2022 Cadillac Escalade: engine failure

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

While driving approximately 55 mph on a public road, the 6.2L V8 (RPO L87) engine failed catastrophically and the vehicle lost propulsion. The pistons in cylinders 1 and 2 exploded and were ejected through both sides of the engine block. The vehicle was towed to Walnut Creek Cadillac (RO 189443, 55,262 miles). The dealer replaced the complete long block, radiator, oil cooler lines, intake manifold and catalytic converter under warranty, and the repair order records GM recall N252494000 / the federal safety agency 25V‑274 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion) as completed and verified. The vehicle was out of service approximately one month. Loss of propulsion at highway speed created a serious crash risk.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · 47,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the engine replacement, the low oil warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired for an oil consumption-related recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Engine · GA

I am filing this complaint regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade and serious concerns about how a safety-related engine issue and recall were handled. I purchased my Escalade new and have consistently maintained it at the Cadillac dealership, following all recommended oil-change and maintenance intervals. Over approximately two years, I had multiple service appointments where I waited more than four hours for what I believed was simply an oil change. I now have documentation showing my vehicle had little to no oil in the engine while the vehicle still indicated more than 40% oil life remaining. Despite these repeated visits, I was not clearly informed of the seriousness of what was happening with my engine. I was eventually informed of the recall and that the condition of my engine was serious enough to require a complete engine replacement. I am extremely concerned that I was not made aware of this safety risk sooner. Since the replacement engine was installed, I have continued to experience a concerning metal-on-metal type sound when my vehicle stops. I have reported this to the Cadillac service department multiple times, but I still do not feel confident that the problem has been properly addressed. I have told the dealership that I do not feel safe driving this vehicle, especially with my children and grandchildren riding in it. I have even asked to be released from the vehicle because I no longer have confidence in its safety. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate how this recall was handled, whether customers were adequately informed of the safety risks, and whether replacement engines and continuing reported symptoms are being properly addressed. I am concerned other Cadillac owners may be experiencing similar problems without understanding the seriousness of the issue. I have documentation of my service history and vehicle condition and can provide it if requested.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine · TX

This vehicle had the recall engine replacement and now hearing engine tick

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Engine failed while driving down the highway at speed. Just shut off. Very dangerous. No power had to pull over. Vehicle would not start agin. Said low oil pressure. Had it towed to the dealership. Complete engine failure and had to have the motor replaced. After replacement engine still does not feel right and transmission acts up as well. Complete piece of junk for how expensive these vehicles are. Scary, dangerous and do not trust this vehicle anymore. Stuck with an unsafe piece of junk that's unreliable. Please help. New motor is exactly the same as the other one so it's going to fail again. It stays at the dealership instead of my driveway. People are getting screwed. Some kind of compensation needs to be done for us with these issues. Completely unfair.

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Engine · MA

1.) When traveling down a (4) lane back road (without a median or adequite shoulder) the engine of the vehicle suddenly stalled. I pulled over to the side of the road and went to restart the vehilcle and that is when I noticed a burning electrical smell. After that the vehicle was not responsive to any request. 2.) Sudden uncontrol failure of drive train/ vehicle propultion. Unable to move car to safe location. Stuck on side of (4) lane back road. 3.) The vehicle was taken to service and it was confirmed that the engine had seized. 4.) The dealership inspected the engine and noted the mechanical failure. 5.)No there were not and when accessing my "cadillac app" it noted the the vehicle was in good condtion and there were no problems to report. Notes: Vehicle was purchased with 71,642 miles on 2/28/2026 and failed on 3/8/2026 with 71,975 miles.

