2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems

ENGINE

On XXX I had been driving my vehicle with no issues. I had drove from [XXX] to [XXX]. My vehicle had no warnings or issues prior and my vehicle has been properly cared for and all oil and maintenance has been done through the Cadillac dealership in [XXX]. On my way to [XXX] I stopped at the local gas station and filled my gas tank fully up, when I started my vehicle there was a horrible sound and my car began to shake and all the electronics began coming up. I went to work less than 5 minutes down the road and the vehicle was horrible acting. I called my husband and began thinking maybe I had put bad gas in the vehicle because like i mentioned earlier there was nothing wrong with my vehicle prior to this. We contacted the dealership in [XXX] and they told us to bring the vehicle in, I had to drive my car back to [XXX] where i was petrified my vehicle was going to blow up or just die in the road. I made it to the dealership and explained what happened and that i thought it was bad gas, they let me know they would look at the vehicle and let us know. They contacted my husband later in the day and let him know the good news was that it was not bad gas, unfortunately my engine blew up. He said my engine has done what the recall engines have been doing, unfortunately my vehicle is not in the recall and that it would be $12,000.00 to fix it. When my husband called me, I had him three way the dealership and explained we have taken very good care of our vehicle with all maintenance and oil changes done there. He explained to me that it was nothing we could have done and i wanted to know why then the engine blew without warning and he continued to explain it was like the other vehicles in a recall. He kindly explained that there was nothing he could do but we could try and contact GM if we could get ahold of them and we could file a complaint reguarding our vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11757629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Bought vehicle brand new in 2021 took delivery in 2022. Had to have a full transmission replacement and radiator that was cracked replaced at 30,000 miles. Over the next few years have had fuel delivery issues due to fuel pump. This fuel pump was not fixed. As of this year 2026 i've had the vehicle in the shop just shy of every single month. I have had a thermostat sensor that caused the engine fan to go into high RPM causing limp mode on the freeway with a family of 5 in the vehicle. Ive had breaks replaced and not mounted correctly. Additionally, being told the radiator is cracked again in the exact same spot from the initial replacement. Most recently i had a "exhaust pressure back flow valve replaced" that also caused the vehicle to go into limp mode. The following week was another pressure back flow valve issue from the install requiring 2 forced regen's. Approximately 4 days later (08/14/26) from getting the vehicle back from the dealership i have a new check engine light recommending a new catalytic converter. These issues predominately and without warning putting the car into limp mode on the highway is causing major safety concerns for my family with 3 little girls. The vehicle continues to be assessed at the dealership and we have been treated as more of a nuisance than a customer with major vehicle concerns

NHTSA complaint #11757312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Bought vehicle brand new in 2021 took delivery in 2022. Had to have a full transmission replacement and radiator that was cracked replaced at 30,000 miles. Over the next few years have had fuel delivery issues due to fuel pump. This fuel pump was not fixed. As of this year 2026 i've had the vehicle in the shop just shy of every single month. I have had a thermostat sensor that caused the engine fan to go into high RPM causing limp mode on the freeway with a family of 5 in the vehicle. Ive had breaks replaced and not mounted correctly. Additionally, being told the radiator is cracked again in the exact same spot from the initial replacement. Most recently i had a "exhaust pressure back flow valve replaced" that also caused the vehicle to go into limp mode. The following week was another pressure back flow valve issue from the install requiring 2 forced regen's. Approximately 4 days later (08/14/26) from getting the vehicle back from the dealership i have a new check engine light recommending a new catalytic converter. These issues predominately and without warning putting the car into limp mode on the highway is causing major safety concerns for my family with 3 little girls. The vehicle continues to be assessed at the dealership and we have been treated as more of a nuisance than a customer with major vehicle concerns

NHTSA complaint #11757312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Bought vehicle brand new in 2021 took delivery in 2022. Had to have a full transmission replacement and radiator that was cracked replaced at 30,000 miles. Over the next few years have had fuel delivery issues due to fuel pump. This fuel pump was not fixed. As of this year 2026 i've had the vehicle in the shop just shy of every single month. I have had a thermostat sensor that caused the engine fan to go into high RPM causing limp mode on the freeway with a family of 5 in the vehicle. Ive had breaks replaced and not mounted correctly. Additionally, being told the radiator is cracked again in the exact same spot from the initial replacement. Most recently i had a "exhaust pressure back flow valve replaced" that also caused the vehicle to go into limp mode. The following week was another pressure back flow valve issue from the install requiring 2 forced regen's. Approximately 4 days later (08/14/26) from getting the vehicle back from the dealership i have a new check engine light recommending a new catalytic converter. These issues predominately and without warning putting the car into limp mode on the highway is causing major safety concerns for my family with 3 little girls. The vehicle continues to be assessed at the dealership and we have been treated as more of a nuisance than a customer with major vehicle concerns

