2019 CADILLAC ESCALADE Complaints

My 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV experienced a major engine failure that required a complete engine replacement. Before the failure, the vehicle showed warning signs including rough running and loss of performance. My certified mechanic later explained that the cause of the failure was consistent with engine defects that have led to GM’s recall on later-model Escalades. However, the 2019 model year is excluded from that recall. The failure was severe enough that it posed a safety risk had it occurred at highway speed, and it required over $20,000 to replace the engine plus thousands more in related repairs. Multiple other major components failed around the same time (suspension components, thermostat, and A/C compressor). I am filing this report because the failure pattern appears identical to what GM has acknowledged on recalled Escalade engines, and I am concerned that the defect may affect more vehicles than currently included in the recall. My mechanic confirmed that the failure is reproducible and consistent with the known defect on later models.

The engine developed a ticking noise followed by loss of power. Mechanic diagnosed lifter and camshaft failure, which may be related to the Active Fuel Management system. This caused metal contamination and requires complete engine replacement. This appears to be a widespread issue on GM 6.2L engines.”

2019 GM Cadillac Escalade 6.2-liter L87 engine rod/bearing knocking noise for second time causing fear of driving and long range usability because of catastrophic failures reported. GM says out of warranty and not their problem and not part of the issued recall years for bad L87 engines. Vehicle engine repaired under warranty 03/07-2024 for bad camshaft and lifter failure at a cost of $8776.63.

Had all of my lifters replaced and cam shaft 6 months ago because of the faulty engine gm has started to recognize. I spent $7500.00 yesterday 10/28/2025 i was driving and my car started shaking and shutting down in the middle of a busy intersection. luckily i got it off the road safely before be hit. traction control light was on and the check engine light goes from blinking to solid and then back to blinking. its now back at the shop for he second time this year for what will likely be another VERY expensive fix

My wife was driving our 2019 Cadillac Escalade to work when the vehicle check engine light came on and started to smoke and shake violently. She avoided injury but the car was not drivable. A local independent service center said that the car's cylinder #1 was full of fuel, the spark plug was wet, reported loud bottom end engine noise and that we replace the engine. This appears to be the same issue that sparked the recall of 2021-2024 models. We have proceeded with ordering a replacement engine as a result. The old engine will be available for further inspection if necessary. There were no warning signs prior to this incident.

My wife and I purchased this vehicle in 2023 with 33,xxx miles on it and since we’ve had it, the vehicle has locked itself with the key fob inside 3 different times, we’re going on the third suspension replacement with normal driving that is ruining alignment and tires, we’ve had multiple issues with the computer system resetting itself and not acting appropriately, key fob not working, seat heaters in the back turning themselves on, and glove box randomly opening. Yesterday, my wife tried to start the car and everything on the dash just started flashing, the vehicle attempted to turn over and made terrible knocking noises in the engine compartment. The final straw for us was on July 13th when my wife placed our then 7 month old son in the car after church with the remote start feature working, placed his diaper bag in the vehicle with keys inside the bag, and as she walked around to the driver door, the vehicle locked itself and shut off in 103*F heat. My son began screaming and the vehicle would not unlock. My wife was forced to punch the window out, lacerating her hand open, and even after peeling the window out, the vehicle still would not unlock even manually. I had to leave my fire station to meet her at the hospital where she received stitches. Cadillac sent out an inspector on 8/17/25 and we still have not heard anything back. I have filed with the BBB Auto Line as well. There was never any warning lights or messages, other than repeated “service suspension system” warnings, which has been replaced twice in 20,xxx miles and now needs to be replaced again.

I was on the highway with my family going about 60 mph and my vehicle shut completely off on the interstate. We were almost rearend by a tractor trailer. It did not crank back up either. My 2019 Cadillac Escalade has the same current issues as the 2021 - 2024 6.2 engines that are being recalled right now.

I was traveling on the interstate with no problems, then my vehicle lost power and I smelled smoke. I pulled into a gas station to see what the problem was. It appeared the starter had went out. I got it towed to a mechanic shop and it was determined another engine is needed. There is a recall on these engines from the year 2021 thru 2024. This year needs to be included due to the same issues as the newer engines.

As what appears to be happening with a lot of these, it dropped the push rod on cylinder 2, damaged the camshaft, and the truck immediately lost power while on the highway.

I had taken my car in while it was under warranty for my motor the car wouldn’t move at all or start. They said it was a cylinder so they replaced the one cylinder and didn’t check any others. Just recently in January 2025 I took it back to the dealer for the same issues and they told me I need a whole new motor. Now the car is out of warranty. They charged me close to $1000 just to diagnose the car and tell me I need a They charge me close to $1000 just to diagnose the car and tell me I need a new motor. Apparently the other side of the motor they didn’t check had failed. Also my running boards were taken to the dealer for not working properly and they didn’t fix them while under warranty and now it’s still doing the same thing. Now my air condition isn’t blowing cold air I have taken it to the dealer. They claim I have different kind of freon, but I never replaced the Freon. It’s original to the car when it was purchased. They are charging me $1100 just to diagnose the vehicle.