Filed Jul 26, 2026 · Engine · FL

My 2022 Cadillac Escalade received the remedy for Recall 25V‑274 (L87 6.2L V8 loss of propulsion) on July 22nd at the dealer. The vehicle passed inspection and was given the higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil change remedy rather than an engine replacement. Since that service, the engine has begun stalling. It stalls when the vehicle is stopped. This symptom was not present before the recall service was performed. I consider this a loss-of-propulsion safety concern consistent with the defect the recall was meant to address, and I am concerned the oil-change remedy did not correct the underlying condition. The vehicle currently has approximately 144,969 miles. I am taking it to the dealer for diagnosis and am requesting a check for diagnostic trouble code P0016 and an oil filter inspection for metal debris.

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Engine, Wheels · SC

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The Engine seized up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine shut off on its own will. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes GM has confirmed the engine needs to be replaced under the 6.2L engine claim. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? GM has inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning at all on the vehicle.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine · TX

The vehicle experienced a total engine failure on 03/16/2026 while traveling in the Houston/Friendswood, TX area going home from our vacation in Galveston, TX. The vehicle remained out of service at Big Star Cadillac in Friendswood until 04/27/2026. This failure is directly related to GM Safety Recall N252494000, involving defective internal engine components. Prior Ownership History (01/22/2024): The vehicle experienced an engine failure at 18,424 miles while under previous ownership. The engine was replaced by an authorized Cadillac dealership prior to my purchase. This material repair history was not disclosed at the time of sale. Second Failure (03/16/2026): At 47,503 miles, the replacement engine (N1240062M69X0196) failed catastrophically while in my possession during a return trip from vacation with my family of five. The failure occurred on Interstate 45, a heavily traveled highway, and we were barely able to exit the freeway. The new engine is part of the N126086N44X0534 series.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine · ME

2022 Cadillac Escalade. Had the 6.2 liter engine recall done about 6K miles ago in which the engine was replaced. Now it’s back at the dealer again and needs another 6.2 liter engine. Been at the dealer for a month and GM has given them no update on when they can get another engine for it. This is insane. How am I ever supposed to be able to take my family around in this vehicle if the engines keep failing. Unfortunately I just bought this from the a dealer 6 months ago so I’m stuck with a vehicle that I do not trust… a $111,000 vehicle.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade on an interstate highway at approximately 70 mph with my family, including two minor children, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost propulsion, shut off, and shifted into neutral. This occurred in active traffic and created an immediate safety hazard. A warning message appeared instructing me to restart the vehicle. After several minutes navigating traffic, I was able to restart the vehicle briefly and exit the highway. Shortly thereafter, additional dashboard alerts appeared indicating critical engine and transmission failure. After exiting the highway, the vehicle shut down completely at a traffic signal and failed to restart. The vehicle was immobilized in an active roadway until police assistance arrived to prevent a rear‑end collision and a flatbed tow was arranged. The sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed placed vehicle occupants and surrounding motorists at serious risk. The vehicle is available for inspection and was diagnosed as having a seized engine on March 9, 2026, by Diamond Cadillac in [XXX] . This failure did not occur without warning. Prior to this incident, I repeatedly reported excessive oil consumption to the selling dealer, Otto Cadillac, from whom I purchased the vehicle in April 2025 as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. On two separate service visits, I reported oil consumption exceeding two quarts between recommended service intervals and requested that this be documented. I was advised that the consumption was “within tolerance” and was later informed—incorrectly—that this tolerance applied to my engine configuration. Otto Cadillac performed a recall-related inspection and implemented the manufacturer-directed remedy consisting of an oil cap replacement and a change in oil viscosity to SAE 40. No mechanical repair or deeper diagnostic action was taken. The subsequent engine seizure confirms that these mitigation measures did not resolve the underlying defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Engine · MD

There was a recall on my Cadillac Escalade regarding the engine. We had the vehicle inspected in the fall and were told that our engine was not affected and was safe to operate. However, on Sunday, March 8, the engine suddenly failed while I was driving on an exit ramp with children in the car. There were no warning lights or prior indications of a problem. I took the appropriate steps to have the vehicle evaluated under the recall, yet we were still placed in a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation due to the engine failure.