2023 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems

Prior to purchasing my 2023 Cadillac Escalade, I was informed the vehicle had been subject to an engine recall. The dealership told me the corrective action was changing the oil from 0W-20 to 0W-40, replacing the filter, and updating the oil cap. I was assured this resolved the issue and that I should not experience future problems. Based on those assurances, I purchased the vehicle in October 2025 with approximately 25,000 miles. About nine months later, the engine shut off while I was stopped at a traffic light. The vehicle automatically shifted into neutral and turned off. I restarted it and continued driving. The exact same incident occurred again a few days later. I brought the vehicle to a Cadillac dealership for inspection. After several hours of diagnostics, I was told they could not find any issues and that the vehicle appeared to be operating normally. Two days later, while traveling approximately 75 mph on the highway with my family, including two young children, a warning message appeared instructing me to restart the vehicle. At the same time, the vehicle shifted into neutral and lost propulsion. I pulled to the shoulder and restarted the engine, which struggled to start and ran very rough. After resuming travel, the exact same failure occurred again within minutes at highway speed, forcing me to pull over a second time. Concerned for my family's safety, I exited the highway and drove local roads. The vehicle was returned to the dealership. An oil sample was sent to a GM-approved laboratory, and I was later informed that elevated levels of metal contamination were found in the oil. GM subsequently authorized a complete engine replacement. I am submitting this complaint because the recall remedy I was told would resolve the issue did not prevent a major engine failure. The vehicle shut off twice at stoplights, passed a dealership inspection, and then lost propulsion twice at highway speeds. This presented a significant safety risk to my family and

NHTSA ID

11764478

Incident

Aug 22, 2026

Oil pressure sesnsor warning. The dealership is saying I need a new motor.

NHTSA ID

11761291

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2023 Cadillac Escalade involving unexpected acceleration and loss of propulsion while driving. On XXX, while traveling to [XXX] in slow-moving traffic with Super Cruise engaged, my vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. I immediately applied the brakes to avoid striking the vehicle ahead. I reported the incident to the Cadillac dealership and contacted OnStar. OnStar records reflected the acceleration/hard-braking event, but the dealership could not identify the cause. On XXX, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of engine/transmission power while I was driving. I contacted OnStar, which reported transmission control module-related diagnostic codes P0747 and P0700 and indicated reduced power/transmission malfunction. I had difficulty reaching a safe location and the vehicle was ultimately towed to a Cadillac dealership. I have also experienced ongoing excessive oil consumption. I first reported this in May 2024 at approximately 21,000 miles. Multiple oil consumption tests were performed, but I repeatedly had to add oil between changes. In June 2026, the vehicle displayed an “Add Oil” warning even though the oil life monitor showed approximately 37% remaining. The vehicle has also had recurring HVAC problems requiring multiple dealership visits, including a coolant flush for an air pocket and later vent actuator recalibration. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by authorized GM/Cadillac dealerships multiple times, including recall work, oil consumption testing, powertrain diagnosis and HVAC repairs. Despite these repeated visits, concerns continue. My primary safety concerns are the unexpected acceleration and subsequent loss of propulsion/reduced power while driving. I am reporting these incidents because they may indicate a safety-related defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11761033

Incident

Oct 16, 2025

I was driving down the road, doing approximately 50 mph, when my vehicle shifted itself into neutral and I lost power completely. The information center said "reduced power. Press the start button to regain power," which I did, but nothing happened. I had to pull off the road and have my vehicle towed to a Cadillac dealership in Lima, OH. The dealer, Lima Auto Mall, confirmed I suffered a complete engine failure. This is one of the 6.2L engines that GM has recalled and I had already had the engine inspected by my local Cadillac dealer and they told me my engine was "good," and switched to the 0W40 motor oil. I had just had the vehicle into my Cadillac dealer 4 days prior where they performed an oil change, tire rotation, 80,000 mile service , etc. Four days later, the motor completely failed and had to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11760822

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Total engine failure. Had to replace entire engine. Crank shaft issue. We had just returned from vacation and could have been stranded MILES away. Willis Cadillac in Iowa replaced the engine. No warning light whatsoever. Immediate failure upon turning the car on.

NHTSA ID

11760418

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

Re: 2023 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L Engine Recall and Safety Concern. I followed the recall process, had the prescribed remedy performed, and yet the information now available has left me with substantially diminished confidence that the vehicle is protected against the very failure the recall was intended to address (catastrophic engine failure). My concern is reinforced by NHTSA's Engineering Analysis EA26005, which is examining post-remedy engine failures. When cold starting my Escalade, I hear clanging, flapping, and what I perceive to be abnormal noises coming from the engine. Combined with documented post remedy failures now being investigated by NHTSA, I do not believe the recall remedy provides a sufficient margin of safety.

