Cadillac Escalade ESV transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

My 2017 Cadillac Escalade AFM lifter fail and cause complete engine failure while driving on the highway. It was terrifying to happen on the highway. This could have cause as a major accident.

NHTSA complaint #11763751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

On August 17, 2026, at approximately 96,685 miles, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine lost motive power while I was driving on Highway 101 in California. The vehicle stalled, I pulled over, and I was unable to restart it. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed a seized engine that would not rotate, with metal contamination in the oil system and internal engine damage caused by a failed bearing. During teardown, the dealer specifically documented that the rod bearing failed and caused the engine seizure. This vehicle had previously received the GM L87 engine recall remedy on August 11, 2025, at approximately 47,987 miles. The dealer documented that the required PicoScope test passed and that the vehicle was operating normally at that time. The engine failure occurred approximately 48,698 miles after the recall remedy. GM subsequently replaced the engine under warranty. I am reporting this as a safety-related loss-of-motive-power event because the engine failed while the vehicle was traveling on a major highway and could not be restarted. I request that NHTSA consider this incident in connection with Recall 25V-274 and Recall Query RQ26001 and evaluate whether the recall remedy adequately identifies L87 engines that remain at risk of subsequent failure.

NHTSA complaint #11762937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The engine is knocking between 10-30 mph and over 50 mph. The forward collision light lights up. This is the third time this has happened. I am very concern it will stall on me at high speeds

NHTSA complaint #11760814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Engine knocking on cold start up. Second time hearing this. Loud “rattling” noise emanating from exhaust tips on rear of vehicle. I experienced this once before and notified my dealer. Additionally, at that time, I had a loss of power while towing a very, very, light empty trailer. The vehicle was struggling to maintain normal driving speeds and required considerable throttle input to do so. The loss of power was so pronounced that I actually pulled over to the side of the road in a parking lot to check to see if the wheel bearings had locked up on the small trailer I was towing. Of course, the trailer was completely normal and the hub temperatures were completely normal. I later found out about the GM L87 Engine issues and the recall issue. This vehicle then had the “pico“ test performed on it, and I was informed that it had passed. However, today I once again heard the same engine knock that I heard a few months ago.

NHTSA complaint #11759502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

On XXX, I picked up my 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV, VIN [XXX], from Open Road Cadillac after a replacement 6.2L V8 engine had been installed following failure of the original engine. Approximately one mile after leaving the dealership, the engine temperature rose to approximately 297°F. The vehicle displayed a critical oil-pressure/no-oil warning, coolant leaked from the vehicle, and the replacement engine produced a loud metallic knocking/clanking sound and had difficulty starting. The vehicle could not be safely operated and was returned to the dealership. The dealership subsequently advised me that a coolant hose/component had come off and caused the coolant loss. I was later advised that the vehicle was repaired, had completed approximately a 15-mile road test, and was ready for pickup. My safety concern remains that I have not been provided documentation showing that the oil-pressure warning and loud metallic engine knock were fully diagnosed or that internal engine damage caused by the extreme overheating and/or oil-pressure event was ruled out. I have video evidence documenting the knocking sound and photographs documenting the incident. Cadillac/GM has an open executive case concerning this vehicle, Case #106602304. I have requested GM technical/field-engineer review before accepting the vehicle for normal operation. I am reporting this incident because NHTSA currently has Engineering Analysis EA26005 open concerning loss of motive power and L87 6.2L engine failures, including failures involving replacement engines and engines manufactured after the production period covered by the earlier recall. I am requesting that this complaint and VIN be reviewed in connection with that investigation. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11759107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Car was driving fine, randomly at 10k miles, the car started turning off. Thank god I had reached my house before it died out on me. I called the Cadillac dealer and brought it in. Apparently a plug was fusing, which caused a shortage to the engine.

NHTSA complaint #11758844 — 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.

