Cadillac Escalade ESV Complaints

242 consumer complaints on file.

#11737485May 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Subject: Safety Complaint – 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transmission Failure After Recall Repair To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. VIN: [XXX] My vehicle experienced a serious transmission malfunction where the vehicle would not properly engage in reverse. The “R” gear indicator blinked multiple times, and the vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to operate. Cadillac dealership diagnostics later confirmed issues related to the transmission valve body and/or transmission control components. After researching this issue, I discovered that GM and NHTSA issued Recall No. 26V085000 regarding transmission control valve body wear in certain 2022 Cadillac Escalade vehicles equipped with the 10-speed transmission. The major concern is that my vehicle had already received the recall/software update before this failure occurred. Despite completing the recall remedy, the exact transmission problem still happened. I never received any warning before the failure. I was forced to spend significant time and money dealing with towing, dealership visits, diagnostics, and transportation disruption for my family. This raises serious concerns that the recall software update does not actually resolve the underlying mechanical defect within the transmission valve body. For a luxury SUV of this value and age, this type of major transmission failure is unacceptable and creates a serious safety concern. I request a full investigation into why the recall remedy failed, confirmation of all recall work completed on my VIN, and extended warranty coverage for the transmission and related drivetrain components. 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
#11737378May 12, 2026
ENGINE
Engine failure shortly after recall remedy performed by dealer. Recall 25V-274 / N252494000. Sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds with no warning. Engine stalls and will not restart. Vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral without engine running making it impossible to get vehicle to safety and out of traffic. Dealer confirmed that engine seized as part of recall and will need to be replaced, despite having recall oil change remedy performed. Cadillac case file #98347975
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736835May 10, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. While driving in [XXX] near [XXX] and XXX [XXX] , the engine suddenly failed without warning and left me stranded in traffic. Prior to the failure, there were either no warning signs or insufficient warning indicators to safely prevent the incident. The sudden engine failure created a serious safety concern because the vehicle lost power while operating on a public roadway. I was forced to pull over unexpectedly in traffic conditions, placing myself and others at risk. The vehicle had to be towed and I was informed the engine would require major repair or replacement. I have since learned that other owners of GM vehicles equipped with the 6.2L engine have reported similar catastrophic engine failures. The failure appears to occur unexpectedly and can leave drivers stranded without adequate warning. I believe this issue represents a significant safety risk and should be investigated. 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
#11735728May 5, 2026
ENGINE
Motor damaged. Needs new motor. Crank shaft, seals, bottom end all damaged
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735135May 1, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV - passed Safety Recall N252494001 L87 in August of 2025. March 2026 experienced loss of propulsion (while driving), major noise and violent shaking. Every warning came on. There were no other symptoms Very fortunate no one was behind us as vehicle completely stopped on road. Reported problem to dealer and took into them. Said it was serpentine belt and we were charged to replace (they never showed us the belt nor took a picture of it. In April 2026 the same exact issue occurred with complete propulsion failure (vehicle dies abruptly with significant noise and shaking) on the road near home (nearly hit by following traffic). Called dealer, told to not move the vehicle and we had to have it towed to same dealer. In shop now for 2 weeks, we have heard 3 different reasons with no fix of the issues. They will not call us. We have to phone them and it is a different issue each time we call. We were told GM is involved; but we have had no verification.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733978April 27, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
SUBJ: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sudden Loss of Power I am reporting a safety issue involving a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX] ). On April 19, 2026 (late evening into early April 20), while traveling approximately 70 mph on [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power without warning. This created an immediate safety hazard, nearly resulting in a collision. I was able to exit the highway, but the vehicle lost all acceleration and became disabled in the middle of a dark off-ramp with oncoming traffic approaching from behind. OnStar was contacted and Virginia State Police responded due to the unsafe location. A trooper remained on scene with emergency lights to redirect traffic and prevent a collision. Due to the hazardous conditions, the trooper arranged an emergency tow. I incurred $389.61 in out-of-pocket towing costs. The vehicle was taken to a tow yard, and my AAA Premier coverage then towed it 189 miles to Miller Brothers Cadillac in Ellicott City, MD. The dealership diagnosed catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement at approximately 53,000 miles. There were no meaningful warning indicators prior to the sudden loss of power. This vehicle was purchased from Sons Chevrolet / Cadillac in Columbus, GA in December 2025 as a Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac and had already required multiple repairs shortly after purchase. The vehicle is currently at Miller Brothers Cadillac awaiting complete engine replacement and is available for inspection. This sudden loss of power at highway speed presents a serious safety risk and could have resulted in a severe accident or loss of life. Given the absence of warning and catastrophic failure at relatively low mileage, I am concerned this may indicate a broader safety defect rather than an isolated incident. 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
