Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2023 Cadillac Escalade owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started to stall with a high-pitched squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel moments before the vehicle shut off. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that the engine was replaced under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact stated that after attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer informed the contact that the parts for the repair were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle was towed to the dealer on several other occasions. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Investigation: PE25001. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
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 in each time and were told it shouldn't happen again and they could not replicate. GM did an inspection after and fixed recalls and told us they would not assist us with damage or any compensation.
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 not in stock. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 18,200.
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 been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 36,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and the contact heard a chugging sound coming from the engine. The dealer was contacted. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road awaiting towing assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred before receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,575.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the instrument panel lights started blinking, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound before shutting off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over onto the median. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption, causing engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided rental vehicle assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the vehicle at start-up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the rear end seized which cause the vehicle to skid. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the result was unknown. The vehicle was repaired, and the rearview camera and bolts were replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the dealer confirmed that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the…
NHTSA investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM's full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274.
Engine complaints in other Escalade years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
NHTSA has 121 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, 85% of the model year's 143 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2023 Cadillac Escalade engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 25V-274 (hard parts internal/mechanical, Apr 24, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2023 Cadillac Escalade engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 46% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.