32 of the
752 complaints filed about the Cadillac Escalade ESV
are about the other systems —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2023.
Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety, I would like to report a recurring safety issue involving the instrument cluster in my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: Approximately 170,000 miles The digital instrument cluster/display directly behind the steering wheel intermittently goes completely black while the vehicle is in operation. When this occurs, I lose visibility of the speedometer, odometer, warning information, and other important driver information. The center navigation/infotainment display can remain operational while the driver’s instrument cluster is completely black. This condition originally began before the vehicle reached 70,000 miles. Initially, it occurred only occasionally and the instrument cluster would eventually turn back on by itself. The problem has progressively worsened and, particularly after approximately 120,000miles, the blackouts have become considerably more frequent. The vehicle has been brought to a Cadillac dealership. I was advised that insufficient battery power could be causing the problem. The battery was replaced and the vehicle software was updated. However, the instrument cluster continues to intermittently go completely black. The dealer has now indicated that the complete instrument cluster may need to be replaced. I am reporting this condition because I believe the sudden loss of the speedometer and other critical driver information while operating the vehicle presents a potential safety concern. I respectfully request that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether similar instrument cluster/display failures have been reported by other owners of 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles and whether further investigation may be appropriate. Thank you for reviewing this safety complaint. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission shifts to neutral on the highway with speed of 65 on the left most lane with no shoulder parking available. Huge safety hazard. Also happened when stopping at the stop sign when taking it to safe location. Transmission failing.
NHTSA complaint #11728991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at approximately 40 MPH there was a loud pop and the panorama sunroof shattered. There were other cars traveling at the same speed or less, but nothing struck the vehicle to cause the glass to shatter. The glass did not immediately give way, but had it, there were passengers that would have been impacted. The roof was inspected by the dealership but is no longer available for inspection as the dealership could not provide a loaner or rental vehicle. There was no warning. The temperature was mild. This is not about the repair expense or time involved but about the safety or the panorama sunroof.
NHTSA complaint #11727950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cue system delamenated cracking glass options not working correctly Many recalls for cue GPS entertainment system in all Cadillacs. This needs to be addressed because safety system backing up doesn't work properly. Cadillac has had problems with this part since 2014 recall and with lemon law class action on many Cadillacs for this same problem. Even if I purchase new cue laminated glass still happens in gel on glass. This is a major flaw and Cadillac knows there is a major problem .1500.00 for new cue system and problem still happening because of weather where car sits .the government needs to address because it's a safety issue when system doesn't work. Heat wont work cameras or radio! What can I do? Please help me?
NHTSA complaint #11698007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am the owner of a 2017 Cadillac Escalade affected by Special Coverage Adjustment 17016 (Program ID N162058750). The issue involves the chrome trim on the steering wheel separating, creating a sharp edge that poses a safety hazard to the driver. I contacted Cadillac to request a repair under this Special Coverage program. My vehicle developed this defect while still under the mileage limit of the program, well before exceeding 120,000 miles. However, Cadillac has refused to provide any repair or assistance, stating that the coverage has expired today. I understand that this is not a legally mandated recall, but the defect is clearly safety-related, with potential to cause cuts or injury while driving. I have documented my communications with Cadillac, including my requests for a goodwill repair exception due to the safety risk, but they have declined to help. As a consumer, I feel unprotected and at risk. I am submitting this report to NHTSA to request that the agency review this safety concern and ensure that Cadillac addresses it appropriately. I seek guidance on what actions can be taken when a manufacturer refuses to remediate a known safety issue that manifested during the coverage period. I am concerned not only for myself but for other owners who may encounter the same hazard. I respectfully ask that NHTSA consider this complaint seriously and advise on how this safety defect can be resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11696025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
**Exhaust Emissions System Issues** I have visited the dealership four times for the same problem that was fixed. Unfortunately, the system broke again within three days of each visit. This repeated issue has resulted in a significant amount of wasted time and effort.
