2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv Fuel system Problems

On [XXX], while driving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV from the Salt Lake City area toward Las Vegas, the vehicle developed a serious loss-of-power condition in Utah. I contacted OnStar, exited the highway, and waited at a gas station. OnStar arranged towing to a Cadillac dealership. GM records document the tow at approximately 56,644 miles. At the dealership, I reported the loss of power. After initially being told they were too busy, I waited about 10 minutes and was then told the vehicle was ready. After returning to the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power again at approximately 70 mph. Pressing the accelerator did not produce normal acceleration, creating a serious risk of a highway collision. I immediately returned to the dealership. The dealer then performed another repair. The invoice states the Service Engine Soon light was illuminated, soot level was 255%, and a service regeneration was performed. I was charged $406.16 and was again told the vehicle was ready. After leaving again, the same loss-of-power condition occurred. After safely exiting the highway, I recorded video showing the vehicle at approximately 38 mph with little or no acceleration response and the check-engine light illuminated. I returned to the dealer for a third time. The dealer then kept the vehicle, stated the repair was covered under warranty, and provided a rental. The vehicle has remained under repair since July 21. I have not received a clear explanation of the root cause or complete repair details. I have videos, towing records, repair documents, photos, and GM correspondence. I am concerned this repeated sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed could cause a serious crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11756590

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11735135

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11733978

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

While driving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade (approx. 42,308 miles), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power while accelerating on a busy highway. Engine power shut down without warning. I was able to pull to the shoulder, but the vehicle then became non-responsive and would not restart. The failure appears related to the electrical/charging system (12V battery, battery management system, alternator, or related modules). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure placed my family and others at serious risk. The loss of propulsion occurred in traffic, creating a collision hazard. After stopping, the vehicle had no heat and limited power while unable to start leaving us stranded on the shoulder of a heavily traveled highway in 10-degree weather. My two toddlers were in the vehicle, creating additional risk from traffic exposure and cold. This was a repeat incident. Approximately two weeks earlier, the vehicle experienced a similar power loss. A Cadillac dealership replaced the 12V battery and stated the issue was resolved. However, on January 22, 2026, I contacted the dealership and provided a video showing abnormal starting behavior, indicating the problem may not have been fixed. I followed up by phone the next day but received no response. Despite this prior repair and warning, the same failure occurred again. There were no clear warning lights or messages immediately prior to the power loss. After the failure, the vehicle was unable to restart. I also attempted to use OnStar, a paid emergency service, but was placed on hold for approximately 30 minutes. Due to unsafe conditions, my wife had to come pick us up to remove our children from danger. This incident involves a repeat loss of power while driving, prior warning signs, and failure of emergency support systems, raising serious safety concerns.

NHTSA ID

11714733

Incident

Jan 31, 2026

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv has been at the dealership countless times over the last 2 years with strange engine sounds, acceleration issues, 4 wheel drive would top working and I couldn't make turns without a grinding sound coming from under the hood, check engine light (with no issues seen/heard). The engine recall was "passed" in October even after our concern with the engine sounds and strange things occurring while driving. Last week my wife was driving on a 4 lane 70mph freeway with our son in the car at night and the car said "press start again" and then started slowing down. She could not brake or accelerate. Luckily there was nobody to the right and was able to make just across the line to the side of the road when my car just came to a stop and everything turned off. So she sat there with my son in the dark for an hour barely off the side of the the road before a tow truck driver came but he couldn't even get the car into neutral to get it up onto the truck. My escalade is now at Cadillac of south Charlotte in North Carolina waiting for a new engine. We are scared to drive it even after the "fix" hearing that it can happen again with my kids in the car. GM needs to be forced to buy back or lemon these cars before someone gets seriously injured or worse.

NHTSA ID

11712010

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

I am the owner of a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with the 6.2L V8 (RPO L87) engine, which is now subject to NHTSA Recall Number 25V274 and GM Manufacturer Recall N252494000 due to a known defect in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components. This defect can lead to catastrophic engine failure, sudden loss of propulsion, and significantly increases the risk of a crash. Despite my VIN being actively flagged under this recall and the serious safety implications involved, the authorized GM dealership has repeatedly refused to perform the required inspection outlined as the first phase of the official recall remedy. Their justification is that the “remedy is not yet available.” However, GM’s official NHTSA filing explicitly states that the recall remedy includes initial inspection, and that vehicles passing inspection will receive a higher viscosity oil change, new oil cap, oil filter replacement, and owner’s manual insert. I have expressed my safety concerns directly to dealership management, stating that sudden engine failure poses a severe risk to myself and my two young children, especially during highway operation. Despite these concerns, I was denied service, told inspections cannot begin, and informed that no timeline for inspection is available. I am requesting NHTSA intervention to ensure GM and its authorized dealerships comply with the recall remedy procedures immediately, including the inspection phase outlined in GM’s public filings. This refusal to inspect my vehicle under an active recall, while knowingly acknowledging the risk of propulsion loss, presents an unacceptable safety hazard to my family and other drivers. Please escalate this issue and require GM to take immediate corrective action.

NHTSA ID

11661873

Incident

May 19, 2025

On multiple occasions I have felt rattling/shaking/rumbling within the vehicle engine area. It began within the first 3 months of having the vehicle in my possession (we purchased the vehicle in January 2024). I also had an occasion sometime around March or April of 2024 where I was accelerating after a red light and the vehicle was lagging. I pressed on the gas harder but it wouldn't get up to speed like it normally does--RPMS were going up, up, up, but the speed of the car did not match. There was another red light right so I braked to stop and upon that light turning green everything was back to normal. I reported this to my service provider when I went in for my first oil change, the dealer was unable to duplicate the issues and I was told the car was inspected and appeared to be ok. I have since experienced the same rattling/shaking/rumbling on several occasions.

NHTSA ID

11661855

Incident

Mar 13, 2024

I was driving my vehicle on the highway at approx 55 mph. Without warning my vehicle’s engine failed and the vehicle went into neutral. I had to coast until the emergency shoulder was available as power steering was dwindling. As I pulled into the shoulder the wheel locked. The vehicle’s engine could not be restarted and the vehicle was towed to the Cadillac Dealership. I feared for my life as cars were behind me at 55 mph or higher when my engine went out. I nearly didn’t make it into the shoulder before the vehicle stopped completely.

NHTSA ID

11660273

Incident

May 9, 2025

I was on the highway while cruising with a speed of 65 to 70 mph all of a sudden vehicle started to shake and lost control speed went down to 20mph on the highway check engine light came up foward collision, Stability, traction control and engine died started again stall, had to tow the suv to the dealership

NHTSA ID

11660147

Incident

Apr 30, 2025