2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV: engine knocking or ticking

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 Aug 30, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · CO

The engine is knocking between 10-30 mph and over 50 mph. The forward collision light lights up. This is the third time this has happened. I am very concern it will stall on me at high speeds

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 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 Jul 1, 2026 · Engine · FL

VIN [XXX] I did the engine recall. All documented in Braman Cadillac. After the dealer gave me the clear after recall check, they did the GM change of oil etc. But i recently had an afrer recall failure with knock sounds coming from the engine. It is on 3 videos I saved, conditions were while iddle, while driving, while accelerating and braking. so vehicle motionless still had the sound. I had loss of power a few months ago, that I didn't associate to this recall until this sounds that I couldn't reproduce when took the car in, but it is on video. At this point I want my engine replaced and I need help with it as the solutions given from dealership are insuficient given the scope of problem. the car obly has 37k miles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Engine · CA

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.

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Engine · MI

On Saturday 2/14/26 our Escalade was making a light ticking noise. We made an appointment to bring it in for service, earliest appointment was 2/17/26. On the evening of 2/14 the vehicle died on the freeway and had to be towed to the local dealer after it would not start, Crest View Cadillac in Rochester Hills, MI. Our service write Tony Griffin, confirmed verbally on 2/16 that the vehicle most likely will need an engine replacement, but had to be inspected first. I emailed him on 2/19 as I had no update and he let me know it needs more diagnostics but it will be getting an engine replacement. As of 2/21 the vehicle is still sitting in the parking lot with the battery now dead. I was given a loaner vehicle that is not at all suitable or nearly equivalent to my current vehicle. I have been given an electric Cadillac Lyriq and have no means to charge it.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Engine · 67,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer at 51,000 miles, and stated that the engine would be inspected, and if necessary, repaired or replaced. Additionally, the vehicles that passed the inspection, dealers would add higher viscosity oil, install a 6-oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the Owner's manual. After driving 16,000 additional miles, approximately 6 months later, the engine started knocking, and the vehicle accelerated slowly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who had inspected the engine. The contact stated that when the engine was inspected, it caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired under the recall due to the recall being considered closed, and the title was now considered a Salvage Title, even though the vehicle did not have a Salvage Title when the engine was inspected. The engine was ordered and was scheduled to be replaced at the Owner's expense. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Engine · 64,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated while her husband was driving later, the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Engine · LA

My 2023 Escalade started making a 'knocking" noise on Saturday 1/25/25. I called the dealership on Monday and they scheduled for a service appt. I let them know that it sounded like it was coming directly from the engine area. I have never had issues with the vehicle in any capacity previously. I did not drive the vehicle until thursday to the dealership because it sounded serious. On Thursday ON the way to the dealership the car completely broke down in the middle of the road with NO WARNING SIGNS or check engine lights coming on EVER. Not once did a light come on to tell me something was wrong. Upon the car being at the dealership for a week. They called to let us know that they found metal shavings in the oil pan, the oil in the car had almost completely drained and the car needs a complete new engine. An engine that is backordered through GM. And I have NO date upon which it can be fixed. My car was unable to be moved until the tow truck came. If I was in the middle of the interstate my life would have been at risk. I have since talked to 2 other people in my small city that have had the same issue. My dealership *also small, has a wait list of 4 other people for this same issue. This is a major safety concern and also a consumer issue. There is currently NO recall on the engine even though nation wide there is a major issue!