NHTSA complaint #11757312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with L87 6.2L V8, subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-274 / GM N252494000. The recall inspection was completed and the vehicle passed, so GM performed the 0W-40 higher-viscosity-oil remedy rather than engine replacement. The vehicle has a history of unexplained oil loss with no obvious external leak, including a prior low-oil warning. At a recent oil change after approximately 5,000 miles, no oil registered on the dipstick before service. The engine was then filled to the full mark. Using the same repeatable checking method, the level was approximately 3/4 at 227 miles and approximately 1/2 at 1,300 miles. I am concerned that a progressive internal engine condition may not have been detected by the recall inspection and that the oil-only remedy may be inadequate. NHTSA currently has Recall Query RQ26001 open regarding engine failures after Recall 25V-274 remedies. I am also concerned because GM Special Coverage N252494003 excludes an engine presenting with low/no oil as neglect even if unresolved mechanical oil consumption caused the low level. I am requesting this complaint be associated with Recall 25V-274 and RQ26001. Please advise. I just bought the car less than a year ago and can’t a new engine.

NHTSA complaint #11755963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV with the 6.2L L87 engine received the remedy for Safety Recall 25V-274 (GM recall number N252494001) on July 30, 2025. The dealer inspected the engine, passed it, and performed the higher viscosity oil remedy. The engine was not repaired or replaced. On [DATE], while driving, the vehicle hesitated and lost power under acceleration. Engine noise then increased progressively until I pulled over on the side of the road. The engine stopped running and would not restart. The dash displayed a message to press the start button again. The check engine light illuminated at the time of failure. There were no warning lights prior to that day. My family, including my children, were in the vehicle when it lost power. We were stranded on the roadside until the vehicle could be towed. The battery and electrical system are functioning normally, but the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to a Cadillac dealership. At the dealership, a start attempt produced a loud knocking noise from the engine along with a fuel/oil odor. I believe the connecting rod bearings have failed. These symptoms — hesitation, loss of power, and knocking noise — are the exact pre-failure indicators GM identified in Recall 25V-274. This was a loss of motive power while driving on a public roadway, creating a serious crash risk for my family and surrounding traffic. The recall remedy performed on this vehicle was inadequate. GM inspected this engine, passed it, and it failed approximately one year later in exactly the manner the recall was intended to prevent. Date of incident: 08/08/2026 Mileage at failure: 66,000 Recall remedy completed: July 30, 2025 Vehicle was towed. No crash, fire, or injury occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11755799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Special Coverage Program: N252494003 (Engine Loss of Propulsion); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I purchased a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV and shortly thereafter experienced an engine malfunction. The vehicle developed a misfire, rough idle, loss of power, and produced significant blue/white exhaust smoke. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began running abnormally. An independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and reported oil-related issues affecting a cylinder and spark plug. The repair facility also observed excessive exhaust smoke during diagnosis. The condition raises concerns about potential engine failure while driving, which could result in loss of power and create a safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle is currently undergoing diagnostic testing, including a leak-down test, to determine the cause of the failure. The problem has been confirmed by a repair facility and occurred shortly after purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11744420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several dealers were previously contacted for recall inspection appointments, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer had denied the request to perform the service. A dealer was recently contacted and agreed to schedule the recall repair appointment. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would remain with the dealer in the event that the vehicle failed the inspection, and the vehicle would be repaired in 3-4 months because the part was on backorder. The contact was informed that vehicle rental assistance might not be provided. 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 contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11732413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

82.826 miles sounded like a idler pully making dinging noise got louder driving in city went to get on highway sudden lost of power and rattling noise and jerking and lunging got off first exit pulled into parking lot and shut it off. Called dealer they sent tow truck diagnosed it as bad motor 4/6/26 got remanufactured motor on 4/17/26 waiting to see how long this one lasts

NHTSA complaint #11732001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I purchased a used 2021 Cadillac Escalade in May 2025 with approximately 48,000 miles. While driving on Highway 14 near Acton CA at speeds exceeding 60 mph, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure (March 28th - 2026). The engine suddenly lost all power and shut off completely while in motion. Only electrical systems remained operational. At the time of the incident, I had my three children in the vehicle. This created a dangerous situation, as I was forced to maneuver across traffic and safely pull over without engine power. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership replaced the engine with a refurbished unit April 14th - 2026. I was not informed in advance that the replacement engine would be refurbished rather than new. Immediately following the engine replacement, the vehicle began experiencing additional issues, including electrical malfunctions and air suspension problems, which required further repairs. After retrieving the vehicle, it is still not operating as expected. The vehicle is noticeably slow, sluggish, and noisy, raising concerns about reliability and the potential for another failure. Given the sudden loss of engine power at highway speed and the continued performance issues after repair, I have serious concerns about the safety of this vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11731467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This vehicle had its engine replaced at around 33,000 miles. Today, at around 43,000, the replacement engine failed. It's now at the dealer waiting for yet another engine replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11728886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

