Cadillac Escalade ESV Complaints

242 consumer complaints on file.

#11716503February 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s rear passenger door. The door frequently cannot be opened from either the inside or the outside. At first, I believed the problem was related to the child safety lock. However, even after confirming that the child safety lock is fully disengaged, the door still fails to open from both inside and outside. Occasionally, after turning the vehicle off and restarting it several times, the door will open normally. However, the problem returns randomly, and the door appears to lock itself again without warning. Based on these symptoms, I strongly suspect a defect or malfunction in the rear door latch or door lock actuator. This issue presents a significant safety concern, as it can prevent passengers from exiting the vehicle when needed. I am requesting a thorough inspection and proper repair to permanently resolve this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715994February 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
On 12/18/2025 at approximately 73,097 miles, while driving on I-75 near Wildwood, Florida at about 75 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure. The engine became seized/locked, the vehicle progressively lost power, and there were abnormal/loud mechanical noises. I was able to avoid a crash, but the event created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion at interstate speed. No accident occurred. The vehicle later received an engine replacement at Plaza Cadillac (Leesburg, FL). Dealer paperwork indicates completion on 01/07/2026, and the vehicle was returned to me on 02/02/2026. After the engine replacement, the vehicle displays safety-related warnings including: “Service Transmission Now – Unable to Shift Soon” “Service Electric Parking Brake” Because of these warnings, I am not driving the vehicle. The dealer plans to tow the vehicle in for inspection. In addition, the dealership has stated in writing that they typically clear diagnostic codes for test driving and that no post-repair/post-road-test diagnostic scan reports are saved or printed, meaning there may be limited retained documentation verifying that all modules were fault-free at release after the engine replacement. Cadillac case reference: Cadillac Care Center Service Request #88422536. I consent to sharing this complaint and vehicle details with the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715124February 2, 2026
WHEELS
There was a vibration in the rear then the wheel flew across the 4 lane hwy. Wheel completely detached from the SUV.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714733January 31, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade (approx. 42,308 miles), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power while accelerating on a busy highway. Engine power shut down without warning. I was able to pull to the shoulder, but the vehicle then became non-responsive and would not restart. The failure appears related to the electrical/charging system (12V battery, battery management system, alternator, or related modules). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure placed my family and others at serious risk. The loss of propulsion occurred in traffic, creating a collision hazard. After stopping, the vehicle had no heat and limited power while unable to start leaving us stranded on the shoulder of a heavily traveled highway in 10-degree weather. My two toddlers were in the vehicle, creating additional risk from traffic exposure and cold. This was a repeat incident. Approximately two weeks earlier, the vehicle experienced a similar power loss. A Cadillac dealership replaced the 12V battery and stated the issue was resolved. However, on January 22, 2026, I contacted the dealership and provided a video showing abnormal starting behavior, indicating the problem may not have been fixed. I followed up by phone the next day but received no response. Despite this prior repair and warning, the same failure occurred again. There were no clear warning lights or messages immediately prior to the power loss. After the failure, the vehicle was unable to restart. I also attempted to use OnStar, a paid emergency service, but was placed on hold for approximately 30 minutes. Due to unsafe conditions, my wife had to come pick us up to remove our children from danger. This incident involves a repeat loss of power while driving, prior warning signs, and failure of emergency support systems, raising serious safety concerns.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714503January 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experienced a loss of propulsion 2 times when idol at traffic lights due to an uncommanded shift into neutral while stopped at a traffic light, requiring the vehicle to be restarted to regain drive. These events occurred after a longstanding history of front end vibration and grinding noises that have been repeatedly reported to a GM authorized dealer since October 2024. The most recent GM authorized dealer repair order documents the loss-of-propulsion event, metallic oil and states that the issue could not be duplicated, that no root cause was identified, and that engineering could not rule out a connection to known recall-related engine issues after 32 days at the dealer with 198 miles driven. At this time, no corrective repair has been identified, and the condition is intermittent and unpredictable, creating a safety concern when operating the vehicle in traffic. I uploaded some repair orders including one from the first incident in October 2024 and then I uploaded the most recent repair order from January 2026 where they are still unable to replicate the issue or say the car is safe to drive as this is potentially related to the L87 recall per service manager notes . There are several repair attempts in between the original and the extended out of service for loss of propulsion in December and January.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714162January 29, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I had a complete engine failure while driving. This was after going through the recall inspection in September 2025 where they looked, changed the oil and said everything was okay,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713334January 26, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
