Cadillac Escalade Complaints

1,865 consumer complaints on file.

#11717346February 11, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, STEERING
On September 8, 2024, while traveling approximately 75 mph on Interstate 4 with my wife and five children, this 2023 Cadillac Escalade experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of engine power following a hard shift. Steering, braking assist, and acceleration were effectively lost and the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. We were nearly struck by a tractor-trailer while attempting to reach the shoulder and were stranded on the highway in unsafe heat for over an hour without roadside assistance. A dealership inspection confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure involving metal debris and spun bearings, requiring complete engine replacement and related component repairs under manufacturer direction. The vehicle was out of service for approximately 15 days. The failed components and repair documentation are available for inspection through the dealer and manufacturer. No prior warning lights or messages were present before the initial failure. On February 8, 2026, the replacement engine experienced a second sudden loss-of-power event. The day before, the vehicle briefly lost propulsion near 40 mph approaching a stoplight and restarted with difficulty. The following day, while backing from a parking space into an active roadway, the vehicle again lost propulsion and became disabled, nearly resulting in a collision with an approaching truck while surrounding traffic was forced to stop. This repeat failure of the engine/powertrain system has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealership and previously inspected by the manufacturer. The recurring sudden loss of propulsion without adequate warning creates a serious and ongoing safety hazard to occupants and surrounding motorists. The failed components and vehicle remain available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717280February 11, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716653February 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
THE CALAPSABLE LIFTERS HAVE FAILED AND I NEED TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AS WELL AS THE CAM SHAFT. WHY ISNTTHE 2020 ESCALADE ON THE RECAL LIST OF 6.2L ENGIN RECALLS?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716518February 8, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Brake/abs system locked up on me and I couldn’t stop. I accidentally hit someone from behind and was proven to be an accident. My traction light my abs light and my brake light all came on at the same time right before I wrecked. The suv swerves over to the other lane randomly while on the interstate and does stop on time. Every time I fuel up gas leaks out from somewhere and its pumps gas really slow and takes so long
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715954February 5, 2026
ENGINE
Had to get cam shaft replaced last year. Now the lifters are going bad
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715567February 4, 2026
ENGINE
Within the last 20,000 miles this car has, and is now, been at the dealership 3xs for sudden lifter/camshaft failure. This last time almost caused an accident. One time the check engine light never even came on, two other times it came on as the car started slowing and shaking, so no notice as to what was about to happen.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715093February 2, 2026
ENGINE
Loud knocking sound in the engine appeared out of nowhere. This is the same engine as what exists in the 2021 year models which does have a recall on them, but for some reason the 2019 models like I have are not included in the recall. I cannot drive the car for fear of the engine seizing up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714620January 30, 2026
ENGINE
The engine suddenly stalled while I was driving on a public road, creating an immediate safety hazard. The check‑engine light came on, and the dashboard warned of zero oil pressure. I had no choice but to have the vehicle towed to a Cadillac dealership. After their inspection, I was informed that the engine had catastrophically failed and required full replacement. This failure occurred right after the recall work was completed, during which I was assured the engine was healthy and the new oil‑ viscosity procedure had been performed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714515January 30, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH to the dealer, the vehicle experienced reduced engine power. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 37,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714091January 28, 2026
ENGINE
After receiving the recall notice, the car was taken to the dealership in Mid-November 2025 at 42,713 miles for the pico engine test. The engine passed the test and had the oil and oil filter changed to the 0-W40 oil and a new oil cap. On January 9, 2026 at approx. 43,700 miles, the engine seized while driving the freeway at approx. 70 mph. The car was towed to the same dealership who confirmed that the engine was destroyed and needed replacement. 2.5 weeks later, I received the car back where the service writer confirmed that the replacement engine was not a “ new” but instead a “re-manufactured” engine with the same 0-W40 oil. Subsequent to this, I contacted Cadillac and started the process of a repurchase. Cadillac has agreed to repurchase the car in the amount of $69,801 based on a mileage usage charge of $31,895 based on 42,713 miles. Depending on your state’s Lemon Law, I would encourage any other owner with this problem to force a repurchase of this car. There are many stories out there of these vehicles experiencing more than one engine replacement. This vehicle can not be trusted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714069January 28, 2026
ENGINE
We just purchased our new 2026 Cadillac Escalade V this month. We were driving on interstate 64 when we experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and a warning that there was no oil pressure. We barely made it to the side of the highway where the engine had seized up and was unable to be started. The vehicle was towed to our local Cadillac dealer. They informed me today that the crankshaft had failed similar to the previous 6.2 L engine recalls. they have ordered a new engine. They are unable to tell me when the new engine will be there or how long it will take for the repairs to be done. I should also mention that our 2022 Cadillac Escalade experienced catastrophic engine failure as well. This led us to our new purchase of the 2026 Escalade. There were no warning signs prior to this catastrophic failure. It put myself and my entire family at significant risk as the failure occurred to highway speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714023January 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