POWER TRAIN

On [XXX], while driving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV from the Salt Lake City area toward Las Vegas, the vehicle developed a serious loss-of-power condition in Utah. I contacted OnStar, exited the highway, and waited at a gas station. OnStar arranged towing to a Cadillac dealership. GM records document the tow at approximately 56,644 miles. At the dealership, I reported the loss of power. After initially being told they were too busy, I waited about 10 minutes and was then told the vehicle was ready. After returning to the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power again at approximately 70 mph. Pressing the accelerator did not produce normal acceleration, creating a serious risk of a highway collision. I immediately returned to the dealership. The dealer then performed another repair. The invoice states the Service Engine Soon light was illuminated, soot level was 255%, and a service regeneration was performed. I was charged $406.16 and was again told the vehicle was ready. After leaving again, the same loss-of-power condition occurred. After safely exiting the highway, I recorded video showing the vehicle at approximately 38 mph with little or no acceleration response and the check-engine light illuminated. I returned to the dealer for a third time. The dealer then kept the vehicle, stated the repair was covered under warranty, and provided a rental. The vehicle has remained under repair since July 21. I have not received a clear explanation of the root cause or complete repair details. I have videos, towing records, repair documents, photos, and GM correspondence. I am concerned this repeated sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed could cause a serious crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11756590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While traveling at 75 mph, our SUV suddenly lost power going uphill. We barely reached the crest and were able to coast down to a safe place off the highway. We were stranded 300 miles from home and nearly 100 miles from the closest Cadillac dealership, sitting on the side of the highway with my family for three hours before someone could pick us up. The cause was a catastrophic bearing failure in the L87 engine, requiring the entire engine to be replaced. Thankfully, we were able to get off the highway safely. If the engine had completely locked up at 75 mph, this could have caused a serious or even fatal accident.

NHTSA complaint #11755805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

On June 18, 2026, while my nearly new 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV was being driven on the Ohio Turnpike, the vehicle unexpectedly entered reduced-power or limp mode, lost propulsion, shut off, and would not restart. The vehicle had approximately 2,234 miles. The sudden loss of propulsion and engine shutdown occurred in active highway traffic and created a serious risk of a collision. The vehicle had to be towed from the Ohio Turnpike to Cole Valley Cadillac. Cole Valley Cadillac opened Repair Order 6206894 and determined that the engine requires replacement under the manufacturer’s warranty. The repair records reference replacement of the engine, engine core, and engine block. The vehicle has remained out of service since June 18, 2026, and no confirmed repair-completion date has been provided. General Motors was notified under Cadillac Customer Assistance Case 103386652 and GM Repurchase Case 1153162. I am reporting this incident because a catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion in a nearly new vehicle at highway speed could place the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk.

NHTSA complaint #11754751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

my 2023 cadillac escalade esv, was having issues when it had about 50-60 k miles, when it was in park hen shift to reverse it would jerk all the time, also my engine started to act up as well, I took it to the cadillac dealer and like always could not identify the problem, when the had the recall or engine put thicker oil, like that was going to resolve the problem well my engine started to misfire, did not want to accelerate started shaking the smoke came out, engine lights came on, had to tow it to the cadillac dealear now they are telling me if i got the extended warranty, i did but the issue is with them engine failure, being in the escalade with 3 small children and 8 mo. pregnant is scary, I want GM to do a buyback on this affected ESCALADE l. what if it would have caught fire, would like help to get GM to buyback

NHTSA complaint #11751227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I own a 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with GM's 6.2L L87 V8 engine. The recall remedy for GM Safety Recall N252494000 (NHTSA Campaign No. 25V-274) was completed on April 17, 2026, at approximately 48,905 miles. Only approximately 2,347 miles later, on June 15, 2026, at approximately 51,252 miles, the engine experienced a severe malfunction while I was driving with passengers. Without warning, the engine began running extremely rough with severe vibration and shaking. The Check Engine Light began flashing, and Service StabiliTrak and Service Traction Control warnings appeared. A few minