2015 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems

The engine in my 2015 Cadillac Escalade failed unexpectedly at approximately 53,000 miles. Immediately prior to the failure, the engine developed a noticeable knocking noise, indicating a potential internal issue. While attempting to park in a public parking garage, the vehicle suddenly lost power and the engine shut down without any warning lights or alerts. This created a hazardous situation in a confined area with other vehicles and pedestrians, as I was unable to properly control or maneuver the vehicle. The sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown significantly increased the risk of a collision or injury. The engine would not restart after the failure, leaving the vehicle disabled in the garage. Due to the confined space, the vehicle had to be removed using specialized towing equipment. The vehicle has been dealer-maintained since purchase, and I am the original owner. There were no prior major engine issues before this incident. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, where it was confirmed that the engine had seized and failed internally. I was quoted approximately $20,000 for a rebuilt engine replacement. This type of catastrophic engine failure at relatively low mileage, without warning, presents a serious safety concern.

NHTSA ID

11725365

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

Mileage: 90,406 2015 Cadillac Escalade Engine: 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 has experienced lifter and camshaft failure, and the vehicle is now stalling while driving, creating a serious safety risk. I transport my disabled child daily, and the stalls are unpredictable, putting us and other drivers at risk. This issue is consistent with the pending class action Harrison v. General Motors LLC, which alleges that 2014–present Cadillac Escalades with 6.2L AFM/DFM lifters can fail, causing engine noise, stalling, and catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was service on 3/02/2026 at Riverview Chevrolet GMC for these issues and a complaint was summit to GM for these problems. Since after having the vehicles services I have had issues with the vehicle stalling while in progress and while driving causing me to be very scary that the vehicle will completely stall out or shut down on me while on the road driving causing an accident. Please help me resolve this unsafe matter. Thank You!

NHTSA ID

11724651

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

Within the last 20,000 miles this car has, and is now, been at the dealership 3xs for sudden lifter/camshaft failure. This last time almost caused an accident. One time the check engine light never even came on, two other times it came on as the car started slowing and shaking, so no notice as to what was about to happen.

NHTSA ID

11715567

Incident

Dec 22, 2025

Cadillac and GM have a know issue in the Escalade for faulty susp3nsion, with their MagRide system, and bad lifters. They use AFM/DOD to reduce the engine down to 4 cylinders and it causes the lifters to get stuck and damage the cam. I am one of thousands to experience these issues. GM need to be held responsible. Why. Are you putting this junk in 100k trucks? Why are we having to foot the bill to get rid of it? My car only has 112,000 miles. This is ridiculous. Please help.

NHTSA ID

11702046

Incident

Nov 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a temporary loss of automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway; however, the vehicle failed to restart as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11696362

Incident

Sep 18, 2025

Mileage

170,000 mi

I was driving south on I-25 when lights started flashing snd then i lost power and had to coast to the shoulder with no means to expedite my exit from the interstate. At the coasting point white heavy smoke came from tail pipe. . I know there is a recall for 21-24 models. For the very problem i had. The recall now has no fix. This needs fixed

NHTSA ID

11687494

Incident

Aug 12, 2025

My 2015 Cadillac Escalade suffered complete engine failure caused by a known design defect involving the Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifters and camshaft. This issue is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletins (TSB #15-06-01-002E and PIP5606C), which acknowledge lifter collapse, misfires, and internal engine damage in 2014–2020 Escalade and similar models. GM-certified dealerships repeatedly misdiagnosed the issue as minor (e.g. spark plugs, oil), allowing the underlying defect to worsen. I am uploading invoices from Cadillac of Cerritos (who misdiagnosed the problem), my trusted local repair shop, and Cadillac of Torrance, who ultimately diagnosed the failed lifters and camshaft, but had originally referred us to Cerritos because they could not take us at the time. The misdiagnoses delayed necessary repair, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and a repair quote exceeding $10,000. GM only offered $2000 towards a new car despite clear evidence of a widespread design defect. I believe this is not an isolated case. Many owners have filed similar complaints with NHTSA, and class action lawsuits (e.g. Mason v. GM) are pending for this exact issue. Despite this, GM has not issued a recall. This defect creates serious safety risks, including stalling, loss of power, and engine failure while driving. My family was placed in danger by a vehicle GM and its certified dealers knew was vulnerable. I urge NHTSA to investigate this engine defect further and require GM to take full accountability.

