2023 Cadillac Escalade Powertrain (other) Problems

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

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

The vehicle has experienced the same safety issue on two separate occasions. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power and displayed a “Conditions Not Correct for Shift” warning message. During the incident, the vehicle became stuck in Drive and could not be shifted normally. The brakes also did not respond as expected, creating a significant safety hazard and making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning and has happened more than once, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle’s electrical, powertrain, and braking systems.

NHTSA ID

11744743

Incident

Aug 19, 2025

5/7/2026: Travelling on freeway with son at 70-75mph, vehicle shifted itself into Neutral causing loss of acceleration and a message stating vehicle engine needed to be restarted. I had to navigate crossing multiple lanes of traffic to safely exit while quickly loosing speed. Was able to safely exit the freeway and come to a complete stop to restart the engine and resume normal driving. 10 minutes later, the vehicle repeated this causing yet another safety issues. Vehicle has been at the dealership since 5/8 and as of this report 5/12, the technicians are reporting that they have not been able to replicate the problem. I am in fear of the safety of myself and my family and am very hesitant about accepting the vehicle back without a proper diagnosis or repair.

NHTSA ID

11737417

Incident

May 7, 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

Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade (VIN: [XXX] ) Dealer: Cadillac Pasadena Case Number (GM Corporate): XXX Refusal to perform a mandatory Federal Safety Recall remedy. Details: 1. My vehicle is currently under Safety Recall XXX(L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion). I experienced a loss of propulsion and brought the vehicle to Cadillac Pasadena. 2 The dealership technician confirmed the engine is exhibiting "abnormal noise (lifter clatter on both banks) and active misfires." 3 The dealership claims they cannot complete the mandatory PicoScope diagnostic test for the recall because the engine condition (misfires/noise) interferes with the equipment. 4 Under GM Special Coverage XXX, if the engine cannot be safely tested due to internal mechanical failure within the recall population, GM is mandated to cover the diagnostic teardown and full engine assembly replacement at no cost to the consumer. 5 The dealership is refusing to authorize the teardown under the GM Special Coverage code and is instead pressuring me to pay myself. 6 The dealership has stopped responding to my written inquiries (sent March 18th and 19th) and refuses to provide a loaner vehicle, despite the vehicle being officially "unsafe to drive" due to the open safety recall. I am asking you to requre Immediate authorization of engine teardown and full engine assembly replacement under GM Special Coverage XXXat $0 cost to me, and provision of a loaner vehicle as required for safety recall grounding. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11726077

Incident

Mar 17, 2026

On September 8, 2024, while traveling approximately 75 mph on Interstate 4 with my wife and five children, this 2023 Cadillac Escalade experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of engine power following a hard shift. Steering, braking assist, and acceleration were effectively lost and the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. We were nearly struck by a tractor-trailer while attempting to reach the shoulder and were stranded on the highway in unsafe heat for over an hour without roadside assistance. A dealership inspection confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure involving metal debris and spun bearings, requiring complete engine replacement and related component repairs under manufacturer direction. The vehicle was out of service for approximately 15 days. The failed components and repair documentation are available for inspection through the dealer and manufacturer. No prior warning lights or messages were present before the initial failure. On February 8, 2026, the replacement engine experienced a second sudden loss-of-power event. The day before, the vehicle briefly lost propulsion near 40 mph approaching a stoplight and restarted with difficulty. The following day, while backing from a parking space into an active roadway, the vehicle again lost propulsion and became disabled, nearly resulting in a collision with an approaching truck while surrounding traffic was forced to stop. This repeat failure of the engine/powertrain system has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealership and previously inspected by the manufacturer. The recurring sudden loss of propulsion without adequate warning creates a serious and ongoing safety hazard to occupants and surrounding motorists. The failed components and vehicle remain available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11717346

