2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE Engine Problems

On September 8, 2024, while traveling approximately 75 mph on Interstate 4 with my wife and five children, this 2023 Cadillac Escalade experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of engine power following a hard shift. Steering, braking assist, and acceleration were effectively lost and the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. We were nearly struck by a tractor-trailer while attempting to reach the shoulder and were stranded on the highway in unsafe heat for over an hour without roadside assistance. A dealership inspection confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure involving metal debris and spun bearings, requiring complete engine replacement and related component repairs under manufacturer direction. The vehicle was out of service for approximately 15 days. The failed components and repair documentation are available for inspection through the dealer and manufacturer. No prior warning lights or messages were present before the initial failure. On February 8, 2026, the replacement engine experienced a...

Received a recall letter that stated the engine in my 2023 escalade with roughly 49,000 miles on it at the time. Has problems with the engine breaking down and shutting the entire vehicle off. Took the car to the dealer to fix per the recall letter. They stated they only needed to replace an oil cap and put better oil in the car, and not replace the engine as stated in the recall letter. About two weeks later the transmission started to slip and the car would not go over 50 MPH, in addition it would switch automatically into 4wd and get stuck in 4wd. Took the car back to the dealership they did not replace transmission they stated it may have something to do with the recall or an electrical issue. About 8,000 miles later I was driving on the highway taking kids to school and the entire vehicle...

2023 Escalade, the dealer did the oil change recall to put the thicker oil and oil filter in it a few months ago after the motor was ticking. They had to get recall approved by GM, due to it not showing up under my VIN for the recall. They approved it and on Friday 1/16 driving on a 55mph 3 lane highway with my newborn baby the car just stopped driving and shut off with no warning and not enough time to pull into a shoulder or out of the way. Sat in the car for 30 mins with my newborn baby until cops arrived to help with safety and we waited 45 mins for a tow truck. Cars were swerving nearly hitting us multiple times and you cannot neutral override them to atleast push or pull the car out of the road while waiting for a tow truck

Component/System Failure: The engine experienced catastrophic failure related to Recall N252494000 (NHTSA 25V-274), resulting in complete loss of power and immediate engine shutdown. The original engine was removed and replaced by the Cadillac dealership. The failed engine should be in possession of the dealer or manufacturer and should be available for inspection upon request per manufacturer retention policies. Safety Risk: The vehicle lost all power while traveling at highway speed on Highway 70 with three children and two adults in the vehicle. I was forced to coast into a center turning lane between oncoming traffic in both directions, with no ability to accelerate or move out of traffic. The shutdown occurred without warning, creating a high risk of rear-end or head-on collision. Loss of life was narrowly avoided. Confirmation of Failure: The failure was confirmed by an authorized Cadillac dealership, which determined the vehicle was affected by the active engine...

Vehicle was running with the driver side door open and driver out of vehicle. The vehicle slipped out of gear and reversed quickly. Driver went to get back in while moving backwards to try and stop vehicle. The driver got smashed between the garage and vehicle door. The vehicle door hyperextended and caused damage/injury to driver. The emergency brake did not come on until after the accident. Prior to this happening recalls were not preformed due to GM advising us that our vehicle was not next to get it done. Throughout ownership the vehicle has slipped out of gear two other times. We took it in each time and were told it shouldn’t happen again and they could not replicate. GM did an inspection after and fixed recalls and told us they would not assist us with damage or any compensation.

We took the vehicle in for the recall inspection. They pass it and changed the oil. Weeks later, as I was driving home (was on holiday vacation in another state), the engine failed immediately. I was able to get it to the side of the road but the engine would not properly run. Had to call the tow truck and hauled back to the dealership near my home of record.

Engine stopped running while driving. Took to the dealer. Engine was making a load grinding noise. Dealer replaced the engine. Drove home vehicle dripped oil in the driveway. Took vehicle to dealership. Engine block was cracked. Dealer replaced engine. Took vehicle to dealership for oil change . Engine had 1,800 Miles . Engine oil was contaminated with large pieces of metal. I took the used oil filter home cut it open and filter was full of metal as well. Took back to dealership and ask to replace the failing engine and was denied by the regional service manager as well as the general motors engineer. Their answer was if the engine fails AGAIN the vehicle is under warranty. The engine oil continues to be full of metal chunks. In my opinion metal in oil is engine failure. This vehicle is unsafe to drive with the engine full of metal.

While driving about 60–65 mph westbound on NY Route 17 near Exit 125, a warning message appeared on the dashboard reading “Restart Engine.” Within seconds the vehicle lost all propulsion, steering assist, and braking power. Pressing the accelerator did nothing and the car began rapidly decelerating in live highway traffic at night. I struggled to steer into the shoulder with great effort because the steering and brakes had become extremely heavy. Once stopped, the engine would not restart — there was no crank and no response when pressing the start button. The vehicle was later towed to the dealership for inspection. This failure occurred without any prior warning other than the single “Restart Engine” message that flashed moments before the loss of power. There were no check-engine lights, alerts, or performance issues beforehand. Unity Chevrolet Cadillac confirmed that the engine had seized and replaced the entire engine assembly, starter, and...

On Friday, September 5, 2025, while driving with my family, the vehicle suddenly stalled while in motion. There were no warning lights or error messages before the failure occurred. While traveling at normal road speed, the vehicle instantly lost propulsion, steering assist, and braking power, leaving me without control in live traffic. For several seconds I was unable to steer or slow down normally — it was an extremely dangerous situation. The vehicle briefly restarted twice, then completely died and could not restart again. I had to pull over to the shoulder and call for assistance. This repeated sudden loss of power while driving, without any prior warning lamps or messages, creates a severe risk of collision or injury to occupants and others on the road. The vehicle’s unpredictable failure to maintain propulsion or braking control is unsafe and unacceptable.

On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, while driving in regular city traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion without any warning or dashboard alerts. There were no warning lights, messages, or abnormal sounds before the failure occurred. The vehicle instantly shut down while in motion, causing a total loss of acceleration power and leaving me stranded in the middle of traffic. This occurred the second time I was driving the car after prior service, and the vehicle again stopped completely, forcing me to pull over and contact OnStar roadside assistance. This was the second major propulsion failure in a short period, each time occurring unexpectedly while driving. The repeated sudden shutdowns without warning present a serious safety risk and indicate an unresolved defect in the vehicle’s electrical and propulsion systems.

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, while driving northbound on the Palisades Parkway at approximately 11:30 PM, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without any prior warning. I was traveling around 45– 50 mph when the dashboard lights began flashing, and the vehicle shut down completely in active highway traffic. All systems—including power and acceleration—dropped instantly. I was unable to maintain speed and was not even able to brake, and had to fight to steer the vehicle safely onto the shoulder as it slowed down. There were no warning lamps, messages, or irregular behavior prior to the failure. The shutdown occurred instantly and without cause, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a dark highway late at night.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that there were several unknown codes and unknown electrical issues displayed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer approximately eight or nine times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was a Lemon. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

UNKNOWN. Weather related - rain water incoming on floor board under steering column. Effecting electronics and vehicle driving safety. Vehicle has propulsion control issues as a cause.

Waiting months on inspection had an appointment called and verified that was the appointment was for inspection . Took care of in and was told not opened. That was in July. The value of car has dropped because of this issue and can’t trade in or loss a ton

Sometime during the month of May, 2015, I received a letter in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act in reference to a recall for the 6.2L V8 gas engine (RPO L87) that applies to my vehicle. I have reached out to Randy Marion Cadillac, 4700 Southside Blvd.m Jacksonville, Fl., 32216, on several occasions, but to no avail. I spoke with service department personnel who, could not provide any information concerning the recall and informed me that they would have the service manager to call me. However, after 3 months, I have yet to receive a response from the service manager or any other service personnel. On Monday, 08-26-25, I logged into my Cadillac app and searched under Recalls and Warranties and noticed a message indicating there were no incomplete recalls. Prior to my last log-in, there was informed acknowledgeing the recall and that my vehicle would...

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.

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...

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.

Currently under an open, incomplete safety recall (GM Program #N252494000 / NHTSA 25V274) for the L87 engine defect that can cause catastrophic engine failure and complete loss of propulsion.

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade is part of NHTSA Recall 25V274 involving a potential engine failure due to defective crankshaft or connecting rod components. It has now been over four months since this recall was issued, and there is still no remedy or parts available, according to both my dealership and GM customer service. This defect poses a serious safety risk, as sudden engine failure while driving can cause the vehicle to lose propulsion, potentially leading to a crash. I use this vehicle for business, so it’s driven frequently with passengers, increasing the danger and financial impact. Despite contacting the dealership regularly and calling GM directly, I’ve been told the same thing every time: the parts are not yet available and there is no fix yet. The vehicle has not been inspected, and I’ve received no alternative solution or loaner vehicle. I am concerned about the length of the delay and...