Component/System Involved: Engine / Powertrain and Vehicle Electronic Control Systems, including Serial Data Gateway Module Description of Failure: While driving at highway speed (approximately 60 mph), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion without warning. Engine power was lost while traveling on an interstate, forcing me to pull onto the shoulder without propulsion. The loss-of-power event occurred more than once during the same trip. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Cadillac dealership for inspection. Dealer diagnosis confirmed internal mechanical engine failure, including metal debris present in the engine oil, requiring full engine replacement. During diagnostic procedures, the dealership also identified electrical communication faults involving the serial data gateway module, including voltage fluctuation and wiring chafing within the vehicle harness. These faults caused loss-of-communication conditions between control modules and required repair. Safety Risk: The loss of propulsion occurred at highway speed with passengers present in the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. Sudden power loss on an interstate increased the risk of collision due to the inability to maintain speed or maneuver safely in traffic. Confirmation / Inspection: The failure was confirmed by an authorized Cadillac dealership. The engine was removed and replaced due to internal damage. Electrical communication faults related to the serial data gateway module were also confirmed and repaired. Warning Indicators: No warning lamps or alerts were displayed prior to the loss of propulsion. Communication faults were identified during post-failure diagnostics. Current Status: The vehicle has undergone engine replacement and electronic repairs and is currently under post-repair monitoring due to the severity and safety implications of the failure. Availability for Inspection: The vehicle and repair documentation should be available through dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713244January 25, 2026
ENGINE
While driving vehicle reported multiple system failures and started shaking. Was safety parked and towed to dealership. Dealership found metal shavings in engine oil. No resolution as of yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713148January 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Received a recall letter that stated the engine in my 2023 escalade with roughly 49,000 miles on it at the time. Has problems with the engine breaking down and shutting the entire vehicle off. Took the car to the dealer to fix per the recall letter. They stated they only needed to replace an oil cap and put better oil in the car, and not replace the engine as stated in the recall letter. About two weeks later the transmission started to slip and the car would not go over 50 MPH, in addition it would switch automatically into 4wd and get stuck in 4wd. Took the car back to the dealership they did not replace transmission they stated it may have something to do with the recall or an electrical issue. About 8,000 miles later I was driving on the highway taking kids to school and the entire vehicle just shut down completely, I could not brake, steer, control the car in anyway possible. I was riding what felt like a death trap. I was so scared for my family and myself, the car came to a stop on its own pretty drastically. I thought I was going to get slammed into or hit the car in front of me. Luckily I was not hit. The car prompted to push the start button, I tried to start the car, nothing. There was still music playing but the screens were all black, also the engine did not turn over at all. I could not put on my hazards either. I called a tow truck while sitting there and got the car towed to the dealership. The dealership took 3 days to get back to me and stated it was the engine and they are going to have to replace it with a new engine. In addition they would not provide me with a time frame at all, or a temporary vehicle to take my kids to school in. I feel this should be illegal with what has happened to me, I got regular oil changes and maintenance done. If they are still using this engine someone will end up dying from this poorly engineered engine and car. Cadillac once had a great reputation, I regret putting my kids and my life into this automobile.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713031January 23, 2026
ENGINE
I PURCHASED A 2025 CADILLAC ESCALADE IN APRIL 2025 AND IGOT 9300 MILES AND THE LIFTER NOISE IS LIKE TYPE WRITER THAT SPEEDS UP WITH ACCELERATION AND THE TAPING IS LOUD I CAN NOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE I DONT WANT TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712432January 21, 2026
ENGINE
The engine has an Active Fuel Management system that has frequent failures of the lifters which causes the push rods to bend. This causes a misfire and the check engine light to illuminate. A broken piece of material entered the lower portion of the engine which could have caused an engine failure while on the highway. I had the vehicle towed to a dealership before a catastrophic failure occurred. Cadillac refuses to warranty this defect when the engine reaches 70k miles. The dealership sees this often and replaced the lifters on only one bank (head) at the cost of $4,000. This occurred on my 2018 Escalade which was under warranty at the time. They had to replace the camshaft and all the lifters on that vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712563January 21, 2026
ENGINE
Lifters failed and needed repaired. $2,000 mechanic bill
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711938January 19, 2026
ENGINE
2023 Escalade, the dealer did the oil change recall to put the thicker oil and oil filter in it a few months ago after the motor was ticking. They had to get recall approved by GM, due to it not showing up under my VIN for the recall. They approved it and on Friday 1/16 driving on a 55mph 3 lane highway with my newborn baby the car just stopped driving and shut off with no warning and not enough time to pull into a shoulder or out of the way. Sat in the car for 30 mins with my newborn baby until cops arrived to help with safety and we waited 45 mins for a tow truck. Cars were swerving nearly hitting us multiple times and you cannot neutral override them to atleast push or pull the car out of the road while waiting for a tow truck
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711875January 19, 2026
ENGINE
We were driving down the road and the car completely quit running I could not steer it and it was moving to a coast mode The motor locked up and it had to be replaced Since being replaced I keep hearing tapping noises in the motor and everytime I bring it in they always say there nothing wrong with my car I also stated that sometimes it cuts out or loses power but still they say nothing is wrong Now trying to trade it in has been a nightmare
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711851January 19, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
Complete Engine failure happened while driving at slow speed. Engine recall had been completed on September 3, 2025. No replacement recomended. Complete engine failure happened on January 12, 2026. Had towed to dealership. Dealership just confirmed to me that it will need to have engine replaced on January 19, 2026. There was no sign or symptoms right before the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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