NHTSA ID

11759409

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

Transmission control module went out of the blue, caused limp mode on the highway and barely got off. Damaged the Transmission, had to replace by cadillac. 2 weeks later after i got the car back, blew 3 fuses and the starter while driving. Had to get towed back over 100 miles. 3 days later the engine completely blew and they had to replace it. this was the second time this happened, first since ive owned it.

NHTSA ID

11759349

Incident

Dec 20, 2025

On 06/23/2026 at approximately 62,745 miles, I brought my 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine to a Cadillac dealership because of excessive engine oil consumption. The vehicle has been consuming approximately 3 quarts of engine oil every 2,000 miles, or roughly 1 quart every 650-700 miles. The dealership began an oil-consumption test to document the condition, and the vehicle is currently still at the dealership undergoing evaluation. This vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine involved in NHTSA Safety Recall 25V-274 / GM Recall N252494000 concerning internal engine damage and possible loss of propulsion. I do not know whether the excessive oil consumption is directly related to the recall defect, but I am concerned that this level of oil consumption may indicate an internal engine problem that could lead to inadequate lubrication, engine damage, stalling, seizure, or sudden loss of propulsion. The vehicle is available for inspection at the Cadillac dealership. The dealer has service records and oil-consumption-test documentation associated with this condition. I am filing this complaint so the excessive oil consumption on this L87-equipped vehicle is formally documented with NHTSA and can be considered along with other reported L87 engine concerns.

NHTSA ID

11758778

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

The engine/powertrain malfunctioned on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade at approximately 29,434 miles, ultimately requiring complete engine replacement. During the engine repair, the Cadillac technician also discovered that the transmission cooler lines were leaking fluid. The dealership replaced all of the affected transmission cooler lines as part of the repair.The original failed engine was removed by the Cadillac dealership, so I do not know whether GM/Cadillac retained it. The failure involved the vehicle’s engine and created concern about the possibility of sudden loss of propulsion or engine failure while driving. Because this is a large vehicle routinely operated on public roads and highways, an unexpected loss of engine power could significantly reduce my ability to safely accelerate, merge, or move the vehicle out of traffic. Fortunately, I brought the vehicle in for service after noticing the abnormal engine noise before a complete failure occurred while driving. Yes. Heritage Cadillac inspected and diagnosed the vehicle. The dealership documented my complaint of a “weird noise on start up” that continued until approximately 10 MPH. The technician removed the valve covers and inspected the rocker arms and pushrods. The dealership ultimately determined that an engine replacement was necessary and replaced the engine under warranty. Yes. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by Heritage Cadillac, an authorized Cadillac dealership. The dealership diagnosed the engine issue and replaced the complete engine. During the repair process, the technician also discovered leaking transmission cooler lines. I did not receive a warning lamp or dashboard message alerting me to an engine problem. The primary symptom was an abnormal engine noise shortly after startup that continued during initial acceleration to approximately 10 MPH. This prompted me to bring the vehicle to Heritage Cadillac for inspection. The dealer documented this symptom on the repair order.

NHTSA ID

11758672

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

I was driving and the vehicle stopped accelerating and the gear was in neutral. I pulled over and turned the car off then attempted to turn it on, but it would not turn over. All electrical was on, but the car would not start. This same thing happened two days prior twice within 10 min. of each other, but I was able to start the car those times. Due to the speed suddenly declining and being unable to accelerate on a two lane road with cars behind me; it could have caused a serious accident. It has not yet been confirmed by a dealer, but this is a known recall for this vehicle that was listed as complete prior. There was no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The first noted incident happened on 8/10/26.

NHTSA ID

11756417

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

2023 Cadillac Escalade, 6.2L V8 (RPO L87). Subject of Recall 25V-274 and NHTSA investigation RQ26-001. Over the past year, this vehicle has been out of the shop only about 90 days total. The rest of the year it has been in dealer service at GM/Cadillac dealerships for a recurring, undiagnosed loss-of-power defect. It is currently in dealer service. FAILURE: The vehicle has suddenly lost all motive power on three separate occasions. Engine runs, vehicle loses all drive power, will not restart. Two events occurred at approximately 80 mph on an interstate highway. One occurred with children in the vehicle. The only warning is a “service rear axle” message that appears just before power loss. No diagnostic trouble code has isolated the fault. Root cause has not been diagnosed. REPAIR PATTERN: Six dealer visits across two Cadillac dealerships in one year. Interventions have included two battery replacements, a full engine replacement under Recall 25V-274, an approximately $1,500 charge categorized as diagnostic with no repair labor documented, and most recently a “wiring harness manipulation / re-wrap” performed over approximately 90 days. Dealer personnel described the fix as “manipulation fixed it” — which is not a diagnosed repair. On at least one return of the vehicle, dealer personnel stated in the presence of a witness that they were not certain the defect had been fixed. The “service rear axle” warning returned within three days of the most recent repair. POST-RECALL: The engine was replaced under Recall 25V-274 and the loss-of-power failures continued afterward. This is directly relevant to RQ26-001, examining post-recall-remedy failures.