I was in car. I just stepped out of the car its stop working car couldn't start. I need to get started to start the car. It happens a lot. I went to caddilac dealer service they everything good. This car for work not luxury. I drive Uber and always on road. So I afraid something will happen. I want to change this car for new without recalls. Thank you

The vehicle stop in middle of the road. And can't start without starter. Noises coming out from the car. I went to caddilac dealer they just give me power to battery and saying everything ok. And happened a lot

This vehicle has a recall. It notes the engine can fail and cause a crash but the dealership says they have no issued a remedy and therefore will not inspect the vehicle. This vehicle is used for our 3 children and I do not understand what we do to remedy it.

All cadillac dealerships are refusing to inspect the vehicle to ensure engine is safe despite specific instruction in recall that dealership will and determine if vehicle is affected. If not affected they will change oil viscosity. Dealerships are refusing to perform this test and change oil.

I was told of this recall. That my motor may just completely shut off at anytime and that I will hopefully be able to maneuver off of the road at that time. But Cadillac states they do not have a way to fix it at this time. IF something does happen, they will try. But only cars acting up are being looked at right now. Everyone else can just drive around and hope for the best. I’m scared to drive my car out of fear of it shutting down and causing me to get in an accident. I don’t want my family hurt, but I surely don’t want to hurt anyone else either. It’s unacceptable that there is no fix for such a serious issue and there isn’t even an estimate on when they will have a remedy, much less how long it will then take the dealership to do...

23 Escalade L87 engine and transmission issue along with rear cross traffic alert emergency breaking. @ 8600k lifter failure (repair) @ 8750k transmission toque converter replacement @10600k spark plug replacement rough idle @17k in for hard down shift transmission valve replacement @21k in for lifter and same transmission down shift issue Service advisor advised that the lifters need to be replaced again and the hard down shift failed to be fully addressed. The upper level from GM advised no remedy could be found until service bulletin could be resolved. No repair work to be performed. To release to customer as is until engine replacement can be performed. So GM is forcing us to take back our vehicle on the road with a failing engine that needs replacement but due to not having enough stock to repair in timely fashion are placing us back on the road until one can become...

I was driving to work at 45 miles/hour and the car's engine cut out. My life was at risk because the car cut out without warning while I was driving. When the car stopped working, I called the dealership, and they came to take the car away. The car didn't give any warning or display any warning messages beforehand. The car has been at the dealership for a month and they still haven't repaired it.

In May 2023 I bought a new 2023 Cadillac Escalade (because the engine on my 2021 Tahoe was being replaced—NHTSA 11658068). After owning the Escalade just under a year I started noticing it making odd engine noises, most often at a cold startup. It sounded like a ticking or vibration and was pretty loud. On April 30, 2024 I took the Escalade to Blackstone Cadillac in Fresno CA where they found Cylinder 2 was misfiring. They said it was related to TSB #19-NA-218 and recommended an engine replacement, which they completed, and I picked it up May 22, 2024. The new engine runs rough, tons of vibration, and frequently struggles with the automatic start/stop function at red lights. It will shut off and start up immediately, or it won’t want to start back up at all. Due to these concerns I took it back to Blackstone Cadillac in October 2024....

2023 Cadillac Escalade engine failure at 23,000 miles while driving at 70 mph on a very rural area in Central Florida. Engine failure and need replacing engine. We have lost value and resale in vehicle because of faulty GM parts.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the vehicle at start-up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 failure mileage was approximately 3,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to maintain speed while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was left at the local dealer for further repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

Driving with children on freeway after picking them up from school and suddenly the vehicle shut down completely nothing on dash neither. In the middle of freeway after doing 55 miles per hour was very scary for me and my family. Tried starting vehicle and would not start for 15 minutes. The next day took it to the dealer where I purchased it and was told it was 5 vehicles there before me that needed engine replacement and I might be the sixth. I was called the next day and was Told the service man took it for a spin and the engine completely seized on him and to find out it was the engine And other components. There were no warning before any of this happened it seems as if once you accelerate to about 50 to 60 mph it completely shuts down he said. My vehicle is currently...

I was driving down the road. I accelerated to the speed limit of 55mph. This was not a quick acceleration. As I reached 55mph, my car seized up. The dash board went out, the engine shut off and I wasn't able to brake. I managed to coast until I came to a stop in the roadway. My car would not turn back on and I was told my engine seized and had to be replaced

My wife and I purchased a certified used Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum with 36K miles on it from a reputable dealership near our home. After having the vehicle for less than a week, the engine just lost power suddenly and without notice while our entire family (3 kids) were on our way home. We were able to coast off the main highway and onto a crossing road before it glided to a stop in the middle of an intersection. We were able to get the vehicle towed back to the dealership where they are telling us it needs a replacement engine. I am very concerned with how the event unfolded, and it could have been much worse had it happened where we were not able to get off the road. I am happy GM and the dealership are working quickly to replace the engine, but now I have safety concerns...