NHTSA complaint #11687141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle comes to an abrupt stop while driving or when I’m pulling off at an intersection. This has happened on 4 different occasions in which I’ve injured my knee due to the vehicle stopping at random while I’m driving or pulling off. I’ve stated this to Cadillac of Memphis and to Landers GMC. The first time I happened I hit my knee by the control panel on the driver side. I’m in a brace because my patellar tendon are inflamed and as well my hoffas fat pad due to the impact. Cadillac of Memphis stated it was something that went out and needed to be replaced. They replaced the battery and another part. That did not correct the issue. It happened again after that repair. The third time it happened I was told it was because the transmission was about to go out. Landers replaced the transmission. The advisor stated it should fix the problem. This was about a month ago. Today on 08/08/2025 it happened again and I also hit my knee injuring it even more than more. I’m still in a brace and now have to re-evaluated to see if the abrupt stop caused more injury. This is dangerous because my entire body jerks and cars are coming up behind me in the road and I can get into an serious accident. I need something done about this.
NHTSA complaint #11679462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twice in the last 6 months the vehicle doors have locked at random while the key was inside the vehicle. Both times, my children were trapped in the vehicle exposed to potential heat issues. Fortunately, in both cases the doors were able to be opened through another door that was still open one time and by hitting the unlock button through a slightly rolled down window. Breaking the glass was the next option. This is a serious safety defect that is putting young children and pets at risk for heat injury or death. There are no indications as to why this started, no warnings displayed, and seems to occur at random. Disabling autolock features does not resolve the issue meaning some glitch or equipment failure is causing the doors to lock despite all autolock features turned off.
NHTSA complaint #11677698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had taken my car in while it was under warranty for my motor the car wouldn’t move at all or start. They said it was a cylinder so they replaced the one cylinder and didn’t check any others. Just recently in January 2025 I took it back to the dealer for the same issues and they told me I need a whole new motor. Now the car is out of warranty. They charged me close to $1000 just to diagnose the car and tell me I need a They charge me close to $1000 just to diagnose the car and tell me I need a new motor. Apparently the other side of the motor they didn’t check had failed. Also my running boards were taken to the dealer for not working properly and they didn’t fix them while under warranty and now it’s still doing the same thing. Now my air condition isn’t blowing cold air I have taken it to the dealer. They claim I have different kind of freon, but I never replaced the Freon. It’s original to the car when it was purchased. They are charging me $1100 just to diagnose the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11667681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On multiple occasions I have felt rattling/shaking/rumbling within the vehicle engine area. It began within the first 3 months of having the vehicle in my possession (we purchased the vehicle in January 2024). I also had an occasion sometime around March or April of 2024 where I was accelerating after a red light and the vehicle was lagging. I pressed on the gas harder but it wouldn't get up to speed like it normally does--RPMS were going up, up, up, but the speed of the car did not match. There was another red light right so I braked to stop and upon that light turning green everything was back to normal. I reported this to my service provider when I went in for my first oil change, the dealer was unable to duplicate the issues and I was told the car was inspected and appeared to be ok. I have since experienced the same rattling/shaking/rumbling on several occasions.
NHTSA complaint #11661855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My [XXX] was sleeping in the parked car. My wife was also in the car with her. Engine and AC were on. The key was inside. Doors and trunk were unlocked. I got outside the car and got my older kid. The doors opened as usual. Then my wife stepped outside the car to get something from the trunk, and she closed her door as well to avoid heat coming in. The vehicle immediately auto locked the doors with the key inside it. So my little one got locked inside. The doors or the trunk did not open again. There was no cell reception, so no way to get roadside help or call 911. The car was parked under direct sun in hot weather. It then shut off the engine (and AC) as well. To avoid heat stroke, we broke into the car to save the child. Obviously damaged the vehicle in the process. The problem of doors/trunk locking with the key inside happened a second time the next day. This time engine was off. I was already inside. My door was open. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? LOCKS, REMOTE How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? RISK OF CHILD DEATH FROM HEAT STROKE Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NOT YET TAKEN TO A DEALER Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NONE INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11653485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
- Engine seized at highway speeds - Vehicle had lose of power while in the middle of the highway. Fortunately I was able to coast to the side of the road without impact. - The vehicle components went through inspection by the Cadillac dealer it was delivered to. - There were no messages or other symptoms that alerted me prior to the problem occured.
