Cadillac Escalade Complaints

1,865 consumer complaints on file.

#11637706January 22, 2025
ENGINE
My Escalade stopped running while on the highway at 70 MPH. There was no warning lights on at the time. The engine shut down and the truck stopped in a live lane. My entire family of 6 were stopped in the left live lane with traffic passing us on either side at excessive speed - it was very dangerous. Truck was towed to dealer - where it was diagnosed as a bearing issue requiring a full engine replacement. That was over 2 months ago - GM cannot even tell me when a replacement engine will be available. Please note I am in Toronto Canada and was made aware of your investigation online.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637569January 22, 2025
ENGINE
Engine seized at approx 49000kms. Full engine replacement was done by wolfe cadillac. It had something to do with the engine rods.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637223January 21, 2025
SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I paid 8600 on my engine for lifters exc...in 2022 the now in 2025 I was told I need a new engine [XXX] The whole engine is messed up 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
#11637462January 21, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started to stall with a high-pitched squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel moments before the vehicle shut off. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that the engine was replaced under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637454January 21, 2025
ENGINE
Was driving on the highway and the engine completely died on me. Towed it to the dealer only for them to tell me that the engine needs to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637362January 21, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 77 MPH in the left lane, the vehicle lost motive power and shut down. The driver was able to move to the right lane and pulled over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called OnStar for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about a buyback and the lemon law due to not being able to replace the engine in a timely manner. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 953.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637331January 21, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Was on the interstate driving 75 mph, with my daughter, her friend, my wife. And the car cut off, and dealership said engine locked. 45 minutes prior i was on a snowy mountain road, and this vehicle has 939 miles on it, one month old. Now i am reading about the investigation, and feel this is negligence on gmc. This could have been a disaster and life changing for me. I dont care if its a 75k vehicle or 135k like mine, this is dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the vehicle is currently at the dealership! Told my wife to start recording in case something happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637017January 20, 2025
ENGINE
Under normal driving the engine seized with no warning and vehicle would not operate leaving me stranded on the street for several hours. This occured April 2024 with approximately 58000 miles. The Engine had to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636999January 20, 2025
ENGINE
The engine completely failed and shut down without any warning indications while driving 72 mph on [XXX] in Wesley Chapel, Fl. I could no longer accelerate to get out of the way I had to coast to a stop and was able to thankfully make it to the shoulder. The tow company that provided service stated that I was the third or fourth Gm suv that he personally towed in the past week that experienced the same failure on the interstate. 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
#11636984January 20, 2025
ENGINE
I had a 2023 Escalade that was purchased new and it had TWO motors seize up in it. I filed a separate complaint for the 1st one. This will have to do with the 2nd time. The 2nd motor that seized up happened also on vacation, with a trailer. These new 6.2’s don’t like a trailer or any type of load. We were NOT even at 1/2 of the max trailer amount. We have had the 6.2 engine for 12 plus years in different vehicles pulling the same trailer and never had an issue until this 23’. So we were traveling in the panhandle of OK, in July, not close to a town, doing 68 mph and a warning light came on for 5 seconds saying something about engine oil hot, we couldn’t even read it before it went away and the engine died. Doing 68mph down a highway pulling a trailer. We got it safely to the side of the road. I had to leave my husband and son on the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere, in the hot as hell Oklahoma panhandle to drive back to our hometown with the family that was traveling with us to get our truck. My husband and son had to wait for 4 hours on the side of the highway. It was super dangerous. Not close to a city, in July when it was super hot. There was not enough room in the car I road in for my son and my husband had to stay with all our stuff so it didn’t get stolen! It took me 4 hours to get back to them and the tow truck showed up at the same time as me…4 hours later. It was awful. And this was the 2nd time!!!! This 23’ Escalade now has it’s 3rd motor in it before 30K miles!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636982January 20, 2025
