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Cadillac Escalade ESV stalling problems

41 of the 546 owner complaints about the Cadillac Escalade ESV describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2023 model year.

owner complaints
41
worst model year
2023
typical mileage
50,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    3
  • 2023
    13
  • 2022
    6
  • 2021
    8
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    3
  • 2009
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2003
    2

Often reported together

Engine failure 17Check engine light 6Knocking 4Won't start 3Misfire 3Loss of power 3

Trouble codes mentioned

P129F 1P0016 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WA

On XXX, while driving out of my driveway, my Escalade stalled while backing out. I attempted to restart the vehicle, but it produced a cranking noise and indicated that I should start again. Additionally, the check engine light illuminated. Unfortunately, the vehicle failed to start. On XXX, while driving to pick up my children from school with a baby in the backseat and a [XXX] passenger, my Escalade stalled again in the middle of the road. I was stranded while other vehicles were driving back and forth. Nearby individuals assisted me by pushing me off the road to the side. The same issue occurred, and code P129F was sent to my phone from OnStar. I was forced to have my car towed, which posed a risk to my family’s safety as I attempted to get on the highway with four children under the age of [XXX] and being pregnant. I had to wait for my husband to pick us up from the roadside for two hours. 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.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

On August 17, 2026, at approximately 96,685 miles, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine lost motive power while I was driving on Highway 101 in California. The vehicle stalled, I pulled over, and I was unable to restart it. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed a seized engine that would not rotate, with metal contamination in the oil system and internal engine damage caused by a failed bearing. During teardown, the dealer specifically documented that the rod bearing failed and caused the engine seizure. This vehicle had previously received the GM L87 engine recall remedy on August 11, 2025, at approximately 47,987 miles. The dealer documented that the required PicoScope test passed and that the vehicle was operating normally at that time. The engine failure occurred approximately 48,698 miles after the recall remedy. GM subsequently replaced the engine under warranty. I am reporting this as a safety-related loss-of-motive-power event because the engine failed while the vehicle was traveling on a major highway and could not be restarted. I request that the federal safety agency consider this incident in connection with Recall 25V‑274 and Recall Query RQ26001 and evaluate whether the recall remedy adequately identifies L87 engines that remain at risk of subsequent failure.

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 31, 2026 · Engine · 56,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving and accelerating, the vehicle stalled and jolted forward. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that no cause for the failures was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.

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 29, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · NM

The Forward Collision Warning system will shut off while driving and an error message will appear. Also, the entire dashboard and radio goes blank and restarts while driving. Also, the backup camera often does not work, instead of an image the screen will flash purple then go black without any image at all. We have brought the car in multiple times for repair, the dealer has had the car for well over a month and it is still not repaired.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Engine · 49,989 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an "Engine Restarting" message displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the highway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign Number, which was previously performed on the vehicle, but the recall remedy failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,989.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported April 24, 2025 · 597,571 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

Recall number 25V274000 · Recall details

Questions about the Cadillac Escalade ESV stalling

Which Cadillac Escalade ESV years have engine stalls while driving problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2023 (13 complaints), 2021 (8 complaints) and 2022 (6 complaints).

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