2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV Complaints

Just got the call from the dealership BAYWAY Cadillac of The Woodlands that the L87 V-8 engine recall failed inspection and the engine will need to be replaced.

Engine failure shortly after recall remedy performed by dealer. Recall 25V-274 / N252494000. Sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds with no warning. Engine stalls and will not restart. Vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral without engine running making it impossible to get vehicle to safety and out of traffic. Dealer confirmed that engine seized as part of recall and will need to be replaced, despite having recall oil change remedy performed. Cadillac case file #98347975

2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV - passed Safety Recall N252494001 L87 in August of 2025. March 2026 experienced loss of propulsion (while driving), major noise and violent shaking. Every warning came on. There were no other symptoms Very fortunate no one was behind us as vehicle completely stopped on road. Reported problem to dealer and took into them. Said it was serpentine belt and we were charged to replace (they never showed us the belt nor took a picture of it. In April 2026 the same exact issue occurred with complete propulsion failure (vehicle dies abruptly with significant noise and shaking) on the road near home (nearly hit by following traffic). Called dealer, told to not move the vehicle and we had to have it towed to same dealer. In shop now for 2 weeks, we have heard 3 different reasons with no fix of the issues. They will not call us. We have to phone them and it is a different issue each time we call. We were told GM is involved; but we have had no verification.

SUBJ: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sudden Loss of Power I am reporting a safety issue involving a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX] ). On April 19, 2026 (late evening into early April 20), while traveling approximately 70 mph on [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power without warning. This created an immediate safety hazard, nearly resulting in a collision. I was able to exit the highway, but the vehicle lost all acceleration and became disabled in the middle of a dark off-ramp with oncoming traffic approaching from behind. OnStar was contacted and Virginia State Police responded due to the unsafe location. A trooper remained on scene with emergency lights to redirect traffic and prevent a collision. Due to the hazardous conditions, the trooper arranged an emergency tow. I incurred $389.61 in out-of-pocket towing costs. The vehicle was taken to a tow yard, and my AAA Premier coverage then towed it 189 miles to Miller Brothers Cadillac in Ellicott City, MD. The dealership diagnosed catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement at approximately 53,000 miles. There were no meaningful warning indicators prior to the sudden loss of power. This vehicle was purchased from Sons Chevrolet / Cadillac in Columbus, GA in December 2025 as a Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac and had already required multiple repairs shortly after purchase. The vehicle is currently at Miller Brothers Cadillac awaiting complete engine replacement and is available for inspection. This sudden loss of power at highway speed presents a serious safety risk and could have resulted in a severe accident or loss of life. Given the absence of warning and catastrophic failure at relatively low mileage, I am concerned this may indicate a broader safety defect rather than an isolated incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving approximately 55 miles per hour vehicle started making loud knocking noise then vehicle shifted to neutral. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Waiting for inspection to confirm engine failure. Vehicle has 32,000 miles.

The original engine was replaced in my Escalade in September 2025 under the GM Engine Recall. The original engine was working, but it failed the inspection at the dealership and was replaced. March 1st, 2026 the Escalade died while driving. Police came and helped block traffic and called a tow truck since the engine was dead. The Escalade was towed back to the same dealership and they confirmed the newly replaced engine failed under the same bulletin that mandated the replacement of the original engine.

The engine failed on I-17 while driving 75MPH on 2/14/2026. The car shifted into neutral and was able to coast on to the berm of the interstate. The car was towed to Flagstaff Chevrolet and was determined to have engine failure and is waiting for a replacement engine. When the engine failed a warning message came on warning of severe engine overheating and shut down and the car automatically shifted into neutral.

On 5/8/2024, at approximately 18,969 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of engine power while driving on the highway in the rain with my family inside. The engine died, the vehicle lost all propulsion creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Dealer diagnosis revealed a catastrophic crankshaft main bearing failure, requiring a full engine replacement. Since the engine repair, the vehicle has exhibited persistent intermittent/unintended brake activation. The brakes engage without driver input causing "Service Brake" messages, excessive and premature brake pad/rotor wear (replaced three times in a matter of months due to heat and dust from repeated activation), grinding, squealing, and locked caliper incidents. The vehicle has been inspected by two Cadillac Dealerships without any remedy except replacing warranty parts. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed the issue is likely related to the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. To drive safely, we must disable the collision avoidance and traction control features. This has been reported on multiple repair orders and matches complaints from other 2023-2025 Escalade and GM SUV owners. Total documented downtime since first failure exceeds 160+ calendar days. Problems remained unresolved despite warranty repairs, software updates, recalls, and the L87 engine replacement. The sudden engine failure endangered my family and the ongoing phantom braking creates risk of collision or loss of control, especially at highway speeds. I have been forced to disable critical safety systems to prevent unintended braking. This vehicle is directly affected by the L87 defect that prompted federal recall and investigations. Please include my complaint in the ongoing EA25007 and RQ26001 investigations and consider my case in any further actions regarding the adequacy of GM's remedies. Please contact me for dealer repair orders and independent mechanic findings.

6.2 engine had the recall fix done to it. It did not work because the engine seized up yesterday

On Saturday 2/14/26 our Escalade was making a light ticking noise. We made an appointment to bring it in for service, earliest appointment was 2/17/26. On the evening of 2/14 the vehicle died on the freeway and had to be towed to the local dealer after it would not start, Crest View Cadillac in Rochester Hills, MI. Our service write Tony Griffin, confirmed verbally on 2/16 that the vehicle most likely will need an engine replacement, but had to be inspected first. I emailed him on 2/19 as I had no update and he let me know it needs more diagnostics but it will be getting an engine replacement. As of 2/21 the vehicle is still sitting in the parking lot with the battery now dead. I was given a loaner vehicle that is not at all suitable or nearly equivalent to my current vehicle. I have been given an electric Cadillac Lyriq and have no means to charge it.