Started car and all of sudden shaking, loss of power, flashing engine light and punch of flashing warnings. The car is being towed to cadillac dealer!
Cadillac Escalade loss of power problems
97 of the 1,736 owner complaints about the Cadillac Escalade describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2023 model year.
- owner complaints
- 97
- worst model year
- 2023
- typical mileage
- 80,000
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 41Check engine light 20Knocking 14Stalling 12Misfire 7Power steering loss 6Won't shift 4Won't start 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P0300 3P2137 1P0747 1P0700 1P0304 1P0016 1
What owners say
I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine and took delivery on XXX. At approximately 9,700 miles, the vehicle developed an engine-related problem and the check engine light illuminated. I brought the vehicle to Cadillac of Norwood in [XXX] on XXX During diagnosis, the dealership identified metal contamination in the engine oil. I was advised that, because metal was found in the oil, further internal diagnosis was stopped and the engine would need to be replaced. The dealership subsequently ordered a complete replacement engine. As of XXX, the vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting the replacement engine and has been out of service continuously since September 16. This is particularly concerning because the vehicle is approximately six months old and has fewer than 10,000 miles. An internal engine failure resulting in metal circulating in the oil at such low mileage raises concerns about premature engine failure and the possibility of loss of engine power if a similar failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven. Prior to this failure, I had also noticed an abnormal ticking noise from the engine. The vehicle has required multiple dealership visits since purchase for other concerns. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency has a record of the premature engine failure and replacement on this 2026 Cadillac Escalade. I believe this should be evaluated for potential similarity to other reported 6.2L V8 engine failures in GM full-size SUVs and trucks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade on July 27, 2026. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began experiencing significant engine-related problems, including shaking, rough running, loss of power, knocking-type noises, misfires, and a check-engine light. The vehicle underwent three separate repair attempts for the engine-related concerns. During these visits, the dealer diagnosed and attempted to correct the misfire and related engine issues, including work involving the ignition coil/coil pack. Despite these repair attempts, the problems continued or returned. A fourth visit was then conducted as a final repair attempt. During this visit, a General Motors engineer became involved and attempted to diagnose and correct the vehicle’s continuing engine problems. Despite this additional manufacturer-level repair attempt, the underlying engine concern was not successfully resolved. The vehicle was essentially brand new when these problems began. After three repair attempts and a fourth final repair attempt involving a GM engineer, I remain concerned about the safety, reliability, and long-term condition of the engine because of the repeated shaking, loss of power, misfires, abnormal engine noise, and warning lights.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at highway speeds, the "Engine Power Reduced" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. The contact stated that his wife was panicked due to the abrupt failure and refused to drive the vehicle. Due to the ongoing failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer on three separate occasions; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine failior. Engine lost power on highway and lhad to limp to safety in traffic. With my children in the vehicle.
On August 25, 2026, while driving my 2026 Cadillac Escalade, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine lost power and the vehicle became inoperable while I was on the road. There was no meaningful advance warning that would have allowed me to safely anticipate the failure. The sudden loss of engine power created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could no longer be driven normally or moved under its own power. The vehicle ultimately had to be transported by a specialty tow service to an authorized Cadillac dealership. The Cadillac dealership inspected the vehicle and advised me that there was a major internal engine failure involving the bottom end of the engine, including the crankshaft/rod-bearing area, and that the engine requires replacement. The vehicle was purchased brand new on December 31, 2025 with approximately 15 miles and suffered this major engine failure less than eight months after purchase. The vehicle had approximately 12,000 miles at the time of the failure. The vehicle is currently at the authorized Cadillac dealership and is available for inspection. Cadillac/GM has been notified of the failure, and a case has been opened with the manufacturer. My primary safety concern is that a major engine failure occurred suddenly while the vehicle was being driven. A sudden loss of propulsion in traffic could create a significant risk of a collision, particularly at highway speeds or in circumstances where the driver needs engine power to safely maneuver the vehicle.
I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2023 Cadillac Escalade involving unexpected acceleration and loss of propulsion while driving. On XXX, while traveling to [XXX] in slow-moving traffic with Super Cruise engaged, my vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. I immediately applied the brakes to avoid striking the vehicle ahead. I reported the incident to the Cadillac dealership and contacted OnStar. OnStar records reflected the acceleration/hard-braking event, but the dealership could not identify the cause. On XXX, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of engine/transmission power while I was driving. I contacted OnStar, which reported transmission control module-related diagnostic codes P0747 and P0700 and indicated reduced power/transmission malfunction. I had difficulty reaching a safe location and the vehicle was ultimately towed to a Cadillac dealership. I have also experienced ongoing excessive oil consumption. I first reported this in May 2024 at approximately 21,000 miles. Multiple oil consumption tests were performed, but I repeatedly had to add oil between changes. In June 2026, the vehicle displayed an “Add Oil” warning even though the oil life monitor showed approximately 37% remaining. The vehicle has also had recurring HVAC problems requiring multiple dealership visits, including a coolant flush for an air pocket and later vent actuator recalibration. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by authorized GM/Cadillac dealerships multiple times, including recall work, oil consumption testing, powertrain diagnosis and HVAC repairs. Despite these repeated visits, concerns continue. My primary safety concerns are the unexpected acceleration and subsequent loss of propulsion/reduced power while driving. I am reporting these incidents because they may indicate a safety-related defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2024 Cadillac Escalade had the 6.2 v8 engine recall done in 6/25. I’ve put less than 8k miles on it since and just rolled 32400 miles total. While driving with my family in the car on 8/30 on the highway, it lost all power and just shut off while driving highway speeds. I was able to safely stop but very dangerous. Vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to dealer.
I was driving down the road, doing approximately 50 mph, when my vehicle shifted itself into neutral and I lost power completely. The information center said "reduced power. Press the start button to regain power," which I did, but nothing happened. I had to pull off the road and have my vehicle towed to a Cadillac dealership in Lima, OH. The dealer, Lima Auto Mall, confirmed I suffered a complete engine failure. This is one of the 6.2L engines that GM has recalled and I had already had the engine inspected by my local Cadillac dealer and they told me my engine was "good," and switched to the 0W40 motor oil. I had just had the vehicle into my Cadillac dealer 4 days prior where they performed an oil change, tire rotation, 80,000 mile service , etc. Four days later, the motor completely failed and had to be replaced.
Driving my 2021 Escalade on interstate and engine began emitting sudden, loud metallic tapping. Oil pressure dropped off and a reduced power warning came on HUD. Acceleration dropped off, forcing him to coast dangerously across three lanes of traffic to the shoulder. Coasted to dealership—-somehow the VIN didn’t fall within the 2021-2024 recall despite exhibiting the exact same failure. Catastrophic engine failure needing full engine replacement.
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
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
- What is wrong
- General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
- Risk
- The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
- Remedy
- General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC at 1‑800‑462‑8782. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.
Recall number 14V007000 · Recall details
Questions about the Cadillac Escalade loss of power
Which Cadillac Escalade years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2023 (18 complaints), 2024 (10 complaints) and 2022 (8 complaints).
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