NHTSA ID

11676295

Incident

Feb 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle immediately lost power and was unable to be restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 137,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11658276

Incident

May 1, 2025

Mileage

137,000 mi

I was on my way home on [XXX] when the engine in my Cadillac Escalade started to vibrate and the check engine and stability track lights came on. Since I was only three miles from the house, I coasted home and parked the vehicle. On [XXX], I had the truck towed to ACE Auto Doctor in Bettendorf, IA who told me that I needed a new engine and it was a common issue on the 6.2 GM engine. I had supplement Insurance on the vehicle but the Insurance declined my claim. The Cadillac Dealership wants me to pay $17,000 for a remanufactured engine to replace mine. I know there is an investigation but am unsure what's the status. My vehicle has 93,000 miles and I do take care of it. This is my first issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11650126

Incident

Dec 27, 2024

I dropped my vehicle off for transmission service maintenance with no engine issues and no check engine light. The Cadillac dealer called me the next day and said the check engine light was on and the engine was bad and needed $12,000 repair due to faulty bad designed lifter's and camshaft also stated this is a well know defect in the engine and they have replaced many 6.2 engines. Vehicle has 59,345 miles and has a 72,000 mile powertrain warranty. I contacted GM and was told no they would not help with the cost. I drove the vehicle home and it would stall out at stop lights the stabilitrack and ABS lights came on and it would not go over 35MPH. Vehicle is dangerous to drive.

NHTSA ID

11646696

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

I was driving my vehicle, and it began to sputter, and steering wheel lock up almost causing an accident, plus I started the vehicle at home and within a few minutes I became unconscious from carbon Monoxide fumes and had to be rushed to the hospital and treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, also my family was in harm in which I was instructed to open all the windows and doors at home because the carbon monoxide detectors was going off at home.

NHTSA ID

11616313

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lifters and the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,331.

NHTSA ID

11616270

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

Mileage

201,331 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings in the engine oil, causing transmission failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11587696

Incident

Nov 15, 2023

First incident Feb 2022– 2015 Cadillac Escalade had approximately 89K miles on it. Was driving home from work in I-75 when the engine started knocking and vehicle began shaking & losing power. I was able to make it off an exit before it totally shutdown and would not crank again. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where a Misfire code was reported; Repairs shop was compensated for repairs via extended warranty. Second incident March 2023– Approximately 1 year later, the same thing happened. I Was on my way to work, once again, on the interstate in morning rush traffic when the engine started rattling and shaking. When I looked down at the dashboard the check engine light was flashing and the traction system light was illuminated. Thankfully I was able to make it off an exit to a gas station. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. Misfire code P0300 was read and cylinders #7 and #8 were diagnosed with misfires with no vacuum leaks. This time the warrant company is not willing to pay and now I’ve become aware of Chevrolet TSB 15-06-01-002F. I’m not sure why this has not been classified as a recall safety issue, but there is sure & present danger when your vehicle suddenly loses power while traveling on the interstate. This engine is faulty and needs to be recalled. How many people have to die & families ruined for it to be deemed a “safety issue”?

NHTSA ID

11517422

Incident

Apr 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and decelerating independently. The contact exited the highway and was able to drive to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that there had been a misfire on cylinder number three (3). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic that was closer to her residence. The independent mechanic diagnosed that cylinders one (1) and number three (3) were misfiring, had lost compression and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact became aware of Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin Number: 15-06-01-002F (Engine Misfire/Tick Noise), which she associated with the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ID

11479037

Incident

Aug 5, 2022

Mileage

113,000 mi

Vehicle burst into flames while driving 70 mph on highway.

NHTSA ID

11442174

Incident

Oct 19, 2021

2015 Cadillac Escalade had 65,186 miles on it. Was driving home with family and the engine started knocking. The code that was reported was P0300. Constant engine misfire. The replaced it under factory warranty. 1 year later, the same thing happen. Was driving with the family and engine started misfiring. Had it in the shop a couple of weeks before for preventive maintenance. Nothing was called out with the vehicle. Now GM is trying to charge me $9700 to replace the engine that was suppose to be new. Very disappointing that I am a long time consumer with 2 Cadillac's and treated like I did something wrong be Service Manager. This engine is faulty and needs to be recalled!

NHTSA ID

11435340

Incident

Sep 28, 2021

I bought the vehicle on May 27, 2021. I filled the tank with 87 octane on 3 separate occasions between May 27 and June 4, 2021.The engine (6.2L V8 L86 EcoTec) shut off during a trip on May 31, 2021. I was pulling into a restaurant and there were no indicators of any issues. While pulling up into the drive thru, the engine lost power. No Check Engine Light appeared at all. On a second trip (June 6, 2021), the engine again lost power while coming off of a highway exit. This time, I experienced loss of acceleration and then the vehicle shut off as I pulled into a parking lot. Both times I had to put the vehicle into park, shut off and then start back up. Again, no Check Engine Light. I drove the car to an auto parts store to buy a fuel additive. It was driving roughly at this point, but as I pulled into the parking lot, again a loss of power from the engine. It never started back up. Each time the vehicle shut off, I was driving it, not parked or stopped. There were also no indicators of any malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11421586

Incident

Jun 6, 2021

I HAD MY 2015 ESCALADE ESV IN THE SHOP FOR A SOFTWARE UPGRADE AND WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH MY RADIATOR AND FRONT STRUTS WERE LEAKING. MY TRUCK HAS 40,677 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER QUOTED ME 1,532 FOR THE RADIATOR AND 1,822 FOR THE FRONT STRUTS.