In early February, 2026, a check engine light produced code P1098, engine coolant control valve position sensor performance. Code caused the cooling fans to run continuously when the engine reached a certain temperature and the vehicle had reduced acceleration, which posed a safety hazard when driving the vehicle due to prolongated times to get to the posted speed limit and posed a hazard to other drivers because of reduced acceleration. The vehicle was inspected by Jerry Seiner Dealerships on North Salt Lake, Utah and the check engine light code of P1098 was confirmed. I reviewed General Motors bulletins and found that a special coverage N252508341 which covered LM2 Coolant Control Valve Replacement, dated September 16, 2025. The special coverage applies to Cadillac Escalade model year 2021 to 2023. When I asked the dealership about this coverage, I was informed that the coverage did not apply to my vehicle as the bulletin was VIN specific. I called Cadillac and opened a case with Cadillac as I found it unreasonable that General Motors / Cadillac know there is an issue with coolant control valves, yet they refused to cover the cost of repairs for my vehicle because of the VIN was not part of the special coverage N252508341. I paid for the dealership to replace the coolant control valve as the vehicle was not safe to drive due to the reduced acceleration. My complaint is that General Motor / Cadillac knows there is an issue with the coolant control valves for my vehicle model year, yet they refused the coverage for my vehicle due to the VIN. General Motors offered to cover $216.06. I paid $1,387.40 + 3% credit card transaction fee for the repair, this repair would have been free under the special coverage bulletin. General Motors should reimburse me for the expense of this repair as they know there is an issue with coolant control valves.

NHTSA complaint #11724797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the engine made ticking sounds. The check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine consumed an excessive amount of oil and that engine oil was added every two to three weeks. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that because the vehicle was used as a limousine, the engine was consuming more oil than was normal. The dealer replaced the engine, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11718846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2021 Cadillac experienced a catastrophic engine failure that is mechanically identical to a known GM engine defect currently under recall. GM has denied coverage solely because my VIN is not included, despite the failure matching recall symptoms and diagnostics. This defect caused sudden loss of vehicle use and presents a safety and financial risk. GM is excluding vehicles with identical failures from recall coverage based strictly on VIN rather than defect presence. I am requesting NHTSA review of recall scope and defect coverage.

NHTSA complaint #11717056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s rear passenger door. The door frequently cannot be opened from either the inside or the outside. At first, I believed the problem was related to the child safety lock. However, even after confirming that the child safety lock is fully disengaged, the door still fails to open from both inside and outside. Occasionally, after turning the vehicle off and restarting it several times, the door will open normally. However, the problem returns randomly, and the door appears to lock itself again without warning. Based on these symptoms, I strongly suspect a defect or malfunction in the rear door latch or door lock actuator. This issue presents a significant safety concern, as it can prevent passengers from exiting the vehicle when needed. I am requesting a thorough inspection and proper repair to permanently resolve this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA complaint #11716503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s rear passenger door. The door frequently cannot be opened from either the inside or the outside. At first, I believed the problem was related to the child safety lock. However, even after confirming that the child safety lock is fully disengaged, the door still fails to open from both inside and outside. Occasionally, after turning the vehicle off and restarting it several times, the door will open normally. However, the problem returns randomly, and the door appears to lock itself again without warning. Based on these symptoms, I strongly suspect a defect or malfunction in the rear door latch or door lock actuator. This issue presents a significant safety concern, as it can prevent passengers from exiting the vehicle when needed. I am requesting a thorough inspection and proper repair to permanently resolve this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA complaint #11716503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 12/18/2025 at approximately 73,097 miles, while driving on I-75 near Wildwood, Florida at about 75 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure. The engine became seized/locked, the vehicle progressively lost power, and there were abnormal/loud mechanical noises. I was able to avoid a crash, but the event created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion at interstate speed. No accident occurred. The vehicle later received an engine replacement at Plaza Cadillac (Leesburg, FL). Dealer paperwork indicates completion on 01/07/2026, and the vehicle was returned to me on 02/02/2026. After the engine replacement, the vehicle displays safety-related warnings including: “Service Transmission Now – Unable to Shift Soon” “Service Electric Parking Brake” Because of these warnings, I am not driving the vehicle. The dealer plans to tow the vehicle in for inspection. In addition, the dealership has stated in writing that they typically clear diagnostic codes for test driving and that no post-repair/post-road-test diagnostic scan reports are saved or printed, meaning there may be limited retained documentation verifying that all modules were fault-free at release after the engine replacement. Cadillac case reference: Cadillac Care Center Service Request #88422536. I consent to sharing this complaint and vehicle details with the manufacturer.

