Cadillac Escalade ESV engine failure problems

Filed Nov 8, 2026 · Engine · TN

Andrew’s Cadillac dealership in Mount Juliet Tennessee called and stated our 2026 Escalade esv had a catastrophic engine failure and would require a new engine.

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · Engine · WY

engine seized on the highway

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 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 20, 2026 · Engine · TX

My engine had a malfunction. My safety was put at risk due to not knowing if the vehicle would stop before I was able to safely get it to be checked. The dealer has been confirmed by the dealer as engine failure due to bearing failure. This was determined by metal pieces in the oil pan. There were no warning signs, including no warning lights.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine · NY

On Friday, XXX, my 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX]), with approximately 10,000 miles, experienced a sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on a busy highway exit ramp. My wife, [XXX] daughter, and dog were in the vehicle. The engine died without warning, resulting in total loss of power. We were extremely fortunate that no following vehicle struck us. This created an immediate and serious risk of a high-speed collision. The vehicle was towed to Pepe Cadillac of [XXX]. Pepe Cadillac diagnosed the failure as involving metal shavings/contamination in the oil, internal engine failure consistent with spun bearing and/or crankshaft/connecting rod issues, and stated that it matches the known L87 6.2-liter V8 manufacturing defect. A complete engine replacement is required. The vehicle remains at the dealership waiting on a new engine. This failure pattern matches the manufacturing defects that were the subject of the prior safety recall on 2021–2024 L87 engines (the federal safety agency 25V274000) and that are currently under investigation in Engineering Analysis EA26005, which covers 2021–2026 model year vehicles including the Escalade and Escalade ESV. I am submitting this complaint so that it can be added to the open investigation. Sudden loss of propulsion while driving is a clear safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

Normal Routine Engine Maintenance - Suddenly the vehicle died with engine alerts of engine failure, transmission failure, low oil pressure, low 12V battery detected. Car stalled exiting highway normal driving conditions, would not start, electrical system malfunctioning warning signs and alert code immediately popped up in email, phone and onboard display for these issues, and I received an email from my OnStar system for code P0016 which seems is affiliated with the following from a major recall notice: P0016 is a critical code indicating a major internal engine defect covered by a safety recall (N252494000), often requiring engine replacementProduct Safety Recall L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion (Related field action: See Special Coverage N252494003) GM Program #: N252494000 the federal safety agency: 25V274 Date Issued: 2025-04-24

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · FL

My 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN [XXX]) developed an engine failure after receiving the recall remedy for the federal safety agency recall 25V‑274 (GM 6.2L V8 connecting rod/crankshaft defect). Symptoms: engine misfiring, dashboard warning lights illuminated, engine stalling/misfiring at idle, loss of power on acceleration, and a valve-like knocking noise coming from the engine. The loss of power and stalling while driving put my safety and the safety of others at risk. The vehicle is currently at the Vera Cruz Cadillac dealership, where it has been sitting for almost a month while awaiting the warranty process. The dealer has not confirmed the root cause. This engine failure occurred AFTER the 25V‑274 recall remedy was completed on this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.