ENGINE
My 2023 Escalade Sport that was purchased new has had two engines seize up while driving. The first time happened was July 17th, 2023, when we were traveling for vacation. It had 10,697 miles on it. We were driving 70 down the highway with the cruise set and it just died. No warning at all. There was no shoulder, the side of the road was steep and muddy so my husband had to time it to get it in someone’s driveway safely. We were pulling a 14ft trailer. We were NOT close to the max weight, so that had nothing to do with it. How it happened was not safe at all. It was scary having that happen with no warning and we were not close to a city. We had to call family to come offload our car as we had suitcases for vacation. We also had to have another family member bring a truck to pull the trailer home. We lost days of vacation over this. The car was towed to our cadillac dealer and we were told it needed a new engine. Making another claim for the 2nd engine that failed in this same car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636981January 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Purchased this vehicle from a friend who was inherited from his father’s estate. He hadn’t driven the vehicle for sometime. When meeting up at the DMV to transfer ownership he noticed that the brakes were spongy. And purchased some brake fluid in case the fluid was low. Neither my friend or myself are mechanically impaired so We made the exchange of ownership and went on our way home. When we arrived my step father felt the need to investigate the issue. He discovered that every brake line under the drivers seat back approximately 24” were so rusted and soaked with brake fluid that fluid was dripping and making a puddle and was unable to pinpoint where the hole was at that time. We decided that the vehicle was too dangerous to drive, and returned to [XXX] to retrieve his trailer to bring the Escalade to his shop for safety reasons. We tried researching and did find where GM’s SUV’s did have a recall on this matter. The Cadillac is in excellent condition inside and out. The leather seats other than the drivers show no wear at all. Carpets show no wear. The exterior is in excellent shape without chips or dings. Basically a like new with 104,000. Miles which is considered low miles for its age. For our assessment of this issue that no matter the age of the vehicle, the Manufacturer should in fact take responsibility, and there for replace the brake lines, and the necessary bleeding of the system. In a timely manner as so I am able to drive it in a safe condition. Thank you Sincerely [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
#11636951January 19, 2025
ENGINE
Driving vehicle between 70-80 miles an hour on the freeway when the car switched into neutral and lost all engine power. No warning lamps or any indication of failure. I was able to steer vehicle to left side of freeway and it had to be towed. It was not a safe location as cars were flying by just feet from the dibbled vehicle. It never started again. Towed to local Cadillac and have been told the car experienced catastrophic engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636907January 19, 2025
ENGINE
On [XXX] My wife and son were driving down [XXX] in passing lane running 70mph and the suv just started slowing down and had no power at which she started panicking due to trying to get all the way over to median with no power. thank god they made it without getting hit. At this time we called dealership and explained issue and they told us the motor has locked up (very known issue) Fast forward until now january 19,2025 they have verified it is locked up and they can't get another motor and have no eta on new motor(motor on national back order) So now we're paying a car payment and a rental $2200 a month and they(cadillac) keep telling us they will get a loaner (after countless calls and hrs on phone)so were not having to pay for a rental but have yet to receive one. only thing we have received is a $100,000 vehicle broke down with no eta on repairs, a rental bill of $2200 a month,and a bunch of broken promises. very disappointed customer really thought cadillac was way better than this. 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
#11636904January 19, 2025
ENGINE
Two weeks after purchasing our 2022 slightly used Cadillac Escalade, my family and I were on our annual Thanksgiving camping trip. December 1, 2024 we were on our way back home from this trip on a very busy highway frequented by semi trucks and large RVs (nearby desert camping). While driving and towing a small trailer at approximately 60 mph on this highway, my vehicle unexpectedly shut off forcing me to act quickly to avoid an accident. (Semi trucks and RVs cannot brake and respond as quickly and there were several in the lane next to me, and approaching behind me). I was able to pull over to a shoulder before the vehicle slowed to a complete stop. After attempting to restart my vehicle I was unsuccessful and contacted OnStar to tow me to the nearest dealer. My family and I waited for 5 hours on the side of this highway with semi trucks and RVs passing us at 60 mph. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer, yet 100 miles away from our home, and remained in the dealer’s possession for 29 days. The dealer determined my vehicle experienced engine failure and was in need of an engine replacement. I have only owned this vehicle for 1 and a half months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636887January 19, 2025