NHTSA complaint #11640229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have 2017 Escalade ESV, that has exactly same issue that the "GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS5461" describes, such as, transmission oil temperature sensor malfunction, rough and loud shifts, hesitated acceleration. There were a numerous event that hesitation (Not catching the gear) almost caused accidents. Check engine was on and it is at dealership at the date of 15th. (It did not ended up with an accident. just scared because I drive this vehicle with my 3 young kids.) My car may, may not have engine and Trans built in the 2016, I was wondering if there are vehicles out there that has same problems, that are also similar year, maybe it could be more potential safety concerns on the road. This DCS5461 investigation also noted as "urgent - distribute immediately" so making sure getting all affected vehicle correctly may save some lives. This is my first concern reporting here. If it is a wrong place, please forgive me and kindly let me know where this issue should be addressed at. The link is below. [XXX] I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Thank you for your hard work to make American road safer every day! Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11637101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear park gridlines are not getting activated. Dealer mentioned that there is a bug in an infotainment system but its been open from last 6-9 months and not resolved. This really affecting my parking ability. This should be a safety concern and should be resolved asap.
NHTSA complaint #11531614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Power Step / Running Boards do not operate as intended, especially on the driver's side. They are not deploying or retracting as they should, possibly leading to personal injury, ie. spain ankles, injury to the knees, legs and or backs of individuals, who assume the Power Step has deployed before entering or exiting the vehicle. I am seeking a recall be established concerning this matter, and a class action suit against General Motors be developed immediately. I have had my vehicle inspected, at a dealership, as many owners have, with nothing being found. Only to leave in disgust, and have to live with this daily issue. Something needs to be done about this problem, these are some very expensive vehicles, and owners like myself should not have to deal with this persist issue.
NHTSA complaint #11528007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
4-12-2023 My 8-year-old daughter and I were driving a 2022 CADILLAC ESCALADE esv and were hit by an out-of-control Ford F150 at a speed of 60 miles. The airbag on the car was almost completely driven, and the insurance company told us the total loss. Fortunately, we were all only affected by it. Minor injuries but none of the car's doors were damaged at the time of the accident. My daughter couldn't open and unlock her doors by herself. I couldn't let my daughter climb into the cab and get out of the car with me from the cab. Then the police came and asked me. Can you open the door to make sure there is no one else inside? That's when I found out that the car can't be opened from the outside even if the door is unlocked when the power is off. I think it's because the Escalade is not a mechanical door handle. They had to be broken. The car window was opened from the inside, and I was thinking that if I passed out in the collision that day and the car caught fire again, it would not be a simple matter even if someone passed by and wanted to save me. Their engineers went to verify the experience and ideas I encountered, which may save many lives. Of course, the Escalade is my dream car, and I will buy it again it save me and my daughter.
NHTSA complaint #11520700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I JUST PURCHASED THIS 2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE AND MANY MORE CUSTOMERS HAVE STATED THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR NEW CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CAMERA FRONT/REAR GUIDELINES/ ARE MISSING MAKING PARKING AND OTHER THINGS VERY DANGEROUS TO COMSUMERS AND PEDESTRIANS. PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS SINCE THESE VEHICLES ARE BEING SOLD LIKE THIS AND GM HAD KNOWLEDGE OF THIS YET THEY DO NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #11506713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
No Grid Lines on back up camera or forward camera views. The grid line option is grayed out and unavailable. A hourglass icon appears constantly as indicating an issue. This makes reversing into parking spaces very difficult.
NHTSA complaint #11496200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When the battery goes low the gear change from park to neutral . That happen to my vehiculo I found few feet outside brim my parking space and it was the gear in neutral
NHTSA complaint #11434898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.