Incident

Feb 8, 2026

Received a recall letter that stated the engine in my 2023 escalade with roughly 49,000 miles on it at the time. Has problems with the engine breaking down and shutting the entire vehicle off. Took the car to the dealer to fix per the recall letter. They stated they only needed to replace an oil cap and put better oil in the car, and not replace the engine as stated in the recall letter. About two weeks later the transmission started to slip and the car would not go over 50 MPH, in addition it would switch automatically into 4wd and get stuck in 4wd. Took the car back to the dealership they did not replace transmission they stated it may have something to do with the recall or an electrical issue. About 8,000 miles later I was driving on the highway taking kids to school and the entire vehicle just shut down completely, I could not brake, steer, control the car in anyway possible. I was riding what felt like a death trap. I was so scared for my family and myself, the car came to a stop on its own pretty drastically. I thought I was going to get slammed into or hit the car in front of me. Luckily I was not hit. The car prompted to push the start button, I tried to start the car, nothing. There was still music playing but the screens were all black, also the engine did not turn over at all. I could not put on my hazards either. I called a tow truck while sitting there and got the car towed to the dealership. The dealership took 3 days to get back to me and stated it was the engine and they are going to have to replace it with a new engine. In addition they would not provide me with a time frame at all, or a temporary vehicle to take my kids to school in. I feel this should be illegal with what has happened to me, I got regular oil changes and maintenance done. If they are still using this engine someone will end up dying from this poorly engineered engine and car. Cadillac once had a great reputation, I regret putting my kids and my life into this automobile.

NHTSA ID

11713148

Incident

Jan 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and another recall; however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission made a whining sound. The vehicle lost power and shut off without warning. The failure had occurred while driving at various speeds, or while idling at a stop sign or red traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The dealer confirmed that the recall repairs could be performed. The failure persisted after the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11694736

Incident

Feb 21, 2025

Mileage

30,000 mi

While driving, I got a message stating on the screen stating that transmission needed to be serviced. This was very scary as I slowed down and then was not able to put the vehicle in park and the parking brake was not able to be disengaged to be able to move the vehicle. After moving the transmission shifter back to different positions, I was then able to put the vehicle into Drive and then park it where it wouldn't move after that. Dealership now says that there is an issue with the transmission valve body that needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11661527

Incident

May 11, 2025

23 Escalade L87 engine and transmission issue along with rear cross traffic alert emergency breaking. @ 8600k lifter failure (repair) @ 8750k transmission toque converter replacement @10600k spark plug replacement rough idle @17k in for hard down shift transmission valve replacement @21k in for lifter and same transmission down shift issue Service advisor advised that the lifters need to be replaced again and the hard down shift failed to be fully addressed. The upper level from GM advised no remedy could be found until service bulletin could be resolved. No repair work to be performed. To release to customer as is until engine replacement can be performed. So GM is forcing us to take back our vehicle on the road with a failing engine that needs replacement but due to not having enough stock to repair in timely fashion are placing us back on the road until one can become available. This now opens us up for massive catastrophic failure with my family on the road and not to mention others on the highway and public road system. I’m astonished that GM would do this to their customers and jeopardize the safety of their customers and other citizens on the roads. Something has and needs to be done. They are now placing my family and other lives in danger to save money. Vehicle serviced at field’s Cadillac St. Augustine Fl and recently at Randy Mario Cadillac Jacksonville Fl. Case number with GM[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11659460

Incident

May 7, 2025

My wife was driving this vehicle home after dropping off kids at school when the engine suddenly stalled in the middle of the road. Luckily no one was directly behind her or she would have been in a collision. After being towed to the dealership, they informed us the engine "failed". There was no check engine light or warning message prior to the engine suffering sudden and catastrophic failure. Vehicle has less than 28k miles. The car is currently at the dealer with no time frame for repair because the engine is on "back-order".

