Cadillac Escalade Complaints

1,865 consumer complaints on file.

#11679786August 11, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called several local dealers who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while stopped, the vehicle shut off while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to have the vehicle towed. The contact attempted to have the vehicle towed to a local dealer; however, the dealer refused to take the vehicle due to a staffing shortage. The vehicle was eventually dropped off at another dealer, who stated that the vehicle could not be serviced for two weeks. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678404August 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle has a shake that seems to be coming from the rear and can be felt in the seats, slightly in the steering wheel while driving at highway speeds ( 70+ ) this shake or vibration come in waves but never goes away long as you are traveling at highway speeds . It goes from an annoying shake to a bad shake and from a bad shake to annoying shake if that makes sense . I’ve spoken with different mechanics including the GM dealer and no one seems to have a fix just recommendation of expense part replacements that hasn’t worked for other Escalade owner with the same issue . I have experienced hard shifting from park to reverse and from 1st gear to 2nd but a temp sensor replacement seemed to have resolved the harsh shifting some what. It’s not as bad but still feel a gear thud when shifting after a cold start but not so much after it’s been driven for awhile. My main concern is the shaking . It’s an embarrassing ride with passengers to the point I avoid driving it on long trips For fear that my Escalade will break down completely leaving myself and family stranded. I’m not looking for free handout repairs I just want to be pointed in the right direction of a sure fire resolution so I can get it repaired and start enjoying my vehicle .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678530August 5, 2025
ENGINE
GM engine replacement recall. The engine could blow up and give out causing a crash. Problem has been confirmed by dealer as "unremedied" Vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678491August 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2023 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 contact stated that the message "Check Oil" was displayed. The contact's husband checked the oil level and noticed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. 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 failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678184August 4, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel leak on top of fuel tank and it’s available for inspection. The safety of passengers and others were put at high risk since fuel is highly flammable . The problem is present at all times when the vehicle is started . The leak is highly visible by any bystander. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police or others . There were no warning lights or other symptoms prior to the failure, no warning !! There’s a recall on this but apparently my vin does not qualify, here’s a link from the NHTSA website [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
#11678340August 4, 2025
SUSPENSION, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade to Utah, the engine completely locked up and failed without warning. The vehicle had to be towed to a GM-authorized dealership. Upon inspection, the dealership confirmed the failure was directly related to an active safety recall on the vehicle. Prior to the failure, there were no check engine lights or no other warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. The failure occurred suddenly and without additional notice. The dealership stated the needed part is currently on national backorder and that the vehicle cannot be repaired or safely driven until the part arrives. It has now been over four months since the vehicle was brought in, and there is still no estimated repair date from GM. This has left me without a functioning vehicle due to a known safety defect. The vehicle remains inoperable at the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677948August 2, 2025
ENGINE
I own a 2021 Cadillac Escalade that falls under the manufacturer recall issued by GM/Cadillac for engine problems associated with this specific make, model, and year. I received an official recall notice via both email and U.S. Postal Service, instructing me to take my vehicle to my local dealership to have the recall addressed. I promptly complied and took my vehicle to the dealership. However, I was informed by both the dealership and the manufacturer that my VIN number “excludes” my vehicle from the recall, despite it matching the same year, make, and model. Approximately one month later, my engine failed due to the exact same defect that is the subject of the recall. Nevertheless, GM/Cadillac continues to refuse to cover my engine replacement under the recall, solely on the basis that my VIN number is not included in the recall list. As a result, the dealership has ordered an entirely new engine for my vehicle. I am now expected to be without a vehicle for two to three months while waiting for the new engine to arrive and be installed. I believe GM/Cadillac is misrepresenting to consumers which vehicles are covered under the recall to avoid financial responsibility for defective engines. My situation demonstrates that vehicles outside the listed VIN range are experiencing the exact same defect, yet GM/Cadillac is refusing to extend the recall coverage. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether GM/Cadillac is improperly limiting recall coverage and failing to include all affected vehicles, leaving consumers with significant expenses and lengthy repair times for a defect the manufacturer already acknowledged. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677557July 31, 2025
ENGINE
Recall Info: The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. This information creates anxiety for myself and my wife who already suffers from a medically documented anxiety disorder every day that we drive somewhere. Because of the location of our residence, we have to drive on the highway most of the time for convenience which exaggerates this situation. We have owned/leased GM vehicles our entire lives and particularly Cadillac for the last 24 years. We own this vehicle out right and planned to keep it indefinitely. The fact that there is no immediate remedy for this situation and one day possibly providing a higher viscosity oil, an oil filter replacement and requiring a new oil fill cap is very disappointing and insulting for a vehicle that we had to wait for and then pay over $130,000 for. At this point, thank God there is no incident, I would like to keep it that way and would like to have an immediate resolution of possible switching from our 2023 model to a comparable 2025 and be reassured that it does not have these mechanical defects with no additional costs incurred on my part.