2022 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the engine replacement, the low oil warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired for an oil consumption-related recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ID

11763070

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Mileage

47,000 mi

Currently receiving it's 4th engine (it has shut down on me while driving down the road, twice) onStar module has been replaced, radiator has been replaced (i think twice), sway bar has been replaced, front suspension problems multiple times (i don't remember all of them), coolant leak, for some reason eats up front tires in about 10K miles and nobody can explain why (discount tire says they have never seen anything like it), flashes error codes on me constantly. this has all been going on since i bought the car in October of 2022. I keep taking it in and they "fix" it and then send me on my way only for me to end up right back where we started.

NHTSA ID

11761011

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade and serious concerns about how a safety-related engine issue and recall were handled. I purchased my Escalade new and have consistently maintained it at the Cadillac dealership, following all recommended oil-change and maintenance intervals. Over approximately two years, I had multiple service appointments where I waited more than four hours for what I believed was simply an oil change. I now have documentation showing my vehicle had little to no oil in the engine while the vehicle still indicated more than 40% oil life remaining. Despite these repeated visits, I was not clearly informed of the seriousness of what was happening with my engine. I was eventually informed of the recall and that the condition of my engine was serious enough to require a complete engine replacement. I am extremely concerned that I was not made aware of this safety risk sooner. Since the replacement engine was installed, I have continued to experience a concerning metal-on-metal type sound when my vehicle stops. I have reported this to the Cadillac service department multiple times, but I still do not feel confident that the problem has been properly addressed. I have told the dealership that I do not feel safe driving this vehicle, especially with my children and grandchildren riding in it. I have even asked to be released from the vehicle because I no longer have confidence in its safety. I am asking NHTSA to investigate how this recall was handled, whether customers were adequately informed of the safety risks, and whether replacement engines and continuing reported symptoms are being properly addressed. I am concerned other Cadillac owners may be experiencing similar problems without understanding the seriousness of the issue. I have documentation of my service history and vehicle condition and can provide it if requested.

NHTSA ID

11760779

Incident

Dec 31, 2001

This vehicle had the recall engine replacement and now hearing engine tick

NHTSA ID

11760211

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

Driving on a major interstate and the vehicle started knocking and losing acceleration, shaking terribly at a slow down/stop, lights on dash engaged, check engine, auto hold, service stabilitrak. Determination was a engine bearing went bad which contaminated the oil and other parts

NHTSA ID

11759851

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

Engine failed while driving down the highway at speed. Just shut off. Very dangerous. No power had to pull over. Vehicle would not start agin. Said low oil pressure. Had it towed to the dealership. Complete engine failure and had to have the motor replaced. After replacement engine still does not feel right and transmission acts up as well. Complete piece of junk for how expensive these vehicles are. Scary, dangerous and do not trust this vehicle anymore. Stuck with an unsafe piece of junk that's unreliable. Please help. New motor is exactly the same as the other one so it's going to fail again. It stays at the dealership instead of my driveway. People are getting screwed. Some kind of compensation needs to be done for us with these issues. Completely unfair.

NHTSA ID

11759645

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

I was driving and no check engine lights were on. I came to a stop sign and the car lost all power. I couldn't get it in park and neither could any of the 3 tow truck drivers. Therefore the car had to be skated onto the tow truck and then shimmied off, causing even more damage. They fixed the motor with the same engine , said there were metal shavings, which will end up doing the same thing and I do not feel safe driving a car i just bought for 72,000. The car only has 48,000 miles on it. I picked up the car after the repair and started to drive it home and when i got up to over 55 it started shaking and pulling to the right. It is not the same car I bought just a year ago and I am still waiting for them to return it back to me after a month of waiting for a power steering replacement. They do not know for sure if that's the problem now, but said they think that this will fix it. I do not feel safe if the mechanic doesn't even know what is wrong now.

NHTSA ID

11759589

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

1.) When traveling down a (4) lane back road (without a median or adequite shoulder) the engine of the vehicle suddenly stalled. I pulled over to the side of the road and went to restart the vehilcle and that is when I noticed a burning electrical smell. After that the vehicle was not responsive to any request. 2.) Sudden uncontrol failure of drive train/ vehicle propultion. Unable to move car to safe location. Stuck on side of (4) lane back road. 3.) The vehicle was taken to service and it was confirmed that the engine had seized. 4.) The dealership inspected the engine and noted the mechanical failure. 5.)No there were not and when accessing my "cadillac app" it noted the the vehicle was in good condtion and there were no problems to report. Notes: Vehicle was purchased with 71,642 miles on 2/28/2026 and failed on 3/8/2026 with 71,975 miles.