To Whom It May Concern at General Motors, I am writing to express my profound concern, disappointment, and fear following a recent experience with my Cadillac Escalade that has caused me to seriously question the safety, reliability, and future of the Cadillac brand. For important context, the first Cadillac Escalade my family owned was a 2012 model that we purchased used in Ann Arbor. At the time, when we encountered engine issues and various quality concerns, we attributed them to the fact that the vehicle was pre-owned. We assumed wear, prior use, or history explained the problems—and we remained loyal to the brand. Because of that loyalty, we made the decision to purchase a brand-new Cadillac Escalade, bought from LaFontaine Cadillac near Dearborn, Michigan. We bought it during a time when it was hard to find an SUV especially of that size (extended cab needed for strollers and gear). This was my first-ever brand-new vehicle, a milestone purchase as a physcian that I made with the expectation that safety, engineering, and quality would reflect Cadillac’s reputation and price point. Unfortunately, we continue to experience the same quality and engineering issues, and in some cases, issues that are even more concerning. This came after a recall for engine faillure which had us concerned. Most alarming was a recent incident December 11, 2025 in which my vehicle experienced brake failure due solely to a low battery. According to Harvey Cadillac in Grand Rapids, this single issue caused multiple systems to fail, all requiring reprogramming. Learning that something as routine as a low battery could compromise braking and multiple safety-critical systems was terrifying. This was not just inconvenient—it was genuinely scary. I have a lot to live for. My children need me. No vehicle should place a driver in a position where their ability to stop safely is jeopardized by a cascading electronic failure. Beyond this incident, we have quality issues as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712702January 22, 2026
STEERING, WHEELS
The steering wheel locked up and the car shifted. I was unable to control the steering wheel it caused a crash
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712445January 21, 2026
ENGINE
While driving approximately 50 mph on a busy road, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and stalled, leaving it unable to restart in the roadway. The car was towed to the dealership, where a new battery was installed and the engine seized.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712345January 21, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
1. 6.2L Gasoline Engine.Vehicle available and has been in the shop at least 6 documented times. The 2025 was not part of the recall. GM refuses to tell me if the known engine problems of the recall was fixed on my engine prior to building and delivering the vehicle 2. Engine continues to knock and studder sometimes as if it will shut down. 3. Initial knocking confirmed and mechanics changed our lifters. Problem still exist but GM engineers now say, “operating as designed. Fear for my life and my families life. Can’t trust it. 4. Yes, by GM authorized mechanics. 5. None at all on warning lamps, messages etc
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712010January 20, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv has been at the dealership countless times over the last 2 years with strange engine sounds, acceleration issues, 4 wheel drive would top working and I couldn't make turns without a grinding sound coming from under the hood, check engine light (with no issues seen/heard). The engine recall was "passed" in October even after our concern with the engine sounds and strange things occurring while driving. Last week my wife was driving on a 4 lane 70mph freeway with our son in the car at night and the car said "press start again" and then started slowing down. She could not brake or accelerate. Luckily there was nobody to the right and was able to make just across the line to the side of the road when my car just came to a stop and everything turned off. So she sat there with my son in the dark for an hour barely off the side of the the road before a tow truck driver came but he couldn't even get the car into neutral to get it up onto the truck. My escalade is now at Cadillac of south Charlotte in North Carolina waiting for a new engine. We are scared to drive it even after the "fix" hearing that it can happen again with my kids in the car. GM needs to be forced to buy back or lemon these cars before someone gets seriously injured or worse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711991January 19, 2026
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, STEERING
My vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement after a recall remedy (oil change with thicker oil) was performed and the vehicle passed the pico test. Engine symptoms became more pronounced after the oil change. In addition, the vehicle has experienced repeated steering system abnormalities requiring multiple repairs, including replacement of airbag-related components and the entire steering column, with abnormal steering noise persisting afterward. The dealership confirmed the engine failure after finding metal debris in the oil and diagnosing a spun thrust bearing, which resulted in a complete engine replacement under warranty. The steering issue was confirmed by dealership technicians, including a lead technician who acknowledged during a ride-along that the steering noise was not normal, despite multiple repair attempts and replacement of the steering column.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710761January 13, 2026
ENGINE
Traveling at 70mph the car had some hesitation, then the dash displayed "vehicle is in neutral ", then displayed "shutting down systems to save battery ", then "vehicle is in transport mode". Pulled onto the shoulder of the highway and vehicle would not turn over or start. Called Cadillac roadside and had vehicle picked up and transported to FITZGERALD CADILLAC in Annapolis Maryland.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710566January 13, 2026
ENGINE
Lifter failure. Camshaft damage and failure. Those were replaced. Within two weeks later: Complete engine failure. Seized while driving on interstate in traffic. Was stranded on Interstate near DFW airport. Required complete engine replacement. There was no warning before it seized.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709004January 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 2022 CADILLAC ESCALADE IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP CENTRAL HOUSTON CADILLAC [XXX] MY ENGINE RECALL IS OUT AND STOP WORKING ! THE 150,000 MILE WARRANTY IS NOT GETTING UPHELD BY GENRAL MOTORS ! I AM BEING TOLD THAT MY CASE IS DENIED ! GENERAL MOTORS GIVE ME A CASE NUMBER XXX [XXX] ! GENERAL MOTORS IS SCAMMING THE RECALL REFUSING TOO DRIVE REPLACE THE ENGINE PROBLEMS THEY KNEW WAS HAPPENING! BIG STAR CADILLAC DEALERSHIP STATED MY ENGINE REPAIRS WAS FIX WITH OIL REPLACEMENT SERVICE ! THAT WAS NOT TRUE AND IS FALSE STATEMENT! RIGHT NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE! I NEED MY NEW ENGINE NOW ! THANK YOU 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
#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
#11708883January 5, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving on the highway with the cruise control set at 70 mph. I heard a loud knocking/grinding noise that sounded like an old 1970s car with a blown engine. Turns out it was my Cadillac Escalade. I pulled off the highway and the grinding noise was very pronounced and worsened if you pushed the gas. I was 1 mile away from a Cadillac dealer (by God's good grace!) and managed to drive there. I have been told it is a catastrophic engine failure and the car has been in the shop 40 days waiting for an engine. GM/Cadillac cannot give me any estimate of when an engine will be available.
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
#11708463January 2, 2026
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My wife was driving my kids to their nana and papas house when the vehicle loss power. The vehicle started to have a knocking noise and started to vibrate towards the engine compartment. The dash lit up like a Christmas tree. We took the vehicle to a local mechanic and he suggested that we might need a tune up. We purchased 8 brand new spark plugs, spark plug wires and 8 brand new coil packs. The local mechanic installed all of the new parts and the vehicle acted just like it was before the tune up. We then took the vehicle to Boyd Cadillac in Henderson,NC. Tim, who is our service provider, contacted us and told us that we had severe engine failure. His recommendation was a complete engine install. We have used Boyd Cadillac, Tim on several occasions. We had an alternator replacement done which was not under warranty. We had lifters replaced under warranty around the 50k mile mark.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707224December 27, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
On December 19, 2023, when pulling out of a parking lot onto the street, pressing the gas vehicle jerked and would not accelerate. No lights on dash. Drove less than 1 minute and turned down a side street, to get out of traffic while going slow/no power. Stopped at stop sign, went thru intersection. Went to next intersection, at stop sign, vehicle shut off, in the middle of traffic. Still no dash lights. Vehicle would not start. Turned on hazard lights. While waiting for tow truck, tried cranking several times. After about 3 hours check engine light came on, with a red light to the right of check engine light. At the same time as the check engine, I received an alert via the Cadillac App 12V error, please crank vehicle. Each crank try, dashboard would light up/cycle but vehicle never started once it shut off. Tow truck driver thought it may be battery. Tried getting vehicle to crank. No joy. Towed to dealership which replaced Transmission in August 2025, 3395 miles ago to find my engine seized up after recall N252494000 PERFORMED, Picoscope test and oil type changed. NOW THIS. Patience is really being tried. Another month without vehicle. Payments are continuing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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