NHTSA ID

11650165

Incident

Mar 17, 2025

I called dealer and told them that the suv was making a ticking sound and played them a recording of it. They told me that i could drive it in or call an 800 number and maybe get it towed. I decided to drive it in as towing it would prob take it to a dealer i did not know. There were no lights on indicating an issue. I was stopped waiting to turn left across traffic when the engine started making all kinds of clanging noise. At this point it quit and after a few attempts i got it restarted and towed it in to dealer the engine failure with out warning left me and my family in jeopardy in the roadway. Now i learn that lots of these 6.2 v8s are blowing up as my dealer alone has several of them out back waiting with no eta on repair parts coming. So not only were we put in pearl but i have 125k in a brick setting at the dealer. And givin a smaller auto that i can not pull trailers with. I feel endangered and ripped off pleasse help.

NHTSA ID

11648103

Incident

Feb 20, 2025

I was driving home from getting groceries when all of a sudden the vehicle starts to make a loud noise from the engine (no warning lamps/lights or any messages popped up.) I proceeded to go home and call my husband and ask for his help with the problem. I recorded a video of the car and sent it to him, and he said that it sounded like the engine is knocking and told me to shut the car off and call the dealership to further discuss the situation with them. After calling the dealership they towed my car to get it diagnosed. It has been a month or so now since leaving my car with them and they still cannot diagnose the issue.

NHTSA ID

11638050

Incident

Dec 15, 2024

Driving and power started to die and engine warning lights came on. Pulled over immediately and engine stopped. Wouldn’t come back on. Towed by Cadillac and discovered engine blew. Apparently a know issue with many similar in the shop awaiting new engine.

NHTSA ID

11614577

Incident

Jul 13, 2024

INCIDENT: I was driving on the highway when I heard a strange "whistling noise." Thinking the noise originated from an old van in front of me, I passed it. The noise grew louder; the vehicle slowed very suddenly and, I pulled to the side of the road. The "low oil pressure" light came on just as the engine entirely blew. There were NO OTHER WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES or OTHER SYMPTOMS. On-Star did not send roadside assistance for six hours and the battery died from extended use of the emergency lights. DANGERS: Experiencing catastrophic engine failure while driving on a highway presents obvious dangers as does sitting roadside for six hours (with a dead battery and no emergency flashers). INSPECTION: The G.M. Dealer (manufacturer representative) inspected the engine and confirmed that it was a catastrophic engine failure, requiring a new engine. The issue was also reported directly to G.M. The engine core, if need of further inspection, is likely either at the dealer, G.M., or a GM remanufacturing facility.

NHTSA ID

11533961

Incident

Apr 29, 2023

Friday 03/03/2023 Off hwy 34 was on i25 for about 5 minutes going 75 I accelerated to 80, to get in my right lane and out of the fast lane got over and a pop up came on my dash board, said press start. I then realized my car lost power on the interstate with cars going 75-80+ mph and I had no way of starting or pulling off the side of the road, as there was construction and temporary road w/ barricades on both sides. My car was stopped in highway traffic, I was pumping my brakes to notify the semi behind me that something was wrong so he wouldn’t hit me. How is a 2023 vehicle going to stop on the highway with evening traffic, no where to pull over and hope I don’t get in an accident, it was dangerous and there was no notifications on the dashboard telling me what was wrong. My fuel was full, battery was fine and oil life was good. There could have been several fatalities as it was on the interstate and I was in the right lane with moving traffic in both. Approximately 6:50pm. I do have photos and video of the incident. I hit the onstar button, was holding for several minutes, it disconnected, so I hit the SOS emergency button and the operator took my info including my location on I-25 near mile marker 255 prior to the exit near the park n ride. She advised she was sending cdot to get traffic controlled, traffic in the left lane was still moving fast, people were honking and going around the semi. My sister was in her Cadillac in front of me stopped with her hazards so traffic behind could see the hazards. Cdot arrived about 15 minutes later, and then followed by a State Patrol officer. He advised ME TO GET IN MY SISTERS VEHICLE, and go to the park n ride at exit 255 and the tow truck and office would meet me there.

NHTSA ID

11510369

Incident

Mar 3, 2023