NHTSA ID

11759325

Incident

Mar 8, 2026

While driving on a family road trip, our vehicle check engine light came in and put the vehicle in limp mode. This happened a couple of times but luckily we were close enough to our home we were able to make it home safely. The code received was indicative of a Coolant Control Valve Failure. In discussions with the dealer, there is currently a special coverage out for this component failing but that our VIN was not covered under this special coverage. After some research, we are not the only ones who are having this problem. I believe this issue is more wide spread than the dealer would like to admit. The special coverage is N252508341.

NHTSA ID

11755964

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

My 2022 Cadillac Escalade received the remedy for Recall 25V-274 (L87 6.2L V8 loss of propulsion) on July 22nd at the dealer. The vehicle passed inspection and was given the higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil change remedy rather than an engine replacement. Since that service, the engine has begun stalling. It stalls when the vehicle is stopped. This symptom was not present before the recall service was performed. I consider this a loss-of-propulsion safety concern consistent with the defect the recall was meant to address, and I am concerned the oil-change remedy did not correct the underlying condition. The vehicle currently has approximately 144,969 miles. I am taking it to the dealer for diagnosis and am requesting a check for diagnostic trouble code P0016 and an oil filter inspection for metal debris.

NHTSA ID

11752889

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The Engine seized up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine shut off on its own will. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes GM has confirmed the engine needs to be replaced under the 6.2L engine claim. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? GM has inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning at all on the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11747198

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

My vehicle, a 2022 Cadillac Escalade with a 6.2L L87 engine, had the L87 recall completed withing the past year. The remedy was that it passed the inspection and engine oil was replaced with 10W-40 weight oil. Just yesterday 6/25/26, my engine quit working while driving on Interstate 265 in Louisville, Ky. Luckily, I was able to coast to the side of the highway where I stopped and was unable to restart the vehicle. After subsequent towing to the local Cadillac dealership, today 6/26/26, I was contacted by the service department that stated my engine needed to be replaced and would be covered under the L87 recall and under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11746711

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

The vehicle experienced a total engine failure on 03/16/2026 while traveling in the Houston/Friendswood, TX area going home from our vacation in Galveston, TX. The vehicle remained out of service at Big Star Cadillac in Friendswood until 04/27/2026. This failure is directly related to GM Safety Recall N252494000, involving defective internal engine components. Prior Ownership History (01/22/2024): The vehicle experienced an engine failure at 18,424 miles while under previous ownership. The engine was replaced by an authorized Cadillac dealership prior to my purchase. This material repair history was not disclosed at the time of sale. Second Failure (03/16/2026): At 47,503 miles, the replacement engine (N1240062M69X0196) failed catastrophically while in my possession during a return trip from vacation with my family of five. The failure occurred on Interstate 45, a heavily traveled highway, and we were barely able to exit the freeway. The new engine is part of the N126086N44X0534 series.

NHTSA ID

11735843

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

I purchased Used in Jan 2026 When starting the lifters were loud and I thought was normal engine operation. Since 2/17/2026 the engine vibrated or ran rough when idling. The auto/Stop Start feature failed randomly as the engine stalled when trying to start. The car passed the recall for the 6.2 Gm L85 engine issue, but is still having issues. The dealership Val Ward Ft Myers has the car now, and is replacing the lifters. My concern is that the Lower Engine issue was not properly diagnosed.

NHTSA ID

11732689

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

2022 Cadillac Escalade. Had the 6.2 liter engine recall done about 6K miles ago in which the engine was replaced. Now it’s back at the dealer again and needs another 6.2 liter engine. Been at the dealer for a month and GM has given them no update on when they can get another engine for it. This is insane. How am I ever supposed to be able to take my family around in this vehicle if the engines keep failing. Unfortunately I just bought this from the a dealer 6 months ago so I’m stuck with a vehicle that I do not trust… a $111,000 vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11732620

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

Hey, Just wanted to let you know that I took my car in for the recall service on the 6.2L engine issues, They determined my engine was fine and changed the oil to the different one. Within 6 months the engine blow while I was driving, they covered it under the recall however it is clear that the oil change is not an appropriate fix for this issue. thanks

NHTSA ID

11732591

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

Purchased the vehicle 1 year ago and immediately it had oil consumption problems. Got low oil alarm after 2000 miles from the dealers oil change. Dealer told us it was within “specs”. 6 months ago we were told the 6.2 engine had a recall and a different type oil will be used. 1 month ago the engine locked up and it is now at the dealer waiting for an engine. Asked another car dealership about trading it in and they would not accept it as a trade-in because it currently has a stop sale issued. This means the vehicle is now worth nothing! Well, I have to hire Attorney to get anything for this vehicle? We paid $75,000 for it a year ago

NHTSA ID

11729538

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and failed to respond as needed, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on several occasions, and the contact lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to operate. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact expressed concerns that the vehicle posed a safety hazard and was unsafe to continue driving. The approximate failure mileage was 60,645.

