The motor is making lots of weird noises and idling weird. This motor was replaced due to the L87 motor recall and sounds like it’s going to fail again.
The worst 2023 Cadillac Escalade problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine124
- Transmission21
- Electrical16
- Fuel system14
- Driver assistance10
- Brakes5
- Acceleration3
- Wheels3
- Lights2
- Visibility2
- Airbags1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade
Engine failure 76Loss of power 18Check engine light 17Knocking 11Stalling 11Won't start 6Oil consumption 5Won't shift 5
Recalls 4
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- 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
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
Recall number 24V674000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
- Risk
- A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006; and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N232415910.
Recall number 23V642000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: lighting control module: software
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V‑827.
Recall number 22V903000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade
Defect investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V‑274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V‑274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GMâs recall remedy for Recall 25V‑274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V‑274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V‑274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA26005
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V‑274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V‑274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GMâs recall remedy for Recall 25V‑274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V‑274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI will close this RQ and continue to investigate complaints of post-remedy engine failure for Recall 25V‑274 as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26005). To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
RQ26001
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V‑274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019â2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001). GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V‑274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V‑274, the federal safety agency has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V‑274. This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA25007
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GMâs full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engineâs bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V‑274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GMâs recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V‑274. Based on GMâs recall, ODI will close this PE. the federal safety agency will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V‑274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE25001
Technical service bulletins for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade 855
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Beginning with 2026 model year production, the floor console/armrest lamp design was changed by removing...
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- Unknown or other
2023 Cadillac Escalade crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
2023 Cadillac Escalade fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl Diesel | RWD | 21 | 27 | 23 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl Diesel | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| 6.2L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 11-14 | 16-18 | 13-16 |
| 6.2L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
What 2023 Cadillac Escalade owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
After the recall and switching to the new oil viscosity, the 6.2 ltr engine still quit working! Dealership said bearings seized up and metal shavings were found in the oil.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer where the engine was replaced twice, and the engine failure was confirmed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine (currently at 106,000 miles). The engine suffered sudden engine failure while driving / stalling, creating an immediate traffic hazard. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Cadillac dealership in Louisiana, where it has remained completely unrepaired for 60 consecutive days. The dealership claims they cannot repair the safety defect because they are "short-staffed." This vehicle’s failure directly matches the systemic manufacturing defects currently under investigation by the Office of Defects Investigation in Engineering Analysis EA26005. The manufacturer's inability to provide a timely repair through its dealer network leaves a known safety hazard unresolved.
Vehicle passed the L87 V8 recall inspection, but subsequently suffered sudden engine failure/knocking.
Around May 2025; we noticed a ticking/knocking noise coming from our engine. We popped the hood, confirmed the noise was coming from somewhere in the engine. Shut the vehicle off, noticed that the drive belt was significantly damaged/frayed. Brought it to the dealership - they we were informed that our engine had failed related to the GM 2025 recall. Engine was replaced at 68,500 miles with new engine. October 2026, around approximately 103,000 miles, we heard the same ticking/knocking noise coming from the engine. Again, popped the hood & found the drive belt to once again be destroyed, this time even worse from our perspective. Cracked in several places, frayed edges along several sections. Had the vehicle towed back to the same dealership the following day (Monday). Service advisor let us know the next day that the engine had "internal failure." Per the technician, "crankshaft bearing failure - premature wear, oil pressure collapse, and destruction of the main and rod bearings."
The engine stalled in the middle of an intersection ([XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I received a recall notice for catastrophic engine failure on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade sport platinum. I took it into Cable Dahmer Caddy Sales. They ran a test and added a thicker oil. My check engine light turns on roughly every 40 to 60 days and I take it to get service and it usually comes back with no error but why is the check engine light keep popping on and flashing. I’ve been reading about this catastrophic engine failure on the 6.2 V8 engine that’s in my vehicle and adding the thicker zero40 oil and running premium which nothing lower than 91 goes in my vehicle is just buying me time until I’m outside of my factory warranty. And on this website it says that no recalls have been repaired but is adding thick oil repair or as it’s being stated just a fix and draws out the eventual catastrophic engine failure. I’m just assuming that that’s going to happen as soon as my car is out of Warranty is there anyway we can get this tracked correctly on the website that shows that my vehicle does not have that particular engine that ceases up and fails and could I get a better explanation why my check engine light continues to come on and the dealership says there’s no issue they couldn’t get it to misfire again thanks
Driving down freeway and engine started making engine clicking noise, lights for engine, Stabil- Trak and numerous others came on. Gas pedal made even louder noise and shaking as i pulled over as i could not keep driving as it sounded like engine was going to blow up. limped off the road and took it to dealer. of course, they are saying it's a lifter failure and not an engine failure. Dealership wording it the way the want trying to get me to pay for it even though there is a recall and engine warranty for 150,000
2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum, VIN [XXX], equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8. The vehicle has a recurring vibration/shudder during steady, light-throttle driving, particularly in the low 30 mph range and again around 53 mph. At approximately 53 mph, the vibration can remain sustained while speed and throttle are held steady and generally stops or improves when I accelerate. The selling Cadillac dealer has repeatedly road-tested the vehicle. The Service Manager personally reproduced the condition and confirmed that the vibration goes away when the vehicle is operated in L9. After further evaluation, the dealer advised me in writing that the vibration was “positively confirmed” to be caused by the cylinder-deactivation process and that it cannot be changed. The vehicle previously underwent the applicable GM L87 engine recall inspection and passed that inspection. I am reporting this because the vibration and hesitation are noticeable and sustained during normal steady-speed driving, and I am concerned about whether this cylinder-deactivation behavior presents a drivability or potential safety issue. I have not experienced complete loss of propulsion or engine failure at this time. Been ongoing at purchase. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Compare the 2023 Cadillac Escalade
Other model years
19992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027
Questions about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade
Is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Owners have filed 146 complaints about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, 2.9 times a typical Escalade model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
Engine and cooling, with 124 complaints, typically around 30,000 miles. Next is transmission (21).
How many recalls does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade have?
4 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic and suspension.
Is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade safe in a crash?
In government crash tests the 2023 Cadillac Escalade scored 4 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).
Was there a recall on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 25V274000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Cadillac Escalade have bad engine?
The Cadillac Escalade model years with the most engine complaints are 2023 (124 complaints), 2022 (77 complaints) and 2021 (57 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade get?
Official estimates for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade range from 13 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl diesel, RWD) gets 21 city and 27 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history