2019 Cadillac Escalade Owner Complaints

All of a sudden the car just died while driving it on the road at speed. There was no warning or indication of an issue. It just shook and then died. It would not restart. This is an egregious safety issue and should not happen on a vehicle with only this many miles. We could have been killed if we were on a highway. A quick google search shows this is a KNOWN issue. The mechanic said this is a know issue with this engine - Please get a recall out for 2019 before someone dies!!!!

NHTSA ID

11754001

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

The AFM lifters on 1,7,4,6 cylinders go out with no warning causing shuttering and misfires. Scary! This is the second Escalade with the problem and the 2019 engine has occurred twice in 6 months. I have inserted a lockout device to prevent the vehicle from going into 4 cylinder mode since the last episode (6 months ago) and it still failed another AFM lifter. GM said they will fix the 3rd one under warranty but no guarantees it won't fail again. Who knows where I might be? I am without a vehicle for 2 to 3 weeks at a time. GM will not remove the system and replace the cam and lifters (even if I purchase the parts). POOR service also.

NHTSA ID

11745683

Incident

Jun 7, 2026

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Cadillac Escalade due to a transmission/valve body failure occurring at approximately 77,100 miles. The vehicle began experiencing transmission-related issues including harsh shifting, hesitation, abnormal operation, and unsafe drivability concerns. The vehicle was diagnosed by the repair facility as requiring a transmission valve body replacement. I was then informed that the required valve body is currently on national backorder with General Motors, and my vehicle has now been out of service for over two months with no estimated repair completion date available. After researching the issue, I discovered numerous other GM owners reporting similar transmission valve body failures involving Cadillac Escalades and other GM full-size SUVs and trucks equipped with similar transmissions. The widespread nature of the failures and the nationwide parts shortage raise serious concerns regarding reliability and potential safety defects. This issue creates a significant safety concern because transmission failure can affect acceleration, shifting, drivability, and the vehicle’s ability to operate safely in traffic conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these transmission valve body failures and the related nationwide parts shortage affecting GM vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11737067

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

MY VEHICLE LOST POWER SUDDENLY I ALMOST GOT HIT FROM BEHIND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A ACCIDENT TOWED TO MECANIC TOLD ME COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE MY ENGINE NEEDS REPLACMENT

NHTSA ID

11734768

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

Loud engine knocking heard after starting vehicle at grocery store, vehicle was driven 25 miles to get to store so was 'warm', check engine lite on dashboard came on during knocking, was able to drive vehicle to dealership for diagnosis (approximately 3.1 miles), dealership diagnosis after engine teardown was roller lifter failure causing damaged camshaft, instead of repairing defective parts in this engine opted for new engine replacement, cost approximately $15,000 for repairs and labor out of pocket, vehicle is 2019 Escalade, less than 110,000 miles on engine, purchased in 2022 with approximately 9000 odometer miles from cadillac dealership, professionally maintained at Cadillac dealership since purchase. GMC has a NHTSA recall (EA25007) for 6.2L V8 engines (which this vehicle particular has), for the years 2021-2024. Model years 2019-2021 with these type of engines has an active investigation (no recall yet) for the same issue of 'loss of motive power due to engine failure'. We were fortunate that the failure occurred in town at low speed driving and not on the freeway with truck traffic at 75 mph, a sudden loss of power due to engine failure would greatly have increased the risk of a crash.

NHTSA ID

11720769

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Loud knocking sound in the engine appeared out of nowhere. This is the same engine as what exists in the 2021 year models which does have a recall on them, but for some reason the 2019 models like I have are not included in the recall. I cannot drive the car for fear of the engine seizing up.

