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Cadillac Escalade misfire problems

42 of the 1,736 owner complaints about the Cadillac Escalade describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2017 model year.

owner complaints
42
worst model year
2017
typical repair cost reported
$9,700
typical mileage
113,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    3
  • 2025
    1
  • 2024
    3
  • 2023
    4
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    2
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    6
  • 2016
    5
  • 2015
    5
  • 2013
    1
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    2
  • 2008
    1
  • 2006
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine · MO

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

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

This is a POST-REMEDY FAILURE. Please associate with EA26005. The replacement engine installed in July 2025 under recall 25V‑274 has now failed at approximately 16,000 miles. In August 2026 at 70,606 miles the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle ran roughly and felt like it would stall. The dealer performed GM campaign N252510321 (ECM software update), found nothing further, charged $325 in diagnostics and returned the vehicle after a factory reset. The light returned within a week with additional faults. On the second visit (RO 198718, 71,355 miles) the dealer found codes P0300 and P0304, swapped coil, wire and plug to known-good cylinders with the misfire following cylinder 4, and measured 0 PSI compression. Diagnosis: lifter failure. Right-bank lifters, pushrods and oil valve solenoids were replaced. 15 days out of service. Days after pickup the vehicle developed a whining noise in reverse, then illuminated traction control, collision system and check engine warnings simultaneously during a short drive. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive. The dealer instructed me to drive it 35 miles to the dealership and declined both a tow and a loaner. Stalling in traffic and simultaneous loss of traction control and collision avoidance present a crash risk.

Filed Sep 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

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.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Engine · KY

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.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · RI

My 2015 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L V8 with Active Fuel Management has had repeated lifter/valvetrain failures. On 10/2/2025 at approximately 109,536 miles, an independent repair shop confirmed a failed lifter on cylinder 3. The driver-side cylinder head was removed and all eight lifters on that bank were replaced along with a pushrod. On 9/9/2026 at approximately 116,689 miles, only about 7,153 miles later, the vehicle again developed severe shaking while driving. A different independent repair shop documented diagnostic code P0300, cylinder 1 low compression and misfiring, and noted that the lifters on that side had recently been replaced. Additional lifter-related parts, including lifters, a pushrod, guide and VLOM plate, were replaced. The shaking and misfire occurred while the vehicle was being driven, which concerned me because a sudden engine misfire or loss of normal engine performance could reduce power and affect safe control of the vehicle in traffic. Both failures were confirmed and repaired by independent automotive repair facilities. After the most recent repair, I returned the vehicle to the mechanic because it still felt different and had some vibration. The mechanic stated that the engine currently checks out, but I can still feel vibration that was not present before these problems. I do not know whether the removed failed lifter components are still available for inspection, but I have repair invoices documenting both failures and repairs. To my knowledge, the lifter failures themselves have not been inspected by General Motors, police, or an insurance representative. The second failure was documented with code P0300, low compression and a cylinder 1 misfire. I do not know whether the check-engine warning lamp was illuminated at the exact time the symptoms first began.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Transmission · KS

ABS lights come on, engine misfireing, camshaft position senor codes, and vehicle will lunge at stop light. Bought the car 30 days ago and has been in service at the dealership for the past 3 weeks.

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Engine · TX

The L87 in our Escalade had a catastrophic failure at 97,088 miles. We were told that the right cylinder head had failed which caused the lower main bearings to fail. We had the engine replaced with a newly rebuilt L87 on XXX (invoice date). The engine was rebuilt by GM. Our local shop procured it through Weisner GMC in [XXX]. The cost to us was $11,428.22. Fortunately, we were able to limp the car into our local shop. Now, this newly rebuilt engine has 11,056 miles on it and we are experiencing the same symptoms as the last. Those are: ticking during acceleration and very rough idling and a growling noise at low speeds. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 15, 2026 · Body, Engine · FL

I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade from AutoNation Cadillac West Palm Beach on July 27, 2026. At only approximately 375 miles, the vehicle developed serious engine/drivability problems and front/rear bumper alignment defects. The Escalade began shaking/stuttering, hesitating, experiencing inconsistent power, and making an abnormal knocking-type noise. The check-engine light illuminated. I took the vehicle to Delray Cadillac, where technicians found a cylinder 4 misfire and ultimately determined the problem involved the cylinder 4 lifter system. The repair required substantial internal engine work on an essentially brand-new vehicle. Cadillac replaced eight lifters, along with associated gaskets, bolts, guides, and related components. The engine was opened for the repair, and the technician inspected the camshaft/cam lobes and related valvetrain components before reassembly and testing. After receiving the vehicle back, I still notice abnormal power delivery. At approximately 45–55 mph, the engine intermittently hesitates and feels as though it struggles to maintain steady power, even though the check-engine light is currently off. This concerns me because major internal engine work was already required at only about 375 miles. The vehicle also has visible front and rear bumper alignment problems. The rear bumper protrudes outward instead of sitting flush with the body, and the front bumper also appears misaligned. These issues were reported to Cadillac. I am reporting this because a new vehicle requiring major valvetrain/engine repair at approximately 375 miles, followed by continued hesitation and inconsistent power, may present a safety risk during acceleration, merging, or highway driving.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Engine · SC

Accelerated onto a 4-lane major highway and lost most engine power and many warning lights came on. I lost most vehicle power merging onto a 4 lane highway around other vehicles. I was able to get the car stopped car safely on side of the road and cut off for one minute. There was a noticeable rattlling noise in the engine compartment and severly reduced power. No lights regarding engine were previously available. Got the vehicle to dealer service center. Below is their report. "engine misfire detected. checked misfire data, all cylinder has recorded misfires with cylinder #4 being the most at 23,316. will have to remove bank 2 valve cover for inspection of rocker arms along with push rods. after removing valve cover no visible issues. started vehicle and the scraping/ticking noise is very audible. all rocker arms are moving. when touching cylinder #4 exhaust valve rocker arm can feel the roughness of the noise. which is indication of failed valve lifter or camshaft lobe. estimate provided. labor op 4067490 engine replacement 18.4 add 1.2 evacuate and recharge r1234yf a/c system. old engine #N1203011CU8X0269. new engine #19420611 007507775 1110000000000X. service completed."

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine · OR

The AFM lifters on 1,7,4,6 cylinders go out with no warning causing shuttering and misfires. Scary! This is the second Escalade with the problem and the 2019 engine has occurred twice in 6 months. I have inserted a lockout device to prevent the vehicle from going into 4 cylinder mode since the last episode (6 months ago) and it still failed another AFM lifter. GM said they will fix the 3rd one under warranty but no guarantees it won't fail again. Who knows where I might be? I am without a vehicle for 2 to 3 weeks at a time. GM will not remove the system and replace the cam and lifters (even if I purchase the parts). POOR service also.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported April 24, 2025 · 597,571 vehicles affected
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 systemReported January 13, 2014 · 325,213 vehicles affected
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 misfire

Which Cadillac Escalade years have misfire or rough idle problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2017 (6 complaints), 2015 (5 complaints) and 2016 (5 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix misfire or rough idle on the Cadillac Escalade?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $9,700 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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