Cadillac Escalade ESV grinding brakes problems

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

I am reporting a 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 for review in connection with the federal safety agency Engineering Analysis EA26005 and Recall 25V‑274 / GM N252494000. The recall remedy was completed on November 13, 2025 after the vehicle passed the L87 PicoScope test. The dealer performed the prescribed oil and filter change and installed the revised oil-fill cap. At that same visit, I reported vibration at 70-80 mph and unusually loud engine noise. Subsequent service records document continuing harsh vibration and loud engine operation, along with other drivability concerns. On May 9, 2026, after completion of the recall remedy, the engine shut off twice during the same trip: once while stopped at a red light and again while traveling at slow speed during a turn. No crash, fire or injury occurred. I reported the shutdowns and continuing symptoms to the dealer. The vehicle continues to experience worsening vibration, rough driving/operation and a grinding sensation. EA26005 was opened August 20, 2026 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power due to L87 engine failure after Recall 25V‑274 remedies and also covers later-production L87 engines. I am not asserting a specific internal-engine diagnosis or that the federal safety agency has determined this vehicle has the defect under investigation. I am reporting the post-remedy shutdown events and continuing symptoms so ODI can determine their relevance to EA26005. Original repair orders and supporting records are available upon request.

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 118,960 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the dealer had performed an unknown engine recall repair; however, the engine seized afterwards while driving. The failure had occurred after the engine was replaced. While driving 70 MPH, there was engine oil leaking from the rear main seal which sprayed underneath the vehicle and onto the roadway. There was smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant (4580 E Pickard St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858); and the rear main seal was replaced twice. The vehicle then experienced rough starts, rough idling, grinding sounds, rough transmission shifting, and hesitation while shifting gear. The vehicle was taken back to Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating normally. The failure mileage was 118,960.

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 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 22, 2026 · Engine · MI

I pulled out onto a highway and sped up to 65 mph. About 10 minutes later, I heard a ticking sound.That sound proceeded to get very loud, almost like a loud pan banging/squeeling. The car seemed to “drive” normal but that sound was heard only on acceration of the gas pedal. If I was not pressing on the gas, the car sounded normal. Once I pressed the gas, the loud squeal occurred . I had it towed 3 hrs away to the Cadillac dealership who replaced my engine. Said it was the crankshaft in my 6.2l engine. The car was returned to me, and two days later, the check engine light came on. I drove to the local GM dealer to get it scanned. It said “engine control module starter drive control” and “engine control module starter motor control”. So I drove it home. The next day, I went to start it and nothing happens. The screen lights up, says “service 4 wheel drive” and I can’t put in neutral or gear. Does not turn over, nothing. Now I’m waiting for my tow back to dealer which is 3 hours away and Onstar said it could take up to 5 days bc of distance.

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · OK

On 5/8/2024, at approximately 18,969 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of engine power while driving on the highway in the rain with my family inside. The engine died, the vehicle lost all propulsion creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Dealer diagnosis revealed a catastrophic crankshaft main bearing failure, requiring a full engine replacement. Since the engine repair, the vehicle has exhibited persistent intermittent/unintended brake activation. The brakes engage without driver input causing "Service Brake" messages, excessive and premature brake pad/rotor wear (replaced three times in a matter of months due to heat and dust from repeated activation), grinding, squealing, and locked caliper incidents. The vehicle has been inspected by two Cadillac Dealerships without any remedy except replacing warranty parts. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed the issue is likely related to the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. To drive safely, we must disable the collision avoidance and traction control features. This has been reported on multiple repair orders and matches complaints from other 2023-2025 Escalade and GM SUV owners. Total documented downtime since first failure exceeds 160+ calendar days. Problems remained unresolved despite warranty repairs, software updates, recalls, and the L87 engine replacement. The sudden engine failure endangered my family and the ongoing phantom braking creates risk of collision or loss of control, especially at highway speeds. I have been forced to disable critical safety systems to prevent unintended braking. This vehicle is directly affected by the L87 defect that prompted federal recall and investigations. Please include my complaint in the ongoing EA25007 and RQ26001 investigations and consider my case in any further actions regarding the adequacy of GM's remedies. Please contact me for dealer repair orders and independent mechanic findings.

Filed Feb 13, 2026 · Engine · KY

I had been traveling on the freeway for about 3 hours when I decided to exit for a quick stop. While on the exit ramp, I was stopped about six cars back from the traffic light. When the cars inched forward I went to do the same and noticed there was no movement when I took my foot off the break. I pushed on the gas a little bit more than I normally would have to, and the car eventually jerked forward causing me to have to slam on the brakes. I turned off the auto start-stop feature at this point. The other cars inched forward again a moment later and again my car did not move when I took my foot off the brake. This time I really had to press down on the gas quite a bit and the car jerked forward again causing me to have to slam on the brake to avoid the car in front of me. The light turned green shortly thereafter and all the cars went, but I could not accelerate because the engine completely died. The car still had power so I turned it off and attempted to restart. All I heard was squeaking from the engine and nothing else happened. I waited about 15 minutes and tried it again, but the same thing happened again where the engine wouldn't turn over but there was some squeaking noises. The vehicle was towed to a nearby Buick dealership and when scanned in the service department I was told the issue is with the crankshaft. I've not been provided any details since. There were no warning signs or lights prior to this happening. I was almost rear-ended during this.

Filed Jan 30, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

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.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · NC

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.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Engine · KS

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.