NHTSA ID

11715093

Incident

Jan 27, 2026

Lifters failed and needed repaired. $2,000 mechanic bill

NHTSA ID

11712563

Incident

Aug 13, 2025

The engine has an Active Fuel Management system that has frequent failures of the lifters which causes the push rods to bend. This causes a misfire and the check engine light to illuminate. A broken piece of material entered the lower portion of the engine which could have caused an engine failure while on the highway. I had the vehicle towed to a dealership before a catastrophic failure occurred. Cadillac refuses to warranty this defect when the engine reaches 70k miles. The dealership sees this often and replaced the lifters on only one bank (head) at the cost of $4,000. This occurred on my 2018 Escalade which was under warranty at the time. They had to replace the camshaft and all the lifters on that vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11712432

Incident

Dec 25, 2025

The engine valvetrain is suspected, specifically an AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter or related lifter/oil control component. The vehicle and affected components are intact and available for inspection upon request. An unresolved internal engine malfunction presents a risk of sudden power loss, engine damage, or stalling while driving, which could increase the risk of a collision, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. The issue has been reproduced consistently by the vehicle owner. Diagnostic work has been performed by independent parties, including inspection of the exhaust system, belts, and valvetrain components. Further confirmation by a dealer has not yet occurred. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Independent mechanical inspection and repairs have been performed. No warning lamps or messages were displayed. Symptoms include a delayed chirping/ticking noise beginning approximately 20–30 seconds after engine startup, which is repeatable and changes with engine load and cylinder deactivation behavior.

NHTSA ID

11711605

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate a failure. Recently, the contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ID

11702482

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

Mileage

48,000 mi

2019 GM Cadillac Escalade 6.2-liter L87 engine rod/bearing knocking noise for second time causing fear of driving and long range usability because of catastrophic failures reported. GM says out of warranty and not their problem and not part of the issued recall years for bad L87 engines. Vehicle engine repaired under warranty 03/07-2024 for bad camshaft and lifter failure at a cost of $8776.63.

NHTSA ID

11696523

Incident

Oct 19, 2022

My wife and I purchased this vehicle in 2023 with 33,xxx miles on it and since we’ve had it, the vehicle has locked itself with the key fob inside 3 different times, we’re going on the third suspension replacement with normal driving that is ruining alignment and tires, we’ve had multiple issues with the computer system resetting itself and not acting appropriately, key fob not working, seat heaters in the back turning themselves on, and glove box randomly opening. Yesterday, my wife tried to start the car and everything on the dash just started flashing, the vehicle attempted to turn over and made terrible knocking noises in the engine compartment. The final straw for us was on July 13th when my wife placed our then 7 month old son in the car after church with the remote start feature working, placed his diaper bag in the vehicle with keys inside the bag, and as she walked around to the driver door, the vehicle locked itself and shut off in 103*F heat. My son began screaming and the vehicle would not unlock. My wife was forced to punch the window out, lacerating her hand open, and even after peeling the window out, the vehicle still would not unlock even manually. I had to leave my fire station to meet her at the hospital where she received stitches. Cadillac sent out an inspector on 8/17/25 and we still have not heard anything back. I have filed with the BBB Auto Line as well. There was never any warning lights or messages, other than repeated “service suspension system” warnings, which has been replaced twice in 20,xxx miles and now needs to be replaced again.

NHTSA ID

11687917

Incident

Jul 13, 2025

I was on the highway with my family going about 60 mph and my vehicle shut completely off on the interstate. We were almost rearend by a tractor trailer. It did not crank back up either. My 2019 Cadillac Escalade has the same current issues as the 2021 - 2024 6.2 engines that are being recalled right now.

NHTSA ID

11682650

Incident

Jul 5, 2025

I was traveling on the interstate with no problems, then my vehicle lost power and I smelled smoke. I pulled into a gas station to see what the problem was. It appeared the starter had went out. I got it towed to a mechanic shop and it was determined another engine is needed. There is a recall on these engines from the year 2021 thru 2024. This year needs to be included due to the same issues as the newer engines.

NHTSA ID

11672406

Incident

Jul 5, 2025

As what appears to be happening with a lot of these, it dropped the push rod on cylinder 2, damaged the camshaft, and the truck immediately lost power while on the highway.

