2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE Complaints

My vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement after a recall remedy (oil change with thicker oil) was performed and the vehicle passed the pico test. Engine symptoms became more pronounced after the oil change. In addition, the vehicle has experienced repeated steering system abnormalities requiring multiple repairs, including replacement of airbag-related components and the entire steering column, with abnormal steering noise persisting afterward. The dealership confirmed the engine failure after finding metal debris in the oil and diagnosing a spun thrust bearing, which resulted in a complete engine replacement under warranty. The steering issue was confirmed by dealership technicians, including a lead technician who acknowledged during a ride-along that the steering noise was not normal, despite multiple repair attempts and replacement of the steering column.

2023 Escalade, the dealer did the oil change recall to put the thicker oil and oil filter in it a few months ago after the motor was ticking. They had to get recall approved by GM, due to it not showing up under my VIN for the recall. They approved it and on Friday 1/16 driving on a 55mph 3 lane highway with my newborn baby the car just stopped driving and shut off with no warning and not enough time to pull into a shoulder or out of the way. Sat in the car for 30 mins with my newborn baby until cops arrived to help with safety and we waited 45 mins for a tow truck. Cars were swerving nearly hitting us multiple times and you cannot neutral override them to atleast push or pull the car out of the road while waiting for a tow truck

Component/System Failure: The engine experienced catastrophic failure related to Recall N252494000 (NHTSA 25V-274), resulting in complete loss of power and immediate engine shutdown. The original engine was removed and replaced by the Cadillac dealership. The failed engine should be in possession of the dealer or manufacturer and should be available for inspection upon request per manufacturer retention policies. Safety Risk: The vehicle lost all power while traveling at highway speed on Highway 70 with three children and two adults in the vehicle. I was forced to coast into a center turning lane between oncoming traffic in both directions, with no ability to accelerate or move out of traffic. The shutdown occurred without warning, creating a high risk of rear-end or head-on collision. Loss of life was narrowly avoided. Confirmation of Failure: The failure was confirmed by an authorized Cadillac dealership, which determined the vehicle was affected by the active engine recall and replaced the engine under recall service, confirming the failure matched the known defect. Inspections: The vehicle was inspected by the Cadillac dealership acting on behalf of the manufacturer. No police or insurance inspection occurred since no collision took place and the issue was handled through recall repair. Warnings or Symptoms: There were no prior warning lights or drivability symptoms. While driving, a message stating “not safe to drive” appeared, and within approximately five seconds the engine shut off completely. There was no abnormal engine noise before shutdown. After failure, the vehicle could not be restarted, turned off, or shifted and automatically placed itself into park.

On December 19, 2023, when pulling out of a parking lot onto the street, pressing the gas vehicle jerked and would not accelerate. No lights on dash. Drove less than 1 minute and turned down a side street, to get out of traffic while going slow/no power. Stopped at stop sign, went thru intersection. Went to next intersection, at stop sign, vehicle shut off, in the middle of traffic. Still no dash lights. Vehicle would not start. Turned on hazard lights. While waiting for tow truck, tried cranking several times. After about 3 hours check engine light came on, with a red light to the right of check engine light. At the same time as the check engine, I received an alert via the Cadillac App 12V error, please crank vehicle. Each crank try, dashboard would light up/cycle but vehicle never started once it shut off. Tow truck driver thought it may be battery. Tried getting vehicle to crank. No joy. Towed to dealership which replaced Transmission in August 2025, 3395 miles ago to find my engine seized up after recall N252494000 PERFORMED, Picoscope test and oil type changed. NOW THIS. Patience is really being tried. Another month without vehicle. Payments are continuing.

Vehicle was running with the driver side door open and driver out of vehicle. The vehicle slipped out of gear and reversed quickly. Driver went to get back in while moving backwards to try and stop vehicle. The driver got smashed between the garage and vehicle door. The vehicle door hyperextended and caused damage/injury to driver. The emergency brake did not come on until after the accident. Prior to this happening recalls were not preformed due to GM advising us that our vehicle was not next to get it done. Throughout ownership the vehicle has slipped out of gear two other times. We took it in each time and were told it shouldn’t happen again and they could not replicate. GM did an inspection after and fixed recalls and told us they would not assist us with damage or any compensation.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud motor sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shut off while in a parking lot and failed to restart after several attempts. The contact was picked by her husband. The contact stated that her husband later returned to the vehicle and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair and passed a vehicle inspection, and the dealer added a higher viscosity oil, installed an oil fill cap, replaced the oil filter, and updated the Owner’s Manual. The contact stated that two weeks later, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic inspected the vehicle and discovered there was no oil in the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. The dealer that had serviced the recall was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was serviced according to the recall. The mechanic informed the contact that the dealer had possibly drained the oil and refilled it with 0W-40 oil to pass the recall inspection and not have to replace the engine. The contact asked the dealer if the practice was performed during the recall repair, and the dealer avoided answering the question. The contact stated that a service member from the dealer arrived at the residence to top off the engine oil. The dealer suggested that an oil consumption test be performed every 1,000 miles to monitor the oil consumption. The contact stated that the recall remedy was insufficient and failed to properly address the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

On 09-15-25, My 2023 Cadillac Escalade passed the PicoScope test that was performed at the Randy Marion Cadillac Dealership, located at 4700 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, Fl., in reference to the 6.2 engine recall. After the engine oil change and oil filler cap replacement, the dealership failed to provide the insert for the owner's manual and had no idea what I was talking about. As a result, I'm asking that an owner's manual insert be mailed to my home address. Thanks!

We took the vehicle in for the recall inspection. They pass it and changed the oil. Weeks later, as I was driving home (was on holiday vacation in another state), the engine failed immediately. I was able to get it to the side of the road but the engine would not properly run. Had to call the tow truck and hauled back to the dealership near my home of record.

In March 2025, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV experienced a sudden engine failure. The engine began running rough, the check engine light turned on, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive. The Cadillac dealer diagnosed the engine with #8 exhaust push rod bent and metal debris in the engine oil. This matches the defect described in GM Recall N252494000 (connecting rod/crankshaft internal engine defect). I paid $10,000 out of pocket for a full engine replacement at Crestview Cadillac before GM mailed the recall notice. I submitted a reimbursement package to GM’s Recall Reimbursement Center by USPS certified mail. USPS Tracking Number: XXX Delivered on 07/17/2025 at 11:02 AM in Detroit, MI 48226 (“Left with Individual”). GM has refused to reimburse me and will not provide a written explanation. Two other Escalade owners with the same engine and similar failures have already received reimbursement from GM. I believe GM is not complying with the recall reimbursement requirements.

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.