2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274.  This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI will close this RQ and continue to investigate complaints of post-remedy engine failure for Recall 25V-274 as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26005). To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.  GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s  recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

While driving at highway speeds of approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly suffered a catastrophic loss of propulsion/motive power in active traffic. The engine oil temperature surged, and the vehicle completely lost power, forcing me to navigate across lanes to the shoulder without engine power, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard of a high-speed rear-end collision. The vehicle had to be towed via flatbed. This vehicle previously had an open recall for this exact issue under NHTSA Recall 25V-274. The GM dealership closed the recall on September 2025. by applying the authorized remedy: replacing the engine oil with 0W-40 and installing a new oil fill cap. No component replacement was performed because the dealer stated it passed inspection.

NHTSA ID

11776516

Incident

Nov 8, 2026

engine seized on the highway

NHTSA ID

11776443

Incident

Sep 23, 2026

Since May 24, 2026, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV has repeatedly experienced reduced engine power, check-engine warnings, multiple dashboard alerts and loss of propulsion. During one incident, the motor stopped responding, the vehicle lost power and came to a complete stop in the middle of a public roadway. This exposed me and surrounding motorists to a serious collision risk. Whether the shutdown resulted from an internal engine failure or an electrical/control-system malfunction remains UNKNOWN. OnStar documented recurring warnings and fault codes, including engine/transmission communication faults. The same condition returned after multiple dealership visits and repair attempts, including module resets/reprogramming. At times the check-engine light was no longer illuminated upon arrival, but the dangerous symptoms and OnStar reports had already occurred. An authorized Cadillac dealership blamed alleged aftermarket alarm/tracking equipment and proposed charging approximately $1,900 to remove it. I paid $250 for an independent inspection, which found no such aftermarket equipment and identified the questioned component as a genuine GM part. This incorrect diagnosis delayed meaningful investigation. GM escalated the matter to a specialized field engineer at Braman Cadillac. I was informed that the senior engineer could not identify the cause and requested another engineer. The promised follow-up inspection was still pending nearly three weeks later. Despite repeated visits and manufacturer involvement, no confirmed root cause or permanent repair has been provided. GM did not arrange towing for the latest return. I drove the malfunctioning vehicle in the emergency lane everyt time because it could not be trusted to maintain normal operation. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for inspection. I request investigation of the recurring shutdown/loss-of-propulsion safety defect and the unsuccessful diagnostic and repair history.

NHTSA ID

11773767

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV brakes on its own when Super Cruise is on. This happens in normal highway traffic with no vehicle, object or hazard in my path. The braking is sudden and hard. A vehicle behind me could hit me. On several occasions, a vehicle behind me had to brake hard / swerve to avoid a collision. I have a few cases captured on camera. The problem is intermittent. It first happened at about 15K miles in April 2025. Since then it has happened several times. I took the vehicle to nearby dealers 5-6 times for this issue. Each time the dealer said that they could not duplicate the problem, even after leaving there for several days, and they did no repair. The problem continues.

NHTSA ID

11772841

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

On September 24, 2024, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV stalled while I was driving in traffic and would not restart. I was unable to proceed normally at a green light, creating a risk of a rear-end or other collision. I have video footage of the vehicle unable to proceed. The authorized dealership documented a no-crank/no-start condition and found the engine assembly was seized. The engine assembly was replaced under warranty. Following the September 24 engine failure, the vehicle remained at the dealership through October 31, 2024 while the engine assembly was replaced under warranty. Earlier that same day, the dealership completed serial-data gateway module reprogramming and brake-system control-module programming related to brake-fluid leak detection. This is included as a factual chronology; I do not know whether that work was related to the engine seizure. Separately, on July 30, 2024, I received a “Replace Brake Pads” warning and heard grinding. The dealer found the driver-side front brake pads metal-on-metal and the wear sensor damaged. The dealer replaced the front brake pads, rotors, and wear sensor, and performed a brake-fluid exchange. These are separate, documented engine, brake, and electrical-system safety concerns. Dealer repair records and supporting video footage are available for review.

