2023 Cadillac Escalade Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 94 1 crash 1 injury

“Vehicle was running with the driver side door open and driver out of vehicle. The vehicle slipped out of gear and reversed quickly. Driver went to get back in while moving backwards to try and stop vehicle. The driver got smashed between the garage and vehicle door. The vehicle door hyperextended and caused damage/injury to driver. The emergency brake did not come on until after the accident. Prior to this happening recalls were not preformed due to GM advising us that our vehicle was not next to get it done. Throughout ownership the vehicle has slipped out of gear two other times. We took it…”
NHTSA complaint #11705426, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11753366, 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 complaint #11751916, 2026

Power Train 17

“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 chec…”
NHTSA complaint #11750090, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11737417, 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 complaint #11730314, 2026

Electrical System 16 1 crash 1 injury

“Vehicle was running with the driver side door open and driver out of vehicle. The vehicle slipped out of gear and reversed quickly. Driver went to get back in while moving backwards to try and stop vehicle. The driver got smashed between the garage and vehicle door. The vehicle door hyperextended and caused damage/injury to driver. The emergency brake did not come on until after the accident. Prior to this happening recalls were not preformed due to GM advising us that our vehicle was not next to get it done. Throughout ownership the vehicle has slipped out of gear two other times. We took it…”
NHTSA complaint #11705426, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11744479, 2026

“Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds - 2023 Escalade. We easily could have been killed. I drive a 2023 Cadillac Escalade that I purchased from Motor Werks Cadillac in [XXX] . It was very expensive. The car has under 33k miles on it, off memory.I informed the dealer I would be taking the car on a family vacation road trip from [XXX] to [XXX] (for spring break), and requested they perform any necessary preventative service on it to ensure it was in perfect shape to make the trip. They performed the service (basic air filter change etc) and returned the car to me two days before I packed…”
NHTSA complaint #11728413, 2026

Engine And Engine Cooling 12

“The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud motor sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shut off while in a parking lot and failed to restart after several attempts. The contact was picked by her husband. The contact stated that her husband later returned to the vehicle and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was…”
NHTSA complaint #11703647, 2025

“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11694736, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included but the vehicle had not…”
NHTSA complaint #11691289, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 11

“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 complaint #11735822, 2026

“Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds - 2023 Escalade. We easily could have been killed. I drive a 2023 Cadillac Escalade that I purchased from Motor Werks Cadillac in [XXX] . It was very expensive. The car has under 33k miles on it, off memory.I informed the dealer I would be taking the car on a family vacation road trip from [XXX] to [XXX] (for spring break), and requested they perform any necessary preventative service on it to ensure it was in perfect shape to make the trip. They performed the service (basic air filter change etc) and returned the car to me two days before I packed…”
NHTSA complaint #11728413, 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 condit…”
NHTSA complaint #11726077, 2026

Unknown Or Other 7

“On 09-15-25, My 2023 Cadillac Escalade passed the PicoScope test that was performed at the Randy Marion Cadillac Dealership, located at 4700 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, Fl., in reference to the 6.2 engine recall. After the engine oil change and oil filler cap replacement, the dealership failed to provide the insert for the owner's manual and had no idea what I was talking about. As a result, I'm asking that an owner's manual insert be mailed to my home address. Thanks!”
NHTSA complaint #11702857, 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 st…”
NHTSA complaint #11638050, 2024

“On [XXX] my 2023 Cadillac Escalade Super Cruise VIN: [XXX] with approximately 9600 miles failed to operate in a safe manner and has malfunctioned. The vehicle has been well maintained and follows all manufacturer specifications. It is a lemon. The engine seized while operating on the highway. The vehicle lost speed, there was a crashing boom sound, followed by extreme shaking as grinded to a halt. It was extremely challenging for the driver to maintain control. The dealership confirmed the engine will not turn over, they removed the oil filter and examined the oil sample from it. The sample…”
NHTSA complaint #11591452, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 5 1 crash 1 injury

