CADILLAC Complaints

The vehicle experienced a loss of propulsion 2 times when idol at traffic lights due to an uncommanded shift into neutral while stopped at a traffic light, requiring the vehicle to be restarted to regain drive. These events occurred after a longstanding history of front end vibration and grinding noises that have been repeatedly reported to a GM authorized dealer since October 2024. The most recent GM authorized dealer repair order documents the loss-of-propulsion event, metallic oil and states that the issue could not be duplicated, that no root cause was identified, and that engineering could not rule out a connection to known recall-related engine issues after 32 days at the dealer with 198 miles driven. At this time, no corrective repair has been identified, and the condition is intermittent and unpredictable, creating a safety concern when operating the vehicle in traffic. I uploaded some repair orders including one from the first incident in October 2024 and then I uploaded the most recent repair order from January 2026 where they are still unable to replicate the issue or say the car is safe to drive as this is potentially related to the L87 recall per service manager notes . There are several repair attempts in between the original and the extended out of service for loss of propulsion in December and January.

The vehicle experiences harsh shifting, surging, and jerking forward during normal driving conditions. The behavior has occurred repeatedly over several years and has been confirmed by the dealership. Multiple repair attempts, including transmission-related work, have not resolved the issue. The vehicle has surged forward unexpectedly, creating near-miss accident situations. I no longer feel the vehicle is safe to operate.

My 2024 Cadillac EV is only 9900 miles. I was driving the car on Sunday Jan 11, 2026 with my family when we noticed smoke filled inside the cabin. My 3 children (a [XXX] , a [XXX] old, and a new-born who is [XXX] old) were in the car; they inhaled the smoke. We evacuated the car and called onstar for assistance - who towed the car. The smoke originated from the tailgate of the car. Alarmingly, just 3 days before this incident (Jan 8, 2026), I took the car to the local Cadillac dealership to complain about water intrusion in the left taillight that is in the liftgate. The service advisor created a repair order and sent me back saying it would take 10 days to arrive. Upon my specific inquiry, the advisor stated the car was safe to drive and assured me that I would not get a ticket. Since the event (5 days later) it was confirmed by the service advisor that the same water intrusion event lead to the electrical fire that burned a connector, a module, and multiple wiring components causing the fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I had a complete engine failure while driving. This was after going through the recall inspection in September 2025 where they looked, changed the oil and said everything was okay,

I was driving slowly into my driveway to prepare for turning into my garage. The car rapidly accelerated on it’s own causing me to crash into the garage door next to the one I intended to park in. I have video from my security system.

After receiving the recall notice, the car was taken to the dealership in Mid-November 2025 at 42,713 miles for the pico engine test. The engine passed the test and had the oil and oil filter changed to the 0-W40 oil and a new oil cap. On January 9, 2026 at approx. 43,700 miles, the engine seized while driving the freeway at approx. 70 mph. The car was towed to the same dealership who confirmed that the engine was destroyed and needed replacement. 2.5 weeks later, I received the car back where the service writer confirmed that the replacement engine was not a “ new” but instead a “re-manufactured” engine with the same 0-W40 oil. Subsequent to this, I contacted Cadillac and started the process of a repurchase. Cadillac has agreed to repurchase the car in the amount of $69,801 based on a mileage usage charge of $31,895 based on 42,713 miles. Depending on your state’s Lemon Law, I would encourage any other owner with this problem to force a repurchase of this car. There are many stories out there of these vehicles experiencing more than one engine replacement. This vehicle can not be trusted.

We just purchased our new 2026 Cadillac Escalade V this month. We were driving on interstate 64 when we experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and a warning that there was no oil pressure. We barely made it to the side of the highway where the engine had seized up and was unable to be started. The vehicle was towed to our local Cadillac dealer. They informed me today that the crankshaft had failed similar to the previous 6.2 L engine recalls. they have ordered a new engine. They are unable to tell me when the new engine will be there or how long it will take for the repairs to be done. I should also mention that our 2022 Cadillac Escalade experienced catastrophic engine failure as well. This led us to our new purchase of the 2026 Escalade. There were no warning signs prior to this catastrophic failure. It put myself and my entire family at significant risk as the failure occurred to highway speed.

Component/System Involved: Engine / Powertrain and Vehicle Electronic Control Systems, including Serial Data Gateway Module Description of Failure: While driving at highway speed (approximately 60 mph), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion without warning. Engine power was lost while traveling on an interstate, forcing me to pull onto the shoulder without propulsion. The loss-of-power event occurred more than once during the same trip. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Cadillac dealership for inspection. Dealer diagnosis confirmed internal mechanical engine failure, including metal debris present in the engine oil, requiring full engine replacement. During diagnostic procedures, the dealership also identified electrical communication faults involving the serial data gateway module, including voltage fluctuation and wiring chafing within the vehicle harness. These faults caused loss-of-communication conditions between control modules and required repair. Safety Risk: The loss of propulsion occurred at highway speed with passengers present in the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. Sudden power loss on an interstate increased the risk of collision due to the inability to maintain speed or maneuver safely in traffic. Confirmation / Inspection: The failure was confirmed by an authorized Cadillac dealership. The engine was removed and replaced due to internal damage. Electrical communication faults related to the serial data gateway module were also confirmed and repaired. Warning Indicators: No warning lamps or alerts were displayed prior to the loss of propulsion. Communication faults were identified during post-failure diagnostics. Current Status: The vehicle has undergone engine replacement and electronic repairs and is currently under post-repair monitoring due to the severity and safety implications of the failure. Availability for Inspection: The vehicle and repair documentation should be available through dealership

THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.

To Whom It May Concern at General Motors, I am writing to express my profound concern, disappointment, and fear following a recent experience with my Cadillac Escalade that has caused me to seriously question the safety, reliability, and future of the Cadillac brand. For important context, the first Cadillac Escalade my family owned was a 2012 model that we purchased used in Ann Arbor. At the time, when we encountered engine issues and various quality concerns, we attributed them to the fact that the vehicle was pre-owned. We assumed wear, prior use, or history explained the problems—and we remained loyal to the brand. Because of that loyalty, we made the decision to purchase a brand-new Cadillac Escalade, bought from LaFontaine Cadillac near Dearborn, Michigan. We bought it during a time when it was hard to find an SUV especially of that size (extended cab needed for strollers and gear). This was my first-ever brand-new vehicle, a milestone purchase as a physcian that I made with the expectation that safety, engineering, and quality would reflect Cadillac’s reputation and price point. Unfortunately, we continue to experience the same quality and engineering issues, and in some cases, issues that are even more concerning. This came after a recall for engine faillure which had us concerned. Most alarming was a recent incident December 11, 2025 in which my vehicle experienced brake failure due solely to a low battery. According to Harvey Cadillac in Grand Rapids, this single issue caused multiple systems to fail, all requiring reprogramming. Learning that something as routine as a low battery could compromise braking and multiple safety-critical systems was terrifying. This was not just inconvenient—it was genuinely scary. I have a lot to live for. My children need me. No vehicle should place a driver in a position where their ability to stop safely is jeopardized by a cascading electronic failure. Beyond this incident, we have quality issues as well.