly and the car is perfectly fine. Let me also tell you that I do all the maintenance, I change the oils even before the time for changing them, I use a premium gas from top tier station, Now the car at the dealership since February 2025 , my car's engine is back ordered, they don't have any expectations or time frame or even average wait time! So frustrated and nothing to do. It is truly a disaster and I do not know what I did to deserve this material and moral suffering. I hope to God that you help me to be justified in this clear injustice. Thank you;
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651979April 1, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle shifted into neutral, and the Push to Start message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast off the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was bearing failure and that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 41,530.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651604March 30, 2025
ENGINE
While driving 55mph on a highway ([XXX]) at [XXX] on [XXX], the vehicle shut down and went into neutral. The vehicle coasted to the shoulder of the highway. It was a very dangerous situation with virtually no vehicles following the move over law and flying by us at 60 plus mph. The vehicle was towed to Capellino Cadillac in Williamsville, NY where it sat for days without anyone looking at it or moving from the parking spot where it was dropped off. On 3/13/2025, I phoned service to find out the status of my vehicle and was told the engine was "Blown". This without anyone even looking at it. I was told that it is becoming a frequent problem with low mileage motors and the motor would have to be sent to GM for evaluation and my motor replaced. 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
#11649947March 23, 2025
ENGINE
no warning out of nowhere while driving about 35mph the car stopped driving but still had power then i pressed gas again and it jerked me and stopped driving again so slowly had to pull off the road to get out of traffic. cadillac wouldn’t move back or forward when gears shifted. called aaa to pick up car and take to the dealership. no explanation or calls to what is happening to my car. has been 1 month since have no replies or answers what’s happening with my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648686March 17, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
I was driving with my children in tow. My "reduced acceleration light" came on as well as my check engine light. Within minutes of these turning on, my car went into Limp mode (shifted in neutral) and would not accelerate and steering felt locked up. I quickly got off to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. When I restarted, the vehicle would not go into reverse or any gear other than park. This was terrifying. Thankfully, the road I was on had a speed limit of 40; however, had I been on the GA 400 or I-285, my family could have been easily involved in an accident. I had the vehicle towed to the local Cadillac dealership. After a week, I am told it is a faulty Control Valve Body and that there is no ETA on when this part with be available. The tow truck driver stated I was the 3rd Escalade driver in the last two weeks that the same issue had occurred. I will be reaching out to a lemon law attorney as well. This vehicle is still under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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