Engine Failure. 6.2 motor. Dealer says thrust bearings failed

My wife was driving this vehicle home after dropping off kids at school when the engine suddenly stalled in the middle of the road. Luckily no one was directly behind her or she would have been in a collision. After being towed to the dealership, they informed us the engine "failed". There was no check engine light or warning message prior to the engine suffering sudden and catastrophic failure. Vehicle has less than 28k miles. The car is currently at the dealer with no time frame for repair because the engine is on "back-order".

This is the second 2023 Cadillac Escalade sport platinum that we both brand new from the dialer and after the first one after 15K miles the engine blow off so the dialer replace it then we both the second one , brand new after 20k miles same thin the engine quit on as on the free way and its now in the dialer ship for two months now waiting for a new engine.

Engine failure at 12k miles

My wife was driving the vehicle on the interstate up a hill with our [XXX] daughter when the engine seized without warning. A light came on and said the engine was hot and the accelerator pedal gave no response, and the vehicle shifted itself into neutral. She was able to barely get the vehicle off of the highway and call for help. we had the vehicle towed to the local dealer where she was which is five hours from our home to be told it needs an engine without any timeline whatsoever. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the instrument panel lights started blinking, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound before shutting off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over onto the median. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption, causing engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided rental vehicle assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

After spending 3 months in Palm Desert CA, we were heading home to Colorado on Saturday [XXX]. Just a few miles east of Barstow CA, traveling about 70 mph on [XXX], our Escalade just died and shifted itself into neutral. Luckily we were able to guide the car on to the shoulder area. The experience was terrifying as we sat there for 4 hours……… speaking several times with both OnStar and Cadillac Roadside Assistance. A tow truck driver FINALLY arrived about 1:00 PM and took us and our Escalade to Victorville Cadillac where we arrived around 2:00 PM. Because it was Saturday afternoon, they would not be able to look at the car until Monday. We met with the General Manager, who provided us with a loaner car. The car was fully packed with our belongings and we were assured that the car would be secured on their lot. On...

Driving at 45 MPH on [XXX] in Florida, 16,000 Miles 6.2 complete engine failure, dealer and GM refused to offer a loaner, dealer estimates 4 to 6 months for replacement engine. Filed claim with GM customer care, totally useless responses. I have spoken with 4 other dealers in my area, all of them tell me they have multiple SUV's and trucks waiting for engines. Since the failure happened I started doing research, there are multiple FaceBook groups with thousands of members nationwide all experiencing the same issues. GM is doing everything they can to keep this issue hidden from the public while still selling the same defective engines in new vehicles. Multiple people have reported they are on their second or third replacement engines! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The vehicle shut off while cruising at 70-75 mph on the highway. A "Press Start Button" message appeared, followed by the Check Engine Light. I pulled over to the shoulder and had the vehicle towed to shop.

A very loud clicking noise from the engine was being produced and rapidly intensifying. It triggered an anxiety attack since I was on the freeway. Luckily, I was near my dealership otherwise I would’ve called emergency services. Turns out my engine was confirmed to be on the verge of a complete shutdown

The vehicle shut off while cruising at 70-75 mph on the highway. A "Press Start Button" message appeared, followed by the Check Engine Light. I pulled over to the shoulder and had the vehicle towed to shop, engine has locked up!

Engine failure with less than 30k miles.

My vehicle went in to the dealer for a routine engine oil change at 34k miles. I let them know that my vehicle was having a tugging sensation when I would press the gas. That same day(2/15/25) I was told that I would need a new engine. It is 2/28/25 and the dealership still doesn't have a time frame of when they will receive a motor to replace. By the way I bought my vehicle brand new and have always maintained they oil checks in their due time.

Engine Bearings went bad per the dealer at 14K miles; the Car was purchased 13 months prior. New engine required. The car has been in the shop and is unusable. no warning lights ever displayed. The engine died without notice. The dealer has given us a loaner, smaller than said vehicle, and we have had to spend 5k renting cars so far.

I was driving down the interstate going about 80mph, and the gas pedal stopped working. It slowed to a complete halt and put itself in neutral. Could not be restarted, would not even turn over after that. Engine just died with only 25,300 miles or so on the vehicle.

2024 [XXX], Engine failure on [XXX] ) Car shifted automatically in neutral, telling me to turn off the vehicle and restart it on the dash. I pull over to restart it and it does not come back on. Fast-forward 9 months later, another engine failure [XXX] At what point will Cadillac be responsible for these defective vehicles coming from manufacturing. I spent over $120,000 on this vehicle and to have two engine failures before 45,000 miles is absolutely unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)