NHTSA ID

11667938

Incident

Feb 20, 2025

- The engine malfunctioned. Started making noises on cold start that quickly turned into noises when driving and rough idling. It is at the Cadillac dealership being inspected right now. Car is available for inspected upon request. - The safety was put at risk with the potential of complete engine failure. - I received a call from Cadillac yesterday that the camshaft is faulty and they will need to replace it. - Cadillac has reached out to my warranty company to inspect it further. - The only warning was the noise, I noticed it in March, the noise got much very quickly.

NHTSA ID

11660898

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

At around 70,000 miles the engine light came on and a strange noise was coming from the engine. I immediately took it in for inspection. The mechanic said he knew right away what it was because its a common failure with this engine. He said the lifters had gone bad and the entire top half of the engine had to be repaired. This was at a cost of $8,500.00. This is clearly an issue with GM motors with a 6.2 liter engine. I will be joining a class action lawsuit to get compensated for the repairs and my time without a vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11658145

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

I currently own a 2019 Cadillac Escalade with a 6.2L V8 gas engine problems. We have issues with knocking or banging sound from the engine, the check engine light turns on and other engine performance issues like abnormal shifting, hesitation or reduced propulsion it has caused engine failure to my vehicle and it cannot be driven so it has been sitting up and I am still payment a note on the vehicle that I cannot drive or fix because of the cost. My vehicle has been sitting in my garage for 2 years with this issue due to it costing over 10,000 to fix. There has been a recall on the engines in the 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalades but not a 2019. I hope someone can please help me with resolving this issue. Please feel free to contact with us: [XXX] at [XXX] or [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11657802

Incident

Apr 30, 2025

Active Fuel Management system is starving the lifters of lubrication. Push rod got snapped in half and lifters needed to be replaced. Then the headers had to be fixed because of all of this. With a complete repair done, the push rod has again malfunctioned one month after the new one was put in. My certified mechanic has informed me I’m going to continue to have an issue while GM isn’t concerned with addressing the issue of the AFM system.

NHTSA ID

11646891

Incident

Dec 19, 2024

When I am driving the car shutters a lot especially during acceleration. When I stop no shutters but when I begin to go shutters. I have been to the Pepboys where I get my car fixed all the time and they can’t find the problem. I spent lots of money on the suspension system already and still the same shutters. Will Gm find and fix the defect or they can just give me a brand new car.

NHTSA ID

11615733

Incident

Jun 23, 2024

The car seat was in the locked rear facing position without it in use (thankfully) and I got rear ended on the freeway and the car seat became detached from the base that was anchored to my car. The car seat ended on the floor between my two middle seats.

NHTSA ID

11573791

Incident

Feb 10, 2024

This vehicle was sold to me with severe frame damage, which was not reported on the carfax, and was not reported at the dealership. If you turn the steering wheel to the right, you will hear a scraping noise under the right front tire, as the suspension is off because of the frame damage caused from an accident with the previous owner. I returned the car for a refund, however the car is being sold again at a different dealership and there is no reports of any frame damage.

NHTSA ID

11553368

Incident

Sep 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that due to the placement and size of the sideview mirrors, there was a blind spot. The contact stated that the blind spots were large enough to severely reduce sideview visibility. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who declined to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.

