2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV: engine failure

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · Engine · WY

engine seized on the highway

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Since May 24, 2026, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV has repeatedly experienced reduced engine power, check-engine warnings, multiple dashboard alerts and loss of propulsion. During one incident, the motor stopped responding, the vehicle lost power and came to a complete stop in the middle of a public roadway. This exposed me and surrounding motorists to a serious collision risk. Whether the shutdown resulted from an internal engine failure or an electrical/control-system malfunction remains UNKNOWN. OnStar documented recurring warnings and fault codes, including engine/transmission communication faults. The same condition returned after multiple dealership visits and repair attempts, including module resets/reprogramming. At times the check-engine light was no longer illuminated upon arrival, but the dangerous symptoms and OnStar reports had already occurred. An authorized Cadillac dealership blamed alleged aftermarket alarm/tracking equipment and proposed charging approximately $1,900 to remove it. I paid $250 for an independent inspection, which found no such aftermarket equipment and identified the questioned component as a genuine GM part. This incorrect diagnosis delayed meaningful investigation. GM escalated the matter to a specialized field engineer at Braman Cadillac. I was informed that the senior engineer could not identify the cause and requested another engineer. The promised follow-up inspection was still pending nearly three weeks later. Despite repeated visits and manufacturer involvement, no confirmed root cause or permanent repair has been provided. GM did not arrange towing for the latest return. I drove the malfunctioning vehicle in the emergency lane everyt time because it could not be trusted to maintain normal operation. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for inspection. I request investigation of the recurring shutdown/loss-of-propulsion safety defect and the unsuccessful diagnostic and repair history.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CO

On September 24, 2024, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV stalled while I was driving in traffic and would not restart. I was unable to proceed normally at a green light, creating a risk of a rear-end or other collision. I have video footage of the vehicle unable to proceed. The authorized dealership documented a no-crank/no-start condition and found the engine assembly was seized. The engine assembly was replaced under warranty. Following the September 24 engine failure, the vehicle remained at the dealership through October 31, 2024 while the engine assembly was replaced under warranty. Earlier that same day, the dealership completed serial-data gateway module reprogramming and brake-system control-module programming related to brake-fluid leak detection. This is included as a factual chronology; I do not know whether that work was related to the engine seizure. Separately, on July 30, 2024, I received a “Replace Brake Pads” warning and heard grinding. The dealer found the driver-side front brake pads metal-on-metal and the wear sensor damaged. The dealer replaced the front brake pads, rotors, and wear sensor, and performed a brake-fluid exchange. These are separate, documented engine, brake, and electrical-system safety concerns. Dealer repair records and supporting video footage are available for review.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Engine · AZ

I am filing this safety complaint regarding a critical, unresolved mechanical defect in my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (approx. 80,000 miles). The dealership (Earnhardt Chandler Cadillac) notified me that my vehicle required an engine replacement under a recall/warranty service. Following their service, a brand-new replacement engine was installed. However, immediately after the replacement, the new engine developed a loud metallic knock upon cold starts, indicating severe internal mechanical failure, defective components, or improper assembly. Despite recognizing this critical defect, the dealership and General Motors failed to rectify it. Most dangerously, they recently delivered the vehicle back to my residence, claiming it was "fine," while the engine continues to exhibit the exact same loud metallic knocking noise. Operating a vehicle with a severely defective, knocking replacement engine poses a high risk of catastrophic engine failure, sudden loss of power while driving, and potential highway accidents, endangering my safety and the safety of other motorists. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this pattern of defective replacement engines and faulty dealership repairs to prevent severe safety hazards on public roads. p.s. I have all email communications and video recordings of this issue.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · CA

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine, developed an abnormal engine knocking/clicking noise despite previously receiving the remedy for GM engine safety recall N252494000, the federal safety agency campaign 25V274. On August 21, 2025, at 37,437 miles, Costa Mesa GMC Cadillac performed the recall inspection. The repair invoice states that the engine passed the PicoScope inspection and that the dealer changed the oil and filter and installed a new oil-fill cap. On September 16, 2026, at approximately 49,000 miles, I first noticed an unusual engine noise while driving through a store parking lot. After returning home, I observed a clicking/knocking noise at approximately 1,500–2,000 RPM. On September 17, I brought the vehicle to Costa Mesa GMC Cadillac at 49,093 miles. Repair order 61438 documents an engine knock during acceleration. Approximately two hours after drop-off, the service adviser informed me that GM had authorized replacement of the engine. As of September 24, 2026, the vehicle has remained at the dealership for one week and is awaiting a replacement engine. The vehicle is available at the dealership for inspection, subject to coordination with the dealer. Whether the original engine will be retained and available for inspection after replacement is UNKNOWN. My safety concern is the potential for engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion while driving, which could increase the risk of a collision. The recall notice specifically identified this risk. I am reporting the abnormal engine noise and dealer-reported need for replacement; whether the engine had reached the point of imminent seizure or loss of propulsion is UNKNOWN. The dealer evaluated the vehicle and reported GM’s replacement authorization. The exact internal component failure and root cause are UNKNOWN because I have not received the final diagnostic or repair report. Whether a GM representative separately inspected the engine, rather than reviewing the dealer’s findings, is UNKNOW

