CADILLAC Complaints

The headlights, when put in "dim/low beam" are almost non working. One can see the lights are working, but it is almost like driving blind. The dealership people know about the problem and stated that the heat on the lens cover, inside the headlight assembly causes that cover to warp, deform and will not permit adequate light to shine out. They then told me the assembly parts and labor would be over $3000. This issue is dangerous because on an unlighted street with no accompanying traffic to provide lighting, it is almost like having no headlights at all. The dealership and Cadillac know about the issue but refuse to do anything about the problem that is due to their own faulty manufacturing.

Lifter failure resulting in a bent pushrod, camshaft, and piston damage. The engine was very dirty like the oil changes were neglected. I always changed the oil in 5,000 mile increments or less depending on driving conditions. The owners manual and oil filler specifies Mobil 1 5W30 oil. When I was working I always had the shop next door change the oil with Mobil 1. After I retired in 2019, I had the nearby GM dealer change the oil. I was unaware that they were substituting DEXOS oil which is not what the owners manual or fill cap specifies for this vehicle. This resulted in premature engine failure. With DEXOS you could be getting oil that is inferior to Mobil 1 full synthetic. See [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Complete engine failure with no prior warning and vehicle is currently at dealer waiting for new engine to arrive. The lives of myself and my children were at risk as the engine failure occurred while traveling at about 55 mph on a rural country road with cars having to swerve around me before I came to a complete stop on the shoulder of road. Again there was no prior warning or warning lights on the vehicle. The Cadillac dealership in Texarkana has inspected the vehicle and determined the engine failed and needs a completely new engine.

On December 13, 2024, my 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV experienced a critical engine failure, requiring it to be towed to the dealership. I had taken delivery of the vehicle just one month prior, on November 13, 2024. The dealership informed me that the engine required a rebuild, including replacement of the lifters. The mechanic who worked on the vehicle stated that the engine had undergone a previous repair for the same issue and that the camshaft was also damaged. This incident posed a significant safety risk. The engine failure occurred while the vehicle was in operation, potentially leading to a loss of control and an accident. [Additional Information] Component/System Failure: Engine, specifically lifters and camshaft. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Potential loss of control of the vehicle due to engine failure. Confirmation of Problem: The problem was confirmed by the dealership service center. Inspection: The vehicle and the failed components have been inspected by the dealership service center. Warning Lamps/Messages: Flashing check engine light, brake system failure, emissions system failure, antilock braking system failure, and power train failure. [Request] I request that the NHTSA investigate this matter to determine if there is a systemic defect with the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV's engine. This is the second documented engine failure, indicating a potential safety hazard for all owners of this vehicle model.

In August 2022, with only 9,875 miles, the engine of my 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV ceased. While alternating lanes of a freeway onramp, my vehicle completely shut down. Not only was it inoperable, it was also unable to be shifted into neutral to be moved out of traffic. It was then towed to the nearest Cadillac. After several days I was notified that the engine had ceased and there there were currently no replacements available. It was in the shop for over 7 weeks before being repaired. In August 2024, with 43,050 miles, the engine ceased again! Without warning, after passing through an intersection, my Escalade completely shut down and was inoperable and unable to be moved. It was towed in to the nearest Cadillac dealership where it was Later confirmed that the engine had in fact seized for the second time since purchase. This time it was in the shop for over 5 weeks, awaiting an engine replacement. In addition to the 2 engine failures, it has been in the shop for multiple electrical issues including malfunction of motorized running boards, control panel display going black, battery dying, transmission codes, and auto starting in my garage multiple times.

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed, and the passenger's side seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

While driving on the interstate at 80 mph, my vehicle switched to neutral and began to decelerate. I could not shift back to drive. Thankfully I was able to maneuver through the busy interstate to pull over to the median. We almost triggered an accident due to the deceleration while in the fast lane. Once we were able to stop in the median, I had to turn off the vehicle because it would not change gears. The engine would not start and we were stuck in Park mode. The vehicle had to be towed from the median of the interstate.

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact stated that after attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer informed the contact that the parts for the repair were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle was towed to the dealer on several other occasions. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Investigation: PE25001. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

I was driving home from getting groceries when all of a sudden the vehicle starts to make a loud noise from the engine (no warning lamps/lights or any messages popped up.) I proceeded to go home and call my husband and ask for his help with the problem. I recorded a video of the car and sent it to him, and he said that it sounded like the engine is knocking and told me to shut the car off and call the dealership to further discuss the situation with them. After calling the dealership they towed my car to get it diagnosed. It has been a month or so now since leaving my car with them and they still cannot diagnose the issue.

I was driving my 2024 Escalade on the interstate at 80 mph when the vehicle started jolting and acting as if it was going to stop. My speed dropped from 80 to 55 while the screen started flashing "press start button", all while the vehicle was still running. Luckily I was able to cross 4 lanes of traffic and pull over on the shoulder. I was fortunate that I was not hit. I turned off the vehicle and then started it back up. Two days later, the vehicle was once again acting as if it didn't want to start/go. After a 40 minute trip, the vehicle died as I pulled into my driveway. It did start back up but the engine was making horrible sounds. I had to be towed to the dealership. I had no warning lamps prior to the flashing "press start button". The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. Engine failure. I need a completely new engine. This will soon be 8 weeks ago that my vehicle was towed. I have been in a rental since that day. The dealership says they have no updates as to when the engine will arrive. After tests done at the dealership, they did confirm that the problems were happening on longer trips. Most of my driving is around town, hence why I noticed the problems when I had been driving for 30 plus minutes.