NHTSA ID

11754077

Incident

Aug 14, 2025

Vehicle started making a horrendous noise, knock and squeeling noise while on the highway. Approximately 2 minutes later the check engine light came on and we completely lost power. Went from 70 to zero dead on the side of the NY Thruway rapidly. Vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that an engine replacement was necessary. Engine previously passed PICO test and update to the oil cap was completed. Oil changes every 5k miles.

NHTSA ID

11753366

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

Engine stopped running while driving without any prior notifications, lights, or warnings. Car was stationary in the roadway while my wife tried repeatedly to restart the engine. After several tries the engine started and ran long enough to pull car off roadway. Car was inspected last year and procedures per recall notice where performed and was then deemed safe and reliable. Recall corrections did not fix the problem.

NHTSA ID

11751916

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

My vehicle was inspected as part of the 6.2 engine recall and passed. 3 months later the engine stopped. Had to get towed and get a new engine

NHTSA ID

11750602

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum with 6.2L L87 V8 suffered catastrophic engine failure on 6/20/2026 at approximately 38,658 miles. Vehicle had GM recall N252494000 performed at Coulter Cadillac in Phoenix, AZ on 12/3/2025. Engine reportedly passed GM recall inspection and received oil-related remedy rather than engine replacement. Approximately six months later, while driving on I-17 near Black Canyon City, AZ at highway speed on a 75 mph interstate, the engine suddenly shut down with no warning signs or alerts. Vehicle shifted to neutral and lost all propulsion. There were no prior check-engine lights, oil-pressure warnings, reduced-power warnings, abnormal noises, or other alerts before failure. I was traveling with my family of four plus our dog in approximately 105°F heat at the start of a road trip. I was able to maneuver to the shoulder, but the sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed created a serious safety risk. We were stranded roadside for nearly one hour in a remote area. Earnhardt Cadillac in Scottsdale, AZ diagnosed crank bearing failure. GM/Cadillac has indicated the proposed repair is installation of a refurbished/remanufactured replacement engine. I am concerned this failure occurred after the recall remedy had already been completed and appears consistent with the L87 crankshaft/connecting rod/bearing failures and post-remedy failures under NHTSA review. Cadillac case number is 103635161.

NHTSA ID

11750090

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

We were driving on an interstate in Indiana and the car jerked and then automatically went into neutral. We couldn’t accelerate or put the car back into drive. We had to get over 2 lanes and onto the shoulder. We were able to put the car in park once on the shoulder but the car would not turn on or off. We couldn’t do anything. All electronics were still running but the engine was not running. The emergency break went on as well. The car sat on the side of the road for 3 hours with the electronics going while waiting for a tow which then wore out the battery. Because the car switched on the emergency break, the towing company had a difficult time getting it up on the tow truck. There were no warning lights going off. We were going 75mph on a highway with my children in the car! Scariest thing ever. I can only imagine what could have happened. We were so lucky to not be hit on the highway trying to change lanes and not being able to accelerate. Then we had to sit on the side of a highway for 3 hours in 95 degree weather and we were 2.5 hours from home! After 3 hours, a tow truck finally showed up. My family had to take a taxi to the nearest dealership because the tow truck would not take us. After 4 days, the dealership finally ran the diagnostic test and said the engine had seized up and we need a new engine which is on backorder. That dealership is 2.5 hours from home, so we then had to pay for another tow truck to get my vehicle back up to home so the local dealership could work on it. It has been one week since this incident happened and we have no idea how long the repairs will take but it’s my understanding that they are just replacing the faulty engine with another faulty engine because GM has no fix for this engine failure issue so it will happen again!!!

NHTSA ID

11744479

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

I was driving at highway speeds when my vehicle suddenly lost power and began rapidly decelerating. The vehicle eventually stalled in the middle of the roadway, creating a serious safety hazard for me and other drivers and significantly increasing the risk of a crash. This vehicle had previously undergone the GM safety recall inspection under Recall N252494000 for the L87 6.2L engine loss of propulsion defect. The recall inspection and remedy failed to identify the underlying engine defect, and the engine still catastrophically failed only months later. After the recall was completed, the vehicle was maintained according to GM’s updated recall instructions, including use of the required 0W-40 engine oil. Despite compliance with the recall remedy and maintenance requirements, the engine still failed during normal highway operation. The recall specifically acknowledged potential manufacturing defects involving the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components that could lead to engine failure and loss of propulsion. That is exactly what occurred in this incident. I believe the recall inspection procedure was inadequate and failed to detect defective engines that remain unsafe and subject to catastrophic failure even after being marked as “recall completed.”