NHTSA ID

11769134

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

I am filing this safety complaint regarding a critical, unresolved mechanical defect in my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (approx. 80,000 miles). The dealership (Earnhardt Chandler Cadillac) notified me that my vehicle required an engine replacement under a recall/warranty service. Following their service, a brand-new replacement engine was installed. However, immediately after the replacement, the new engine developed a loud metallic knock upon cold starts, indicating severe internal mechanical failure, defective components, or improper assembly. Despite recognizing this critical defect, the dealership and General Motors failed to rectify it. Most dangerously, they recently delivered the vehicle back to my residence, claiming it was "fine," while the engine continues to exhibit the exact same loud metallic knocking noise. Operating a vehicle with a severely defective, knocking replacement engine poses a high risk of catastrophic engine failure, sudden loss of power while driving, and potential highway accidents, endangering my safety and the safety of other motorists. I request that NHTSA investigate this pattern of defective replacement engines and faulty dealership repairs to prevent severe safety hazards on public roads. p.s. I have all email communications and video recordings of this issue.

NHTSA ID

11768336

Incident

Feb 12, 2026

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine, developed an abnormal engine knocking/clicking noise despite previously receiving the remedy for GM engine safety recall N252494000, NHTSA campaign 25V274. On August 21, 2025, at 37,437 miles, Costa Mesa GMC Cadillac performed the recall inspection. The repair invoice states that the engine passed the PicoScope inspection and that the dealer changed the oil and filter and installed a new oil-fill cap. On September 16, 2026, at approximately 49,000 miles, I first noticed an unusual engine noise while driving through a store parking lot. After returning home, I observed a clicking/knocking noise at approximately 1,500–2,000 RPM. On September 17, I brought the vehicle to Costa Mesa GMC Cadillac at 49,093 miles. Repair order 61438 documents an engine knock during acceleration. Approximately two hours after drop-off, the service adviser informed me that GM had authorized replacement of the engine. As of September 24, 2026, the vehicle has remained at the dealership for one week and is awaiting a replacement engine. The vehicle is available at the dealership for inspection, subject to coordination with the dealer. Whether the original engine will be retained and available for inspection after replacement is UNKNOWN. My safety concern is the potential for engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion while driving, which could increase the risk of a collision. The recall notice specifically identified this risk. I am reporting the abnormal engine noise and dealer-reported need for replacement; whether the engine had reached the point of imminent seizure or loss of propulsion is UNKNOWN. The dealer evaluated the vehicle and reported GM’s replacement authorization. The exact internal component failure and root cause are UNKNOWN because I have not received the final diagnostic or repair report. Whether a GM representative separately inspected the engine, rather than reviewing the dealer’s findings, is UNKNOW

NHTSA ID

11766638

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

About 11pm Driving 70 on freeway started feeling pull back and then started to hear a knock noise. So turned down the music and the knock noise was getting louder as I was driving so I went to the right lane as I went to the right lane I felt like the car was pulling back and slowing down even as I accelerated… knock got even louder and I decided to exit the freeway early instead of getting to my destination. As I exited the freeway the entire car shut down lights flickered check engine went on and low oil pressure flickered once but then turned off. I couldn’t get it in park couldn’t get the car to turn over. I was able to get out of the middle of the intersection turning off the freeway and pulled gas station called AAA. I’ve had no prior problems or warning lamps before this problem happened with the vehicle. I have videos of the whole incident that will not let me download on bottom of page. “2023 Escalade ESV, VIN [XXX]. Towed to Cadillac of Laguna Niguel. Engine knocked, then complete no-crank, suspected seizure. I need a case tied to recall N252494000 / NHTSA 25V-274 and special coverage N252494003. Do not authorize paid diagnosis. I need a loaner Escalade or equivalent and PQC approval for engine replacement.” “This SUV was towed to Dealership on September 18th at 1130pm. 2023 Escalade ESV, 6.2 L87. It knocked and now it will not crank at all engine is likely seized. Cadillac case number is XXX Book this under GM recall N252494000 and special coverage N252494003 — L87 connecting rod / crankshaft / loss of propulsion. To service advisor: Please do not bump-start or crank it. Do not write this as a starter, battery, or customer-pay no-start. I want the RO to say: ‘Catastrophic L87 internal failure, no crank after knock, inspect for engine replacement under N252494003.’ Open PQC today. I also need a comparable loaner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11765448

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3

This Preliminary Information provides diagnostic tips and guidance for situations where key fobs cannot be learned or programmed successfully.

Beginning with 2026 model year production, the floor console/armrest lamp design was changed by removing the tilt-switch ball. As a result, the lamp remains illuminated when the floor console compartment lid is closed. The BCM turns the lamp off after the ignition is switched off to prevent battery rundown. This PI is to inform dealers of the change in the lamp and operation of the lamp following repairs.

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the SES MIL and DTC P062B and engineering is currently investigating.

This preliminary PI was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a GDS automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool

This preliminary information is for technicians that may see DTCs that are history and should not perform any part replacements. They should follow the notes mentioned prior to anything being replaced.