“Vehicle was running with the driver side door open and driver out of vehicle. The vehicle slipped out of gear and reversed quickly. Driver went to get back in while moving backwards to try and stop vehicle. The driver got smashed between the garage and vehicle door. The vehicle door hyperextended and caused damage/injury to driver. The emergency brake did not come on until after the accident. Prior to this happening recalls were not preformed due to GM advising us that our vehicle was not next to get it done. Throughout ownership the vehicle has slipped out of gear two other times. We took it…”
NHTSA complaint #11705426, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Roads were dry. Sunny conditions. Driving approximately 55 mph in fast lane. Vehicle brakes locked up for approximately one second. There was no collision warning and no vehicle in front of us. We pulled over to disengage all collision and emergency brake functions. Driver and passengers were all shocked and had pain from tension in neck and back. Had roads been icy this could have led to a multiple vehicle accident with severe injuries or fatalities.”
NHTSA complaint #11721178, 2026

“UNKNOWN. Weather related - rain water incoming on floor board under steering column. Effecting electronics and vehicle driving safety. Vehicle has propulsion control issues as a cause.”
NHTSA complaint #11684237, 2025

Service Brakes 4

“Roads were dry. Sunny conditions. Driving approximately 55 mph in fast lane. Vehicle brakes locked up for approximately one second. There was no collision warning and no vehicle in front of us. We pulled over to disengage all collision and emergency brake functions. Driver and passengers were all shocked and had pain from tension in neck and back. Had roads been icy this could have led to a multiple vehicle accident with severe injuries or fatalities.”
NHTSA complaint #11721178, 2026

“On Sunday, September 14, 2025, while driving northbound on the Palisades Parkway at approximately 11:30 PM, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without any prior warning. I was traveling around 45– 50 mph when the dashboard lights began flashing, and the vehicle shut down completely in active highway traffic. All systems—including power and acceleration—dropped instantly. I was unable to maintain speed and was not even able to brake, and had to fight to steer the vehicle safely onto the shoulder as it slowed down. There were no warning lamps, messages, or irregular behavior prior to the…”
NHTSA complaint #11694378, 2025

“So I bought this Cadillac Escalade V 2023 with about 26k miles on it and I only had the vehicle for about 13 days and I got a light on my dash board and I had a mechanic check this for me and he told me that the whole entire break system was failing and needed to be replaced so I then took it back to the dealership I bought it from and they told me they had no idea since it was a certified pre owned and we where all confused about this situation and I was very unhappy that I paid 128k $ for a car and the dealer told me they could fix the issue or take the offer of 105k$ he offered me and of co…”
NHTSA complaint #11686046, 2025

Back Over Prevention 3

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11659460, 2025

“when i took delivery of my vehicle in November of 2022 my rear parking and pedestrian guide lines worked perfectly and a month later they stopped working and is no longer active. Given the huge size of the Cadillac escalade this is major safety issue and could result in a rear collision or a pedestrian being injured. I contacted Cadillac and there is no fix for this and when i start my vehicle a blue hourglass appears on my center info screen”
NHTSA complaint #11508707, 2023

“Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade purchased in Oct 2022. At the time of new vehicle delivery the Dealer in Atlanta Peachtree Blvd, informs the Reverse Camera is not working completely - Has issues - 1.) Missing Gridlines 2.) Blue Hour Glass reducing the visibility while reversing the vehicle. Dealer states this is GM Cadillac issue and they cannot solve it. 3.) There is an irritating vibration sound while driving this 2023 Escalade above 70 mph ( like a flag on top of vehicle). The dealer in Atlanta, Peachtree Blvd cannot fix the problem even after 4 service center visits, and keeping the vehi…”
NHTSA complaint #11522093, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11744479, 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 complaint #11735822, 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 mileag…”
NHTSA complaint #11732550, 2026

Wheels 3

“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 sys…”
NHTSA complaint #11744743, 2025