NHTSA ID

11739194

Incident

May 14, 2026

As a loyal GM customer who has purchased three Cadillac Escalades and had them exclusively serviced at Cadillac dealerships, , I am writing regarding my 2023 Escalade, equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine, affected by the recall (N252494000) impacting approximately 597,630 vehicles . I recently took my vehicle to a Cadillac dealership for the recall inspection, where it passed, received a switch to o@-40 Mobil 1 Supercar oil, and was granted an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the purchase date. Despite this , I am deeply troubled by GM's handling of the recall, which has caused significant unease, undermined my trust, failed to honor my loyalty, and imposed unfair burdens. I respectfully request clarification and action on the following issues: Inadequate Recall Remedy and Impact on Gas Mileage - The remedy for vehicles that pass inspection- switching from 0W-20 to higher-viscosity 0W40 oil- raises serious doubts about its effectiveness in addressing a manufacturing defect in the crankshaft and/or connecting rods, which GM acknowledges can lead to engine failure and increase crash risk. Many owners, including myself, question whether thicker oil is a permanent solution or a temporary workaround. Additionally, the switch to 0W-40 is likely to reduce fuel efficiency due to increased engine drag, imposing an unaddressed cost in deduced gas mileage. This is especially concerning for me, as I rely on my Escalade for annual drives from [XXX] to [XXX] for the winter months. Can GM provide technical evidence proving the oil change fully resolves the defect, and will the company compensate owners for the loss in fuel economy? Inconsistent Communications Regarding the Extended Warranty - The dealership assured my vehicle is "fine" after passing the inspection, yet GM is providing an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles. This contradiction - claiming the engine is defect-free while extending warranty coverage - suggests GM anticipat INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

NHTSA ID

11738840

Incident

May 19, 2026

My vehicle lost full engine propulsion going 70mph on the highway. We were blocking lanes of traffic and lost speed at a very rapid pace. No engine or warning light came on before the car lost engine and shifted into neutral. We called 911 and the California Highway Patrol had to assist in us not getting hit from behind as our car was disabled and would not restart to move off of lanes of traffic.

NHTSA ID

11735822

Incident

Mar 8, 2026

Engine seized up

NHTSA ID

11734955

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

Engine failure at 9052 miles on 3/2/2024 miles hike driving 50 mph. Car shut down completely with no warning. I was able to get it to side of road without wrecking. Towed to Lafayette Indiana blown motor had to be replaced. Repaired and returned on 3/27/2024. Failed engine recall at my routine maintenance at 33680 miles on 12/26/2025. Engine ordered. I was told it could still be driven I feel this was a safety hazard Car taken in on 3/7/2025 . I called for update on 3/27/2026 and was told GM sent the wrong motor. Called for another update on 4/10/2026. Car completed on 4/14/2026.

NHTSA ID

11734420

Incident

Mar 2, 2024

Vehicle died and will not start. Call on star for tow truck 8 hrs no tow truck ! Vehicle is super dangerous and unreliable. It’s going to get somebody killed.

NHTSA ID

11733711

Incident

Apr 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 69 MPH with the cruise control set, the vehicle started driving sluggishly and failed to maintain the set speed. The vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 62 MPH. The ‘High Oil Temperature” warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly to 55 MPH. The vehicle then lost automotive power, stalled, and shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with complete engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,400.

NHTSA ID

11732550

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

Mileage

60,400 mi

I am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated engine and drivability issues with my vehicle, which began shortly after purchase and have continued despite service visits. I purchased the vehicle on 03/04/2023. Within approximately one month (03/26/2023), I began experiencing abnormal engine behavior, including ticking noises and instances where the vehicle would shut off and require restarting. I immediately brought the vehicle to the dealership. At that time, the issue was not properly diagnosed and I was told after a test drive that the noise was “normal. On 12/18/2025, I was later notified of an engine recall involving the same type of engine problem I had been reporting since 2023. I brought the vehicle in 12/19/2026 and the engine failed 3 times. I was informed that an engine replacement was necessary, and the vehicle was left at the dealership. It was ready for pickup on 01/14/2026 after the engine replacement was completed. On 04/15/2026, the vehicle began making knocking noises and would not shift into drive or reverse. I had to turn the vehicle off and restart it in order to regain drivability. On 04/16/2026, while driving, the vehicle began making a loud revving noise without accelerating and started to slow down and lose power. I was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle would not respond properly until I turned it off and restarted it again in order to continue driving. These ongoing issues present a serious safety concern due to repeated loss of power and drivability while operating the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11731616

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

Dealership stated they fixed recall ref# N252494000 on 9/24/25. But on 4/9/26 noticed engine noise (knocking), then a lose of power and then vehicle stalled on the highway.

NHTSA ID

11730314

Incident

Apr 9, 2026