Transmission control module went out of the blue, caused limp mode on the highway and barely got off. Damaged the Transmission, had to replace by cadillac. 2 weeks later after i got the car back, blew 3 fuses and the starter while driving. Had to get towed back over 100 miles. 3 days later the engine completely blew and they had to replace it. this was the second time this happened, first since ive owned it.
2023 Cadillac Escalade: stuck in gear or won't shift
5 of the 146 complaints about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade describe stuck in gear or won't shift.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 0
Stuck in gear or won't shift by model year
- 20235
- 20222
- 20211
- 20201
- 20181
- 20141
- 20092
- 20083
- 20074
What owners say
I am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated engine and drivability issues with my vehicle, which began shortly after purchase and have continued despite service visits. I purchased the vehicle on 03/04/2023. Within approximately one month (03/26/2023), I began experiencing abnormal engine behavior, including ticking noises and instances where the vehicle would shut off and require restarting. I immediately brought the vehicle to the dealership. At that time, the issue was not properly diagnosed and I was told after a test drive that the noise was “normal. On 12/18/2025, I was later notified of an engine recall involving the same type of engine problem I had been reporting since 2023. I brought the vehicle in 12/19/2026 and the engine failed 3 times. I was informed that an engine replacement was necessary, and the vehicle was left at the dealership. It was ready for pickup on 01/14/2026 after the engine replacement was completed. On 04/15/2026, the vehicle began making knocking noises and would not shift into drive or reverse. I had to turn the vehicle off and restart it in order to regain drivability. On 04/16/2026, while driving, the vehicle began making a loud revving noise without accelerating and started to slow down and lose power. I was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle would not respond properly until I turned it off and restarted it again in order to continue driving. These ongoing issues present a serious safety concern due to repeated loss of power and drivability while operating the vehicle.
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 Saturday, December 28, 2024 @ 1 PM while driving 70 mph on the I-10 freeway; the vehicle downshifted causing the engine RPM’s to increase. We had 15 seconds to make a decision as the vehicle shutdown immediately. On my driver’s side were 5-6 lanes of freeway with cars going 70 mph, while on the right-passenger side was Exit 73b called Waterman Ave. in San Bernardino, CA. We managed to park on a small strip dividing the 5-6 lanes and exit lane, as we couldn’t get over to the shoulder. In addition, the vehicle was stuck in Park and would not go into Neutral. The engine wouldn’t start. NO WARNING LIGHTS. Called 911 at 1:04 PM and asked for an officer to assist us because we were scared for our lives sitting on the freeway. We were worried someone would hit us from behind. About 1/2 hour after my 911 call an officer arrived. We told him what happened, and informed him we called AAA’s Roadside Assistance. The officer informed us that if there was a call, he would have to leave, and he was worried we’d get hit by drunk driver going 70 mph. Our vehicle was towed to Dutton Motor Company in Riverside, CA. • Engine failure possibly due to oversized lifter bores. Replace the engine to fix. • We had 15 seconds to stop suddenly going 70 mph, not on the shoulder of the I-10 freeway. Our safety was at risk so I called 911 asking for an officer. • Dealer told us the engine needs to be replaced. • Vehicle not inspected by police, insurance, just shop at dealership. • No warning lights. Absolutely nothing.
On 6/16/24 While driving on I95 the car started making a flapping noise and the car started to lurch and buck. No warning lights were on at the time. I pulled over and turned the car off and could not get it to restart right away. After a few tries it did turn on and the engine light stayed on but the car would not shift into gear. The car had to be towed and we were told there was a total engine failure.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have...
- This service bulletin advises the technician to check if the transmission cooler lines are twisted to...
- This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases
- This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern...
- This service bulletin provides a procedure to repair wiring to correct customer concerns of Driveability,...
- Power train
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the rear diff fluid to correct the rear clutches...
- This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade won't shift
Is stuck in gear or won't shift a common problem on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
5 of 146 owner complaints about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade (3%) mention stuck in gear or won't shift. The model year with the most reports is 2023.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
There are 0 recalls and 68 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 11Won't start 6Oil consumption 5
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