I was driving and the vehicle stopped accelerating and the gear was in neutral. I pulled over and turned the car off then attempted to turn it on, but it would not turn over. All electrical was on, but the car would not start. This same thing happened two days prior twice within 10 min. of each other, but I was able to start the car those times. Due to the speed suddenly declining and being unable to accelerate on a two lane road with cars behind me; it could have caused a serious accident. It has not yet been confirmed by a dealer, but this is a known recall for this vehicle that was listed as complete prior. There was no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The first noted incident happened on 8/10/26.
2023 Cadillac Escalade: won't start
6 of the 146 complaints about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade describe won't start.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Won't start by model year
- 20262
- 20244
- 20236
- 20224
- 20211
- 20191
- 20181
- 20171
- 20163
- 20153
- 20101
- 20082
- 20072
- 20034
What owners say
Vehicle died and will not start. Call on star for tow truck 8 hrs no tow truck ! Vehicle is super dangerous and unreliable. It’s going to get somebody killed.
Received a recall letter that stated the engine in my 2023 escalade with roughly 49,000 miles on it at the time. Has problems with the engine breaking down and shutting the entire vehicle off. Took the car to the dealer to fix per the recall letter. They stated they only needed to replace an oil cap and put better oil in the car, and not replace the engine as stated in the recall letter. About two weeks later the transmission started to slip and the car would not go over 50 MPH, in addition it would switch automatically into 4wd and get stuck in 4wd. Took the car back to the dealership they did not replace transmission they stated it may have something to do with the recall or an electrical issue. About 8,000 miles later I was driving on the highway taking kids to school and the entire vehicle just shut down completely, I could not brake, steer, control the car in anyway possible. I was riding what felt like a death trap. I was so scared for my family and myself, the car came to a stop on its own pretty drastically. I thought I was going to get slammed into or hit the car in front of me. Luckily I was not hit. The car prompted to push the start button, I tried to start the car, nothing. There was still music playing but the screens were all black, also the engine did not turn over at all. I could not put on my hazards either. I called a tow truck while sitting there and got the car towed to the dealership. The dealership took 3 days to get back to me and stated it was the engine and they are going to have to replace it with a new engine. In addition they would not provide me with a time frame at all, or a temporary vehicle to take my kids to school in. I feel this should be illegal with what has happened to me, I got regular oil changes and maintenance done. If they are still using this engine someone will end up dying from this poorly engineered engine and car. Cadillac once had a great reputation, I regret putting my kids and my life into this automobile.
Driving with children on freeway after picking them up from school and suddenly the vehicle shut down completely nothing on dash neither. In the middle of freeway after doing 55 miles per hour was very scary for me and my family. Tried starting vehicle and would not start for 15 minutes. The next day took it to the dealer where I purchased it and was told it was 5 vehicles there before me that needed engine replacement and I might be the sixth. I was called the next day and was Told the service man took it for a spin and the engine completely seized on him and to find out it was the engine And other components. There were no warning before any of this happened it seems as if once you accelerate to about 50 to 60 mph it completely shuts down he said. My vehicle is currently at the Jim Riehl Cadillac in Clinton Twp Michigan and waiting for an engine to be replaced with other components I was told. [XXX] was the date of the occurrence and I was told also told they may need to keep my vehicle for 2 - 3 months for the replacement from the GM manufacture. I spoke to individuals at the Cadillac headquarters and everyone seems to act as if this is so brand new and not a huge issue and I’m the one that is paying these hefty monthly car notes on a vehicle that I only owned for 1 year and 6 months with 24,000 miles on it currently. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving on the interstate at 80 mph, my vehicle switched to neutral and began to decelerate. I could not shift back to drive. Thankfully I was able to maneuver through the busy interstate to pull over to the median. We almost triggered an accident due to the deceleration while in the fast lane. Once we were able to stop in the median, I had to turn off the vehicle because it would not change gears. The engine would not start and we were stuck in Park mode. The vehicle had to be towed from the median of the interstate.
On [XXX] my 2023 Cadillac Escalade Super Cruise VIN: [XXX] with approximately 9600 miles failed to operate in a safe manner and has malfunctioned. The vehicle has been well maintained and follows all manufacturer specifications. It is a lemon. The engine seized while operating on the highway. The vehicle lost speed, there was a crashing boom sound, followed by extreme shaking as grinded to a halt. It was extremely challenging for the driver to maintain control. The dealership confirmed the engine will not turn over, they removed the oil filter and examined the oil sample from it. The sample showed signs of metal, a clear indication of an internal failure. The procedure now is to order a new engine, radiator, oil cooler lines and all one time use components of the fuel injection rails all seals, gaskets and bolts required by General Motors. In addition, the emergency braking system did not engage. The onstar system emailed me the night before a clean bill of health with their diagnostic app. There were also no check engine lights prior to using the vehicle. Our use of the vehicle has been impaired, the market value has dropped, and there are obvious safety concerns in placing my family in this vehicle. My research online indicates this is a known issue, however no safety recall has been issued. Police arrived on scene to assist in tow. Police station was Boxford, MA. A report has yet to be completed. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service bulletins that may apply
- Condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have...
- Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on...
- Condition that could
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer...
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000...
Related recalls
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
Questions about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade won't start
Is won't start a common problem on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
6 of 146 owner complaints about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade (4%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2023.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
There is 1 recall and 166 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade
Engine failure 76Loss of power 18Check engine light 17Knocking 11Stalling 11Oil consumption 5Won't shift 5
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