FaultScore

2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV engine problems

14 of the 33 complaints about the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV are about the engine — 42% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 115,118 miles.

F

14

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 14 100.0%

Engine & Cooling across every Cadillac Escalade ESV year

2007 10 4.6%
2019 20 9.2%
2020 14 6.5%
2021 54 24.9%
2022 42 19.4%
2023 61 28.1%
2024 16 7.4%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Springfield, KY

ENGINE

This vehicle is equipped with the 6.2 V8 engine we have experienced catastrophic engine failure twice. The vehicle is relatively low mileage.

NHTSA complaint #11743653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Atwater, OH

ENGINE

There is something causing an engine misfire, and this was the first time it happened. It has happened again, and I realized that there were a lot of class action lawsuits about lifter failure in these engines

NHTSA complaint #11734715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Auburn, KS

ENGINE

While driving on a highway, my wife abruptly experienced warning lights, loud rattling from engine and loss of power. Check engine light indicated cylinder misfire. Troubleshooting revealed a bent push rod and later discover broken lifter. While researching the issue it was found to be a very common issues with vehicles using active fuel management. Issue is so widespread parts are replacement parts are unavailable. If more traffic were around situation could resulted in loss of control in traffic and collision.

NHTSA complaint #11731123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Irvine, CA

ENGINE

My original factory 2020 Escalade 6.2L engine suddenly without warning seized while driving on a two lane undivided highway. I was forced to steer and brake the vehicle from 70mph to the shoulder of the road. My Vehicle had to be towed to GM dealer who diagnosed a seized engine. GM Replaced engine under warranty. This incident is identical to the 6.2L engine failures of the 2021 to 2024 recall.

NHTSA complaint #11727921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salem, MA

ENGINE

The colling system is not working properly and damage the engine

NHTSA complaint #11724916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Prospect, IL

ENGINE

Persistent Engine Failure and Safety Hazards – 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV 97000 miles The vehicle suffered a major engine failure while traveling at highway speeds. The incident began with a loud mechanical knocking from the engine, followed by a sudden loss of propulsion and the vehicle entering "limp mode." Both the Check Engine Light (flashing/solid) and multiple safety system warnings illuminated simultaneously. Diagnostic reports confirmed multiple cylinder misfires. Despite thousands of dollars spent at various independent service centers, the underlying mechanical issues persist, rendering the vehicle unreliable and unsafe for operation.

NHTSA complaint #11712596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,236 miles Aventura, FL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact allowed the vehicle to coast to the shoulder of the roadway and shifted into park(P). The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,236.

NHTSA complaint #11710428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lexington, KY

ENGINE

My Engine is experiencing rough idle. This vehicle has the l87 engine that has been recalled on other year models. Rough idle is one of the symptoms described before complete failure of the l87 engines.

NHTSA complaint #11697952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St. Louis, MO

ENGINE

My engine completely failed and required replacement. It failed on the highway and luckily I was able to coast to an exit ramp. I had a repair shop replace the entire engine. There are complaints all over the internet about this engine and it failing. GM recalled the 2021 through 2024 engine, but this one is also faulty.

NHTSA complaint #11697629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Southampton, NJ

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the red traffic light, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The contact stated that upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle to restart. The vehicle was towed to a certified independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic contacted an unknown dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA complaint #11662573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Braintree, MA

ENGINE

The engine had lost power without warning. While driving at low speed.

NHTSA complaint #11660803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jacksonville, FL

ENGINE

Knocking noise coming from engine. Chirp noise coming from camshaft, and coils. Cylinder 7 misfiring, metal found in oil. I took my car to the Dealer because of vibration. Replaced 4 tires, balanced and aligned front end, that did not fix the problem. I took it back to the dealer balanced again and repaired valve stem, that still did not fix the vibration. I took the vehicle to 2 other places, balanced the tires again, replaced rear brakes, rotors, shocks still did not fix the vibration. Took the vehicle back to the dealer again, they road force balanced the tires, that still did not fix the problem. I returned home and the next day started the vehicle and heard a bad noise. Towed it to the Dealer they diagnosed engine failure with no warning.

NHTSA complaint #11659358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Southampton, NJ

ENGINE

I learned that General Motors issued a voluntary recall for engine issues covering 2021 through 2024. I have a 2020 with the same exact engine problem. Basically, the engine completely failed when driving and now I'm stuck making payments on a car that is useless.

NHTSA complaint #11657146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Southampton, NJ

ENGINE

We had a catastrophic engine failure when it seized up due to the rod bearing wear issue I read yesterday that your agency was investigating. I was told I need a new engine by my mechanic. Please reach out if you need more information. [XXX][XXX]

NHTSA complaint #11639250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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