NHTSA ID

11729042

Incident

Apr 3, 2026

Mileage

60,645 mi

While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade on an interstate highway at approximately 70 mph with my family, including two minor children, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost propulsion, shut off, and shifted into neutral. This occurred in active traffic and created an immediate safety hazard. A warning message appeared instructing me to restart the vehicle. After several minutes navigating traffic, I was able to restart the vehicle briefly and exit the highway. Shortly thereafter, additional dashboard alerts appeared indicating critical engine and transmission failure. After exiting the highway, the vehicle shut down completely at a traffic signal and failed to restart. The vehicle was immobilized in an active roadway until police assistance arrived to prevent a rear‑end collision and a flatbed tow was arranged. The sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed placed vehicle occupants and surrounding motorists at serious risk. The vehicle is available for inspection and was diagnosed as having a seized engine on March 9, 2026, by Diamond Cadillac in [XXX] . This failure did not occur without warning. Prior to this incident, I repeatedly reported excessive oil consumption to the selling dealer, Otto Cadillac, from whom I purchased the vehicle in April 2025 as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. On two separate service visits, I reported oil consumption exceeding two quarts between recommended service intervals and requested that this be documented. I was advised that the consumption was “within tolerance” and was later informed—incorrectly—that this tolerance applied to my engine configuration. Otto Cadillac performed a recall-related inspection and implemented the manufacturer-directed remedy consisting of an oil cap replacement and a change in oil viscosity to SAE 40. No mechanical repair or deeper diagnostic action was taken. The subsequent engine seizure confirms that these mitigation measures did not resolve the underlying defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

NHTSA ID

11728563

Incident

Mar 8, 2026

On March 19, 2026 around 830AM EST, the vehicle turned off while I was driving around ~40mph. I lost all power while on a busy street and I was unable to move the car to the side of the road. The car would not shift into drive or neutral, and therefore remained in the middle of the road until a tow truck had to flatbed it to the Cadillac dealership. The L87 recall on this vehicle was performed in August 2025, however the Cadillac dealership said there were no issues found with the L87 recall. The symptoms of today's issue - vehicle turning off while driving and does not start back up, is similar to other reports of this L87 recall and demonstrates that this recall was not accurately performed and/or remedied during the service.

NHTSA ID

11725511

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

There was a recall on my Cadillac Escalade regarding the engine. We had the vehicle inspected in the fall and were told that our engine was not affected and was safe to operate. However, on Sunday, March 8, the engine suddenly failed while I was driving on an exit ramp with children in the car. There were no warning lights or prior indications of a problem. I took the appropriate steps to have the vehicle evaluated under the recall, yet we were still placed in a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation due to the engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11723318

Incident

Mar 8, 2026

My 2022 Cadillac Escalade Sports Platinum has shut down several times while I'm driving, and recently it started shifting into neutral on its own. I have three kids, and my whole family was in the car when this happened. Once, it shut down and shifted to neutral as I was crossing a busy street at night. I was really scared that someone might hit us because it was hard to see. I will take the SUV to the dealer for an engine inspection because of a recall. This problem is very frightening and could put lives at risk.

NHTSA ID

11721576

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

My engine died 3 times so far. The first time it had 20,000 miles, I was driving on the freeway and my vehicle died. The dealer replaced the engine. The second time there was a recall for the engine, it had around 88,000 miles and the engine was replaced for a 2nd time. Note I’m at 94,000 miles and my car died on the freeway again. It has been at the dealer for more than a week and they haven’t even inspected it yet. This is definitely a safety concern, both times that it stopped I was on the freeway, things could have been much worse.

NHTSA ID

11719762

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

Engine stopped working. Dealer is replacing engine, starter and battery fuse box.

NHTSA ID

11718688

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

The engine suddenly stalled while I was driving on a public road, creating an immediate safety hazard. The check‑engine light came on, and the dashboard warned of zero oil pressure. I had no choice but to have the vehicle towed to a Cadillac dealership. After their inspection, I was informed that the engine had catastrophically failed and required full replacement. This failure occurred right after the recall work was completed, during which I was assured the engine was healthy and the new oil‑ viscosity procedure had been performed.

NHTSA ID

11714620

Incident

Jan 29, 2026