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Fuel system, Suspension · CA

About 11pm Driving 70 on freeway started feeling pull back and then started to hear a knock noise. So turned down the music and the knock noise was getting louder as I was driving so I went to the right lane as I went to the right lane I felt like the car was pulling back and slowing down even as I accelerated… knock got even louder and I decided to exit the freeway early instead of getting to my destination. As I exited the freeway the entire car shut down lights flickered check engine went on and low oil pressure flickered once but then turned off. I couldn’t get it in park couldn’t get the car to turn over. I was able to get out of the middle of the intersection turning off the freeway and pulled gas station called AAA. I’ve had no prior problems or warning lamps before this problem happened with the vehicle. I have videos of the whole incident that will not let me download on bottom of page. “2023 Escalade ESV, VIN [XXX]. Towed to Cadillac of Laguna Niguel. Engine knocked, then complete no-crank, suspected seizure. I need a case tied to recall N252494000 / the federal safety agency 25V‑274 and special coverage N252494003. Do not authorize paid diagnosis. I need a loaner Escalade or equivalent and PQC approval for engine replacement.” “This SUV was towed to Dealership on September 18th at 1130pm. 2023 Escalade ESV, 6.2 L87. It knocked and now it will not crank at all engine is likely seized. Cadillac case number is XXX Book this under GM recall N252494000 and special coverage N252494003 — L87 connecting rod / crankshaft / loss of propulsion. To service advisor: Please do not bump-start or crank it. Do not write this as a starter, battery, or customer-pay no-start. I want the RO to say: ‘Catastrophic L87 internal failure, no crank after knock, inspect for engine replacement under N252494003.’ Open PQC today. I also need a comparable loaner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · OR

Date: XXX Time: 10:30 am approx. Location: [XXX] Vehicle: Cadillac Escalade VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 25,572 While driving normally, the vehicle experienced sudden engine failure. No prior warning lights provided adequate notice. Vehicle became disabled and required towing. This vehicle is equipped with an engine subject to a known recall. A recall mitigation involving higher-viscosity oil was previously performed by a Cadillac dealership. Concerns regarding the recalled engine were raised with GM directl in May (no call back) and direct with dealer in October 2025 (dismissed by dealer “not thier issue”). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · 62,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while idling, the engine was shaking, the vehicle stalled, and the vehicle lost power. The contact restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with battery failure. The failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer and was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that approximately 45,000 miles later, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started drifting to the left and the right. The message "Auto Hold Unavailable, was displayed. During the failure, the vehicle shut off, and while restarting the vehicle, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the failure had occurred even after following all the instructions on how to properly care for and maintain the new engine. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer had opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

I was going down the highway at 75mph and all of sudden the engine started loud knocking and loss of power. Good thing I was able to get off the exit and stop safely. Car was towed to dealer. Needs new engine 48k miles

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine · FL

Total engine failure on the I-95 Express Lane in Miami.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Engine · SC

In August of 2025 my escalade went t the dealership to perform the engine recall test. It passed the test and the oil change fix was completed. However, within weeks or so the engine began to experience some issues. It was taken back to the dealership and a full engine replacement was performed. Fast forward to the beginning of August 2026. The new engine is experience the same symptoms as before. Flashing engine light, rough idle, loss of power, and excessive gas consumption, knocking, etc. I took the car to the dealership and this is the service advisors message to me about the car: "Cylinders one and six are causing the misfires, he sent some information to our technical assistance center because the cylinders walls do not show a lot of damages but, like I said before it was low in oil with no present oil leaks. He has to capture some freeze frame data for technical assistance and send in so it has to be driven some more. They want it driven over some miles. They will determine if we replace the engine or not, I may not have an update from them until Monday. They do not work on Saturdays and Josh your technician has to perform all of the test they sent over. A lot of the extra testing has come from this possibly being the second engine that could go in the vehicle. The car remained for about 2 weeks and gm refuses to pay for a new engine until because there isnt enough data. Meanwhile I am stuck driving a car that can seize up and leave me at any time. They also refused to buy back or help me into another vehicle without coming all out of pocket on my end

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Engine · NY

Motor ceased at 38k miles In october 2025 replaced engine and happened again several months later ceased at 3k miles in the middle of highway. major safety issues with these 6.2 v8 motors. GM has NOT fixed the design problem.