2016 Cadillac Escalade

On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

At highway speed, the engine lifters associated with the Active Fuel Management system failed and caused catastrophic damage throughout the engine. The sudden loss of power on the highway almost caused vehicles traveling behind me to collide.

NHTSA ID

11752185

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

The first engine failure occurred while my vehicle remained under warranty. While driving with my children and a couple of her teammates to an AAU tournament in [XXX], the vehicle just began emitting white smoke. We pulled to a gas station and were stranded until we could arrange transportation for the 7 of us. It was a good thing that we left a day early or the girls would not have made it to their game. Upon towing the vehicle back to the shop in [XXX], I was informed that one of the cylinders in the engine had malfunctioned and the only repair option was replacement. The repairs were performed by Ross Downing Cadillac, the same dealership from which I previously purchased a GM vehicle. Although the engine replacement itself was covered under warranty, I was deprived of the use of my vehicle for approximately four months because replacement parts were unavailable and the dealership had no loaner vehicles available. This was in July of 2022. My Escalade has now required a second engine replacement due to the camshaft and lifter defect. The current repair is being performed by Hammer Down Garage, and the vehicle presently has approximately 180,000 miles. While attempting to exit the interstate, the vehicle just shut off. The traffic was horrendous, and it was so hot outside. I was on the way to pick up my graduating daughter's cap and gown from the school so you can imagine the frustration. After impeding traffic for about 30 minutes, the local police department pushed the vehicle to the side of the road so traffic could flow again. The engine light did come on when the vehicle stopped. Both incidents put me, my family, and other people's children at risk of harm. Even though my particular vehicle is not on the recall list, after researching, these are common problems that people have been experiencing with this vehicle. The vehicle is now at the shop requiring yet another engine replacement, and I have no choice because I need transportation for my family. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR

NHTSA ID

11749913

Incident

May 7, 2026

While driving my 2016 Cadillac Escalade, the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure associated with the engine and charging system. Upon failure, the vehicle displayed warning indicators including a “low battery” warning and emitted a burnt smell. The engine subsequently failed completely. Diagnostic findings stated: engine would not crank, oil contained metal contamination, crankshaft seized, complete engine replacement required. The estimated repair cost is approximately $14,000–$18,000. This failure occurred despite regular maintenance, including an oil change completed on January 18, 2026. This sudden failure created a major safety concern because the vehicle lost reliability while being operated on public roads. A sudden engine This sudden failure created a major safety concern because the vehicle lost reliability while being driven the vehicle it completely quit and shut down in rush hour traffic causing an unsafe situation for me and my family. This sudden failure created a major safety concern because the vehicle lost reliability while being operated on public roads. A sudden engine or charging-system failure at driving speeds could have caused a crash, loss of steering assistance, loss of power, or stranded occupants in traffic. I contacted GM/Cadillac seeking assistance through the goodwill process, but assistance was declined despite the catastrophic nature of the failure. I am filing this complaint because I believe there may be a broader defect involving the engine, crankshaft failure, lubrication system, or charging system components in this vehicle platform. I request investigation into similar failures affecting Cadillac Escalade vehicles with the 6.2L engine.

NHTSA ID

11736660

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

While driving in rush hour traffic, engine completely stopped. We were stranded in traffic for 2 hours until the police came to help push us out of the street. It was 20 degrees and we sat for 4 hours to get towed. After much ado, the dealership stated the following; "Checked and found engine wouldn't crank over, towed vehicle into the shop. Removed inspection cover to access torque convertor bolts, removed bolts engine still will not turn over. Checked oil in engine full of metal. Engine crank seized will need engine replacement." Upon further investigation, the recall for this vehicle only covers 2021-2025 however this is the same problem that is happening under the recalled years.

NHTSA ID

11729944

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

Experienced loss of electric power steering while driving at 60 MPH on interstate. Had 6 passengers in vehicle at the time and could have crashed if another vehicle was in other lane next to us during steering loss. Steering available for inspection. Have taken vehicle to dealer to fix issue. They diagnosed and replaced Negative and Positive wiring harness to battery; however, vehicle steering loss occurred again right after picking up and is back at dealership now. Sent dealer article about other owners of 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade experiencing same issue to help explain steering issue. Also sent video of steering glitching while driving back to dealership. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior, during, or after failure known.

NHTSA ID

11722231

Incident

Jan 31, 2026

Suspension failed at 50,000 miles. At 56,000 miles one of the valve components inside the engine (a lifter) has collapsed. This part controls the opening of the engine valve, and because it is no longer moving, that cylinder cannot build compression and is causing the misfire. This is an internal mechanical failure inside the engine and cannot be caused by body work, fuel quality, or anything external.

NHTSA ID

11720984

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded like it was going to stall, and the accelerator pedal was depressed to keep the vehicle from stalling. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with lifter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,027.

NHTSA ID

11720471

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

Mileage

137,027 mi

TRANSMISSION ISSUES. MY VEHICLE LUNGES AND HAS HARD SHIFTS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM LOW SPEED TO HIGH SPEEDS. ALSO LUNGES WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING

NHTSA ID

11720292

Incident

Feb 24, 2026

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.

This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.