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677518July 31, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2023 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677033July 29, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact called on behalf of a dealer who owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The dealer 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676295July 25, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2015 Cadillac Escalade suffered complete engine failure caused by a known design defect involving the Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifters and camshaft. This issue is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletins (TSB #15-06-01-002E and PIP5606C), which acknowledge lifter collapse, misfires, and internal engine damage in 2014–2020 Escalade and similar models. GM-certified dealerships repeatedly misdiagnosed the issue as minor (e.g. spark plugs, oil), allowing the underlying defect to worsen. I am uploading invoices from Cadillac of Cerritos (who misdiagnosed the problem), my trusted local repair shop, and Cadillac of Torrance, who ultimately diagnosed the failed lifters and camshaft, but had originally referred us to Cerritos because they could not take us at the time. The misdiagnoses delayed necessary repair, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and a repair quote exceeding $10,000. GM only offered $2000 towards a new car despite clear evidence of a widespread design defect. I believe this is not an isolated case. Many owners have filed similar complaints with NHTSA, and class action lawsuits (e.g. Mason v. GM) are pending for this exact issue. Despite this, GM has not issued a recall. This defect creates serious safety risks, including stalling, loss of power, and engine failure while driving. My family was placed in danger by a vehicle GM and its certified dealers knew was vulnerable. I urge NHTSA to investigate this engine defect further and require GM to take full accountability.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675316July 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I stopped to get gas and put the car in park. Turned the car off and when I started it back up the car thought it was in drive but was in park still. The gas pedal won’t not work and the car is now stuck in park. The Chevy Caddilac dealership said it is a failed TCM. Part is on back order and I was told there is no eta and could be 7 months to a year before I get my car back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675475July 22, 2025
STEERING
I was on the Highway and the EPS stopped working and steering wheel became hard. I looked online and saw there was a recall for this certain model of vehicle and when I checked the NHTSA page there was no recall for my VIN. We had to continue using the vehicle to get back to out city and it suddenly worked again. Now it does it every few times. We’re scared we might crash. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V586000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675147July 21, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally report an unresolved issue involving a 2015 Cadillac Escalade that I purchased from a Toyota dealership less than one year ago. The vehicle has experienced a complete engine failure, and I am currently left with a non-drivable vehicle and a loan balance of approximately $30,000. Shortly after the engine failure, I took the vehicle to two different certified repair shops, one of which was a Cadillac service center. Both informed me that the engine is beyond repair and advised me to return the vehicle to the selling dealership due to the short time since purchase. I attempted to return to the Toyota dealership to seek a resolution or possibly trade in the vehicle. However, they informed me that the engine is now inoperable, and they declined to offer assistance. Despite repeated phone calls and emails requesting to speak with a manager, I have not received any response to date. I have also been informed that replacing the engine would cost approximately $17,000, while the current value of the vehicle is around $18,000. This puts me in an extremely difficult position—paying off a $30,000 loan on a vehicle that I cannot drive or repair affordably. The dealership arranged my financing and is fully aware of my financial obligations. I believe they should take some level of responsibility for selling me a vehicle that failed so quickly, especially given that I purchased it less than a year ago. I am seeking assistance from the DMV to help resolve this issue. I believe there may have been negligence or lack of proper disclosure at the time of sale, and I request a formal investigation into this matter. I am also open to mediation or any recommended steps to hold the dealership accountable and find a fair resolution. Please advise on the appropriate next steps or documentation you may need from me to proceed with this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675199July 21, 2025
ENGINE
On Juy7, 2025 while operating my 2018 Cadillac Escalade, which at the time of the incident had an odometer reading of approximately 57,600 miles. felt an immediate loss of power (inability to accelerate efficiently) and shortly thereafter the amber check engine light flashed on and off and I could hear ticking coming from the engine. Following the aforementioned ,I had th vehicle towed to Turnersville Cadillac in Turnersville ,NJ for evaluation. Upon the vehicle being evaluated I was advised by service mechanics there that I needed a new engine and that the cost would be approximately $17,500 dollars. The cause of this catastrophic engine failure was attributed to lifters failing. Prior to this catastrophic mechanical failure, there were no warning lights or tapping noises and the vehicle was operating normally.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674809July 20, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT
When this device is used to replace the Flasher Module (my had failed so I ordered this replacement from Amazon) I found that the brake light circuit to any trailer connected tot he vehicle would no longer work. Under further research on Amazon via reviews and other online sources, I found that all of the Chinese clone parts have this same failure mode. Since most people check trailer lights with Directionals or 4 Way flashers, they would not be aware of the failure of the brake (stop) lamps not working on the trailer leading to critical dangerous situation if they need to slow as the driver behind them is likely to rear end the trailer due to the failure of the stop lamps to light.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674824July 20, 2025
ENGINE
At 86,000 miles my 6.2 engine had to be rebuilt. Costing $14,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674782July 19, 2025
ENGINE
I was sitting in a drive through when the car just stopped running. I could not get it to restart. Engine light had come on and gone off a few times. I had it towed to a Firestone next door , they advised it needed to go to dealership for engine recall. Dealership did not look at it for 3 days so I had it towed to Cadillac- waiting for them to call.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674748July 19, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicle was recalled under N252494002 L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion. The car was taken to the dealership June 19, 2025 and determined to require a engine replacement. The dealer has had the vehicle for a month without repair of the vehicle. This seems like an unreasonable time to replace the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674206July 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where the fuel pump power control module was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, 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 dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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