NHTSA ID

11397686

Incident

Feb 23, 2021

Mileage

40,677 mi

I PURCHASED A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE ON 9/6/2019 FROM MCGOVERN HYUNDAI IN BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SOLD AND ON DISPLAY AND WAS TRANSPORTED FROM THE MCGOVERN BUICK GMC DEALERSHIP IN MANSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OR VIN NUMBER IS [XXX]. SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD TO RETURN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES WITHIN 7 DAYS, 8 TIMES WITHIN 30 DAYS AND 10 TIMES WITHIN 45 DAYS. THE MOST RECENT WAS ON 11/4/2019 OF WHICH THE DEALERSHIP IGNORED MY CONTINUOUS APPEALS TO FIX THE ENGINE NOISE(S) AND ASKED THAT I CONTACT MASTRIA IN RAYNHAM MASSACHUSETTS AND DEAL WITH THEM BECAUSE THE CAR WAS THERE FOR REPAIR AND HAVE THEM DEAL WITH MY CONCERNS. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR REPAIRS FOR A TOTAL OF 14 DAYS. INITIALLY, WHEN I REQUESTED MC GOVERN HYUNDAI THAT IT BE REPAIRED, I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE PART AND/OR PARTS WERE IN BACK ORDER AND THAT THE UAW WAS ON STRIKE. I HAVE HAD TO DRIVE FROM FALL RIVER TO BROCKTON FOR ALL OF THESE ISSUES. KEEPING IN MIND THAT MCGOVERN DEALERSHIP IN MANSFIELD IS A BUICK GMC DEALER, I HAD INITIALLY BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE SALESPERSON, TOM, AND ON 9/10/2019, 9/11/2019 AND 9/12/2019, I DROVE TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AFTER WORK FOR HIM TO WITNESS THE ISSUES INCLUDING THE ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.I NOTIFIED THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT I WAS HAVING AND THAT THE APPLIQUE ON THE DRIVER?S PASSENGER SIDE WAS LOOSE OR BROKEN. SHE STATED THAT THE UAW WAS ON STRIKE AND THAT SHE WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. TO DATE APPLIQUE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY TELL ME TO CONTACT MASTRIA GMC IN RAYNHAM MA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11279618

Incident

Sep 8, 2019

Mileage

50,000 mi

WHILE TURNING INTO OUR STREET THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. IT RESTARTED BUT STILL CONCERNED.

NHTSA ID

11217391

Incident

Jun 2, 2019

Mileage

10 mi

S10 DOT/I: LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN CLINE ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING THE DIFFICULTY SHE IS EXPERIENCING WITH HER 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE (ATTN: KJERSTEN CROKE). *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S RADIATOR LEAKED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RECYCLING OF THE THERMOSTAT. COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR TUBES. THIS FAILURE WAS REPAIRED PER THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN 9I1513E. THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. REPAIRS WERE ATTEMPTED, BUT THE VIBRATIONS RECURRED. THE TRIM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS LOOSE. THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ON AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *JS

NHTSA ID

11195210

Incident

Jan 25, 2019

THIS IS AN EXHAUST FUME RELATED COMPLAINT THAT IS ALSO RELATED TO AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT FAILURE OF THE REAR HATCH LOCKING MECHANISM. WHEN THE REAR HATCH LOCKING MECHANISM IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED THE LIFTGATE IS NOT COMPLETELY CLOSED ALLOWING GAS FUMES TO ENTER THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS A REALLY BAD EXHAUST FUMES SMELL..... THE GAS IS ENTERING THE VEHICLE CO CARBON MONOXIDE HYDROCARBONS AND METHANE GAS CH4

NHTSA ID

11156913

Incident

Nov 15, 2018

Mileage

100,000 mi

I PULLED INTO THE GARAGE AND PUSHED THE BUTTON TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE. ALL DOORS LOCKED WHEN THEY WERE CLOSED. I COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE BUTTON ON THE DOOR HANDLE EVEN THOUGH THE FOB WAS ON ME. I WENT TO THE BACK TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH. I COULD NOT. THE VEHICLE STATED TO ROLL BACKWARDS - THERE IS NO INCLINE IN THE GARAGE - IT IS FLAT. I USED THE FOB TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND I WAS ABLE TO GET INTO THE CAR AND PUT IT IN PARK. I HAVE VIDEO FROM MY OUTDOOR CAMERA.

NHTSA ID

11142719

Incident

Oct 22, 2018

Mileage

15,558 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT SHIFTED AND THE STEERING SEIZED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V586000 (STEERING) AT OPEN ROAD CADILLAC (334 COLUMBIA TURNPIKE, FLORHAM PARK, NJ 07932, 973-538-5650); HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,500.

NHTSA ID

11141176

Incident

Jan 1, 2017

Mileage

88,500 mi