#11733619April 24, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while driving behind another vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance system failed to alert the contact of the vehicle ahead or enable the braking system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was provided with DTC: U023E. In addition, the contact was informed that further inspection was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732413April 20, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. 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. Several dealers were previously contacted for recall inspection appointments, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer had denied the request to perform the service. A dealer was recently contacted and agreed to schedule the recall repair appointment. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would remain with the dealer in the event that the vehicle failed the inspection, and the vehicle would be repaired in 3-4 months because the part was on backorder. The contact was informed that vehicle rental assistance might not be provided. 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
#11732291April 19, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Accelerated onto highway and some power was lost. Engine light came on and dash read the following: rear axle system off, service stabilitrak, auto hold unavailable. Lost some power while entering the highway could’ve been put in a bad situation with traffic. Dealer confirmed issue said lifters and potential cam. No warning or lights before issue occurred. Took straight to dealership the next morning. Vehicle at dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732001April 18, 2026
ENGINE
82.826 miles sounded like a idler pully making dinging noise got louder driving in city went to get on highway sudden lost of power and rattling noise and jerking and lunging got off first exit pulled into parking lot and shut it off. Called dealer they sent tow truck diagnosed it as bad motor 4/6/26 got remanufactured motor on 4/17/26 waiting to see how long this one lasts
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731467April 15, 2026
ENGINE
I purchased a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade in May 2025 with approximately 48,000 miles. While driving on Highway 14 near Acton CA at speeds exceeding 60 mph, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure (March 28th - 2026). The engine suddenly lost all power and shut off completely while in motion. Only electrical systems remained operational. At the time of the incident, I had my three children in the vehicle. This created a dangerous situation, as I was forced to maneuver across traffic and safely pull over without engine power. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership replaced the engine with a refurbished unit April 14th - 2026. I was not informed in advance that the replacement engine would be refurbished rather than new. Immediately following the engine replacement, the vehicle began experiencing additional issues, including electrical malfunctions and air suspension problems, which required further repairs. After retrieving the vehicle, it is still not operating as expected. The vehicle is noticeably slow, sluggish, and noisy, raising concerns about reliability and the potential for another failure. Given the sudden loss of engine power at highway speed and the continued performance issues after repair, I have serious concerns about the safety of this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730811April 13, 2026
ENGINE
6.2 liter L87 engine failed on highway at 101363 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730723April 13, 2026
ENGINE
While driving approximately 55 miles per hour vehicle started making loud knocking noise then vehicle shifted to neutral. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Waiting for inspection to confirm engine failure. Vehicle has 32,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730621April 12, 2026
ENGINE
My engine started to make noise so I took it in for service and was told by Cadillac service it was a blown piston rod and it required a full engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729220April 4, 2026
ENGINE
Engine started knocking and past half a mile completely lost power and stoped, towed to dealer, will wait till Monday for any info
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729131April 4, 2026
ENGINE
I had the recall performed on my ESV in December, but driving home from [XXX] my dash indicated that I needed to push start. I did and it slowly died. I had it towed to Andrews Cadillac where it was purchased and I learned that my engine locked up. It is being completely replaced with 41,000 miles. Thankfully it was under warranty but apparently this is an ongoing issue with GM and the 6.2 liter engines. I won’t have my car for weeks while I await a new engine. 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
#11728991April 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Transmission shifts to neutral on the highway with speed of 65 on the left most lane with no shoulder parking available. Huge safety hazard. Also happened when stopping at the stop sign when taking it to safe location. Transmission failing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728886April 2, 2026
ENGINE
This vehicle had its engine replaced at around 33,000 miles. Today, at around 43,000, the replacement engine failed. It's now at the dealer waiting for yet another engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728396March 31, 2026
ENGINE
After the recall work was performed, the vehicle began consuming engine oil at an abnormal and excessive rate between oil changes. Most concerning, during a recent check, the engine oil level was found to be extremely low, with no oil registering on the dipstick. This condition presents a significant risk of engine damage or failure and raises serious safety concerns. Prior to the recall service, the vehicle did not exhibit any abnormal oil consumption. The issue has only occurred after the recall was completed, which strongly suggests a direct connection to the repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727950March 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving at approximately 40 MPH there was a loud pop and the panorama sunroof shattered. There were other cars traveling at the same speed or less, but nothing struck the vehicle to cause the glass to shatter. The glass did not immediately give way, but had it, there were passengers that would have been impacted. The roof was inspected by the dealership but is no longer available for inspection as the dealership could not provide a loaner or rental vehicle. There was no warning. The temperature was mild. This is not about the repair expense or time involved but about the safety or the panorama sunroof.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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