NHTSA ID

11538726

Incident

Feb 15, 2023

Mileage

41,000 mi

CAR PURCHASED FEBRUARY 2019 BRAND NEW. WHEN SEAT COOLING, THE BACK OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HEAT UP IN ALL COOLING MODES FROM HIGH TO LOW. RETURN VENTS ON BACK SIDE OF DRIVER/PASSENGER SEATS BLOW OUT VERY HOT AIR PROVIDING SAFETY CONCERN IF TOUCHED BY PASSENGER. INFRARED THERM. PERSONALLY PURCHASED AND RECORDED A LOG OF SEAT TEMPS FOR OVER A MONTH. RETURN VENTS ON BACK OF BOTH SEATS REACHED A MAXIMUM OF 132FON DRIVERS SIDE AND 129F ON PASSENGER. ON AVERAGE, INFRARED THERM. SHOWED DRIVER/ PASSENGER BACK OF SEATS MEASURING AVG 92-96 DEGREES F. ON OCASSION COOLING SEATS WORK WITH NO ISSUE BUT USUALLY OCCURS 15 MINUTES INTO DRIVING WITH COOL ON. WHEN SEAT COOLING TURNED OFF, SEATS/VENTS COOL OFF. WHEN TURNED BACK ON SEATS/VENTS HEAT UP. CAR SERVICED BY DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. AFTER NOTIFYING GM CUSTOMER RELATIONS WITH CERTIFIED LETTER, A GM SERVICE ENGINEER WAS SENT TO ASSESS MY CAR ISSUES ON THE THIRD TIME. PER INVOICE 10644 9/24/19, GM SERVICE ENGINEER CONFIRMED THERE WAS AIR BEING TRAPPED IN FOAM OF BACK SEAT CAUSING RETURN AIR VENTS TO HEAT UP. HE MEASURED THE BACK SEATS TO HEAT TO 81F AFTER TWO TEST RUNS ONLY WITH A DIGITAL THERMOMETER. HIS CORRECTION IS REMOVAL OF OPEN CELLED FOAM IN BACK OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND REPOSITIONED THEN REMOVED HOT AIR EXHAUST PORTS ON LF/RF SEAT BACK COOLERS. NOTES COOLING SEATS OPERATE AS DESIGNED. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH REMOVAL OF MANUFACTURERS DESIGN PARTS FOR FUNCTIONING OF CAR. HAVE CONFIRMED OTHER CADILLAC SUV OWNERS HAVE HEATING ISSUES WITH RETURN VENTS IN A 2016 SUV SERVICED BY SAME DEALERSHIP AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. ALSO, 2019 ESCALADE ESV LOANER PROVIDED TO ME EXHIBITS EXACT SAME ISSUES AS THOSE REPORTED IN MY CAR WITH HEAT IN BACK OF SEATS AND RETURN VENTS DURING COOLING SEATS ACTIVATED.

NHTSA ID

11258340

Incident

May 20, 2019

Mileage

2,000 mi

THIS COMPLAINT APPLIES TO THE 2017-2019 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE HEADLIGHTS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE BLINDINGLY BRIGHT -- ENOUGH TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD. THEY ARE WAY TOO BRIGHT IF THEY SHINE DIRECTLY IN YOUR EYES OR SIDE MIRROR WHILE DRIVING A CAR. THEY ARE AN UNUSUAL DESIGN, WITH VERTICALLY STACKED POINTS OF TINY INDIVIDUAL LIGHTS, WHICH I BELIEVE CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. I RECENTLY READ THAT PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED LATELY, PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO THE INCREASINGLY BRIGHT SUV HEADLIGHTS, PARTICULARLY ON LUXURY SUV'S. THE ESCALADE IS THE WORST, DUE TO THE UNUSUAL LIGHT DESIGN; BUT OTHERS ARE ALMOST AS BAD. IF THEY SHINE IN YOUR EYES -- FOR EXAMPLE, DRIVING UPHILL AS ONE OF THESE IS COMING DOWN THE HILL IN THE OTHER LANE -- IT IS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANY PEDESTRIAN TO THE SIDES, PARTICULARLY IF THE PERSON IS WEARING BLACK. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AT ONE BUSY INTERSECTION IN MY TOWN. IF YOU WANT TO REDUCE PEDESTRIAN DEATHS, THERE NEEDS TO BE GREATER REGULATION OF THE BRIGHTNESS OF VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS, PARTICULARLY ON TRUCKS. THANK YOU FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THESE COMMENTS.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

NHTSA ID

11235177

Incident

Jun 15, 2019