“The front upper control arm on the driver’s side snapped in half, resulting in the complete detachment of the wheel while the vehicle was in motion. The failed component is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. This failure placed both my life and the lives of others at significant risk. The wheel detached while I was driving, which could have led to a catastrophic crash had it occurred at higher speeds or in heavier traffic. I was extremely fortunate that the failure occurred under conditions that allowed me to bring the vehicle to a stop without injury or collisi…”
NHTSA complaint #11670950, 2025

“The tires that were delivered on my new auto were deflective and dangerous as reported by the dealer on 10/1/24. The tires were wearing abnormally. One of the tires was worn so badly that I was warned that it could have blown at any moment. The tires had less than 16,000 miles. The car was maintained at the dealer every 5,000 miles. I was not notified about the defect until a worker at my home noticed the severe wearing of the edge of the right rear tire. (photo attached). As a result of the warning from the dealership I had to replace all 4 tires as I was warned that all of the tires will e…”
NHTSA complaint #11624591, 2024

Exterior Lighting 2

“When reversing this huge SUV, there is no visibility. Currently, I have to keep pressing my brakes to get the red light to see little however it is not enough. I have taken it to the 2 different Cadillac Escalade dealership and they keep giving it back to me that it is working properly. This has been a problem since I bought this car, unfortunately when we went to test drive it was in a very bright parking lot. During the day it is fine, however if I reverse at night and god forbid hit someone/something - GM will be liable as this should not be on the road and they refuse the fix this big safe…”
NHTSA complaint #11558884, 2023

“System Failed: Back up lights are not working. Safety Concern: Cannot reverse in dark and putting self, family and others in danger. Problem reproduced at dealership: Fred Beans Cadillac in Bucks County Pennsylvania. Dealership Response to problem: They said GM is aware of the issue and it is related to software issue, no ETA of when it will be fixed however telling me it is safe to drive. No warning lamps however do have a blue hour glass in backup camera (not sure if that is related). "Cannot see anything when reversing as no reverse lights are working". Please see picture, driveway lights…”
NHTSA complaint #11506645, 2023

Air Bags 1 1 crash 1 injury

“Was at red light my light turned green proceed threw the light, another vechile ran the red light hitting my car at 50 mph. Sending the car into a 360 air bags did not deploy and on star never called”
NHTSA complaint #11576528, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Lane Departure 1

“Please explain your complaint in detail: Every Cadillac dealership in the area is refusing to service my vehicle for a serious safety recall •GM #: N222384930
 Trailer Brake Control Switch. When I call the dealerships to set up an appointment, they tell me there is a note on my account to not service your vehicle. The vehicle is brand new and was purchased from Brotherton Cadillac. All of the Cadillac dealerships are working together to block any service of my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11513125, 2023

Steering 1

“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 deb…”
NHTSA complaint #11717346, 2026

Suspension 1

“The front upper control arm on the driver’s side snapped in half, resulting in the complete detachment of the wheel while the vehicle was in motion. The failed component is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. This failure placed both my life and the lives of others at significant risk. The wheel detached while I was driving, which could have led to a catastrophic crash had it occurred at higher speeds or in heavier traffic. I was extremely fortunate that the failure occurred under conditions that allowed me to bring the vehicle to a stop without injury or collisi…”
NHTSA complaint #11670950, 2025

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH on the highway, there was an abnormal popping sound heard. There were no other vehicles nearby. The contact pulled over and checked the vehicle, and the contact became aware that the sunroof had cracked. There was a hole the size of his hand. There were no reported injuries. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the replacement glass was…”
NHTSA complaint #11557285, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 1

“When reversing this huge SUV, there is no visibility. Currently, I have to keep pressing my brakes to get the red light to see little however it is not enough. I have taken it to the 2 different Cadillac Escalade dealership and they keep giving it back to me that it is working properly. This has been a problem since I bought this car, unfortunately when we went to test drive it was in a very bright parking lot. During the day it is fine, however if I reverse at night and god forbid hit someone/something - GM will be liable as this should not be on the road and they refuse the fix this big safe…”
NHTSA complaint #11558884, 2023