NHTSA complaint #11715994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On 12/18/2025 at approximately 73,097 miles, while driving on I-75 near Wildwood, Florida at about 75 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure. The engine became seized/locked, the vehicle progressively lost power, and there were abnormal/loud mechanical noises. I was able to avoid a crash, but the event created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion at interstate speed. No accident occurred. The vehicle later received an engine replacement at Plaza Cadillac (Leesburg, FL). Dealer paperwork indicates completion on 01/07/2026, and the vehicle was returned to me on 02/02/2026. After the engine replacement, the vehicle displays safety-related warnings including: “Service Transmission Now – Unable to Shift Soon” “Service Electric Parking Brake” Because of these warnings, I am not driving the vehicle. The dealer plans to tow the vehicle in for inspection. In addition, the dealership has stated in writing that they typically clear diagnostic codes for test driving and that no post-repair/post-road-test diagnostic scan reports are saved or printed, meaning there may be limited retained documentation verifying that all modules were fault-free at release after the engine replacement. Cadillac case reference: Cadillac Care Center Service Request #88422536. I consent to sharing this complaint and vehicle details with the manufacturer.

NHTSA complaint #11715994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

On 12/18/2025 at approximately 73,097 miles, while driving on I-75 near Wildwood, Florida at about 75 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure. The engine became seized/locked, the vehicle progressively lost power, and there were abnormal/loud mechanical noises. I was able to avoid a crash, but the event created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion at interstate speed. No accident occurred. The vehicle later received an engine replacement at Plaza Cadillac (Leesburg, FL). Dealer paperwork indicates completion on 01/07/2026, and the vehicle was returned to me on 02/02/2026. After the engine replacement, the vehicle displays safety-related warnings including: “Service Transmission Now – Unable to Shift Soon” “Service Electric Parking Brake” Because of these warnings, I am not driving the vehicle. The dealer plans to tow the vehicle in for inspection. In addition, the dealership has stated in writing that they typically clear diagnostic codes for test driving and that no post-repair/post-road-test diagnostic scan reports are saved or printed, meaning there may be limited retained documentation verifying that all modules were fault-free at release after the engine replacement. Cadillac case reference: Cadillac Care Center Service Request #88422536. I consent to sharing this complaint and vehicle details with the manufacturer.

NHTSA complaint #11715994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My wife was driving my kids to their nana and papas house when the vehicle loss power. The vehicle started to have a knocking noise and started to vibrate towards the engine compartment. The dash lit up like a Christmas tree. We took the vehicle to a local mechanic and he suggested that we might need a tune up. We purchased 8 brand new spark plugs, spark plug wires and 8 brand new coil packs. The local mechanic installed all of the new parts and the vehicle acted just like it was before the tune up. We then took the vehicle to Boyd Cadillac in Henderson,NC. Tim, who is our service provider, contacted us and told us that we had severe engine failure. His recommendation was a complete engine install. We have used Boyd Cadillac, Tim on several occasions. We had an alternator replacement done which was not under warranty. We had lifters replaced under warranty around the 50k mile mark.

NHTSA complaint #11708463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My wife was driving my kids to their nana and papas house when the vehicle loss power. The vehicle started to have a knocking noise and started to vibrate towards the engine compartment. The dash lit up like a Christmas tree. We took the vehicle to a local mechanic and he suggested that we might need a tune up. We purchased 8 brand new spark plugs, spark plug wires and 8 brand new coil packs. The local mechanic installed all of the new parts and the vehicle acted just like it was before the tune up. We then took the vehicle to Boyd Cadillac in Henderson,NC. Tim, who is our service provider, contacted us and told us that we had severe engine failure. His recommendation was a complete engine install. We have used Boyd Cadillac, Tim on several occasions. We had an alternator replacement done which was not under warranty. We had lifters replaced under warranty around the 50k mile mark.

NHTSA complaint #11708463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

My wife was driving my kids to their nana and papas house when the vehicle loss power. The vehicle started to have a knocking noise and started to vibrate towards the engine compartment. The dash lit up like a Christmas tree. We took the vehicle to a local mechanic and he suggested that we might need a tune up. We purchased 8 brand new spark plugs, spark plug wires and 8 brand new coil packs. The local mechanic installed all of the new parts and the vehicle acted just like it was before the tune up. We then took the vehicle to Boyd Cadillac in Henderson,NC. Tim, who is our service provider, contacted us and told us that we had severe engine failure. His recommendation was a complete engine install. We have used Boyd Cadillac, Tim on several occasions. We had an alternator replacement done which was not under warranty. We had lifters replaced under warranty around the 50k mile mark.

NHTSA complaint #11708463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.