ENGINE
[XXX] driving on the freeway in AZ when had the motor completely fail with only 10,000 miles on it putting my family in harms way at 70mpg trying to get to right side of the road during rush hour traffic with no power. Complete failure due to a lifter I was told by dealer 55days later it was fixed and have still issues. Currently doing a lemon law buyback that’s now over 90days with no responses from GM. Now having to take them to court to get rid of this unsafe vehicle. 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
#11636678January 18, 2025
ENGINE
On Saturday, December 28, 2024 @ 1 PM while driving 70 mph on the I-10 freeway; the vehicle downshifted causing the engine RPM’s to increase. We had 15 seconds to make a decision as the vehicle shutdown immediately. On my driver’s side were 5-6 lanes of freeway with cars going 70 mph, while on the right-passenger side was Exit 73b called Waterman Ave. in San Bernardino, CA. We managed to park on a small strip dividing the 5-6 lanes and exit lane, as we couldn’t get over to the shoulder. In addition, the vehicle was stuck in Park and would not go into Neutral. The engine wouldn’t start. NO WARNING LIGHTS. Called 911 at 1:04 PM and asked for an officer to assist us because we were scared for our lives sitting on the freeway. We were worried someone would hit us from behind. About 1/2 hour after my 911 call an officer arrived. We told him what happened, and informed him we called AAA’s Roadside Assistance. The officer informed us that if there was a call, he would have to leave, and he was worried we’d get hit by drunk driver going 70 mph. Our vehicle was towed to Dutton Motor Company in Riverside, CA. • Engine failure possibly due to oversized lifter bores. Replace the engine to fix. • We had 15 seconds to stop suddenly going 70 mph, not on the shoulder of the I-10 freeway. Our safety was at risk so I called 911 asking for an officer. • Dealer told us the engine needs to be replaced. • Vehicle not inspected by police, insurance, just shop at dealership. • No warning lights. Absolutely nothing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636662January 17, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failure at 29k. There were no signs of malfunction or warning. There were two incidents before Cadillac approved warranty for a new replacement engine. First incident I was passing a vehicle on a two lane road when I was mid past the car suddenly vehicle died electrical and all. Message came on saying to restart engine. Thankfully I coasted past the vehicle I was passing and onto the shoulder of the road. Vehicle would not restart and left us stranded for hours waiting on a tow company. Had it towed to Cadillac where they told me it was a faulty fuse that caused the failure and it was fixed and was a fluke. They got it running said no other issues were found and vehicle was good to go. I had it back for only a few days and my wife and I were on the way to a restaurant. I stopped at a red light, again no signs of malfunction, no warning lights etc. the vehicle just completely dies again. Would not restart and left us stranded in a busy intersection. Thankfully a state patrol was sitting at the light across from us and came to our assistance and called for a tow. This time at the dealership they said engine failed and needed replacement. Just got it back as of Jan 2025 after 3 months. We were extremely fortunate that both times my 1 year old was not in the vehicle with us and no accidents occurred. From my knowledge 3 other Escalades were at the dealership for the same reason as ours was. Extremely dangerous situations the vehicle put us in and disappointment from a 6 figure vehicle from a manufacturer known to be reliable. I’ve owned two prior generations of Escalades and multiple other GM vehicles never having any issues and put over or close to 100k miles on each of them. Note we bought this vehicle “used” around 10k on it when purchased so we were unable to file a lemon law claim against it. Thankfully it came with a 100k bumper to bumper warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636653January 17, 2025
ENGINE
Lifters and fuel injectors failed at 45000 miles. Replaced under warranty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636615January 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I bought this car used and within a couple hundred miles the car would just shut off and the dash lights came on. I took it in and they diagnosed it and replaced the camshaft actuator. Within a few hundred more miles the same symptoms appeared as I was driving on a 70mph freeway. I had to pull over to the shoulder and this time noticed a metallic smell. Car would not turn on. Had to get it towed back to the dealer. After a month there they informed me the engine seized and needs to be replaced. Approximately 6 weeks and still no estimate to when I will get my car back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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