NHTSA Complaint #11670950 — 2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE

The front upper control arm on the driver’s side snapped in half, resulting in the complete detachment of the wheel while the vehicle was in motion. The failed component is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. This failure placed both my life and the lives of others at significant risk. The wheel detached while I was driving, which could have led to a catastrophic crash had it occurred at higher speeds or in heavier traffic. I was extremely fortunate that the failure occurred under conditions that allowed me to bring the vehicle to a stop without injury or collision. A suspension failure of this nature represents a critical safety hazard. The failure has been physically verified by both the service center where the vehicle was taken after the incident and by GM’s assigned third-party inspection service. A visual and mechanical inspection confirmed the fractured upper control arm and resulting suspension failure. A second opinion from an independent mechanic is being pursued as well. The vehicle was inspected by a third-party claims investigator assigned by GM, who reviewed the scene and the damage. I have not received a full report or documentation from GM or the inspector, but I am requesting it formally. The incident was also documented by my insurance provider. The police were not called, as there were no injuries or collision with another vehicle. There were no warning lights, messages, or error codes on the dashboard prior to the incident. I did not observe any unusual handling, noises, or vibrations that would have suggested an impending mechanical failure. The control arm failure occurred suddenly and without warning while driving under normal conditions.