The panoramic sunroof glass on my 2025 Cadillac Escalade shattered on its own on October 11, 2026. Nothing struck the glass, and there was no impact, debris, or collision. The vehicle has about 26,000 miles and is under factory warranty, but the dealership denied warranty coverage. After the glass was replaced, broken glass shards are still lodged in the sunroof shade track and grind whenever the shade opens or closes, and pieces of glass were found on the floorboard. Spontaneous shattering of overhead glass is a safety hazard to occupants. Other owners have reported the same failure (the federal safety agency ODI 11708639, 11727950, 11557285, 11489359).
Cadillac Escalade grinding brakes problems
25 of the 1,736 owner complaints about the Cadillac Escalade describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2007 model year.
- owner complaints
- 25
- worst model year
- 2007
- typical mileage
- 62,830
By model year
- 20261
- 20251
- 20243
- 20233
- 20211
- 20182
- 20153
- 20131
- 20091
- 20074
- 20061
- 20041
- 20022
- 20001
Often reported together
Engine failure 5Check engine light 4Stalling 2Slipping 2Knocking 2Won't start 1Transmission failure 1
What owners say
The engine malfunctioned. On October 19, 2026, the dealership advised by telephone that the engine would need to be replaced. The specific internal component or cause of failure has not been provided. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 1. During highway driving, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and did not respond as expected. The driver backed off the accelerator and observed a flashing check-engine light. Unpredictable acceleration created concern about safely keeping pace with traffic. Additional noises and an unusual odor later developed. The vehicle was parked safely. 2. Yes. The dealership evaluated the reported problems and advised on October 19 that engine replacement was necessary. Written diagnostic findings have not yet been provided. 3. The dealership evaluated the vehicle. No separate inspection by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or an independent service center is known. According to the records available to us, the vehicle was driven only TWO miles in connection with the dealership’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) inspection. This raises concern about whether the inspection adequately identified the engine problem before sale. 4. Symptoms began October 13, 2026, during the initial drive home after purchase: black exhaust smoke during hard acceleration. On October 14, hesitation and an unusual whooshing/rushing-air noise occurred during highway acceleration. The check-engine light flashed intermittently, then went out when exiting the highway. On October 16, additional squeaking noises and an unusual odor developed while driving to work. Mileage was 12,599 at delivery on October 13 and 12,671 by October 17—only 72 miles driven since purchase. Symptoms began on delivery day and worsened within three days. Engine replacement was deemed necessary six days after delivery.
On Nov 16-17, 2025 we had GM recall work done - it was an manufacturers defect in connecting rod & crankshaft that can cause bearing failure or sudden loss of propulsion. The escalade ran fine since then, other than the HUD not working on the windshield. We had the oil changed on Sept 17, 2026, and they ordered the part for the HUD. On October 10, 2026, with this 2024 escalade, we were heading to SC towing an enclosed trailer with a motorcycle inside. 35 minutes into our drive on an interstate, the escalade started making a loud grinding noise, like the engine was revving up, then the engine cut out. We were able to coast to the shoulder and park it. It would not start back up. We called Onstar and ordered a tow, that took 4+ hours to arrive. The tow dropped it off at the dealership. The service rep said it's probably the engine (and he has 2 other escalades here with the same problem), but they cannot look at it until Monday. We tried to get a loaner through the dealership so we could continue our trip, and they were not able to accommodate us.
While I was driving i needed to accelerate to pass slower traffic. As I pressed the accelerator I I felt a shudder and binding sensation throughout the vehicle and had to make a very drastic and unplanned maneuver to return to my lane as I had not completely departed from my lane, while maneuvering back in my lane I was forced to make several decisions as what next to do not know how my vehicle was going to respond to further acceleration attempts and if my wheels were going to lock up going freeway speeds. Since the incident I have noticed when my transmission fluid temp reaches between 100° and 150° my truck consistently exhibits the same behaviors inconsistent acceleration, clunking sounds, grinding/ binding sensation felt while at highway cruising speeds, clunk sounds during deceleration under breaking. I purchased the vehicle on 9/10/26 used. I have since stopped using this vehicle because it is a primary family vehicle used for schools drop off and pick ups as well as traveling for sports events. I do not trust that the behavior of the truck will simply works itself out and I will not risk my family safety on the roadway. Also after driving my vehicle the transmission fluid temp reading does not go down to ambient temperatures after 8 hours of setting.
Engine has a subtle but noticeable squeaking and chirp sound from the engine when cold and it is noticeable when decelerating, you can hear it then as well. The engine also runs fairly rough for a Cadillac and when decelerating to a stop, the engine RPM will drop significantly run rough and then it will recover. It's been Cadillac and Cadillac says this is working as designed.
After having the initial engine failure recall completed by the dealership by switching to a different viscosity oil… While traveling at 45 mph the motor made a knocking or ticking sound with a squeal and then “hiccuped “ and immediately lost all power. I was only able to steer the vehicle onto a busy sidestreet. The vehicle had recently been serviced by Cadillac. Once stopped, the vehicle cannot be shifted from park due to “shifting conditions not met” so I was blocking the entire intersection. Police had to respond for traffic control. Due to the electronic shifter the only way to shift the vehicle into neutral is with tools and getting underneath the vehicle to remove a bolt. There is no reasonable or prudent way to do this in the middle of an intersection.
Engine stopped running while driving. Took to the dealer. Engine was making a load grinding noise. Dealer replaced the engine. Drove home vehicle dripped oil in the driveway. Took vehicle to dealership. Engine block was cracked. Dealer replaced engine. Took vehicle to dealership for oil change . Engine had 1,800 Miles . Engine oil was contaminated with large pieces of metal. I took the used oil filter home cut it open and filter was full of metal as well. Took back to dealership and ask to replace the failing engine and was denied by the regional service manager as well as the general motors engineer. Their answer was if the engine fails AGAIN the vehicle is under warranty. The engine oil continues to be full of metal chunks. In my opinion metal in oil is engine failure. This vehicle is unsafe to drive with the engine full of metal.
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later examined by a mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 113,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the vehicle at start-up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was notified of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started to stall with a high-pitched squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel moments before the vehicle shut off. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that the engine was replaced under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Related recalls
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
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
- Risk
- A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑866‑522‑9559, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Recall number 20V603000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
- Risk
- As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Recall number 19V645000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
- Risk
- Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
- Remedy
- Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on june 18, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463; or hummer at 1‑866‑486‑6376.
Recall number 04V045000 · Recall details
Questions about the Cadillac Escalade grinding brakes
Which Cadillac Escalade years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2007 (4 complaints), 2015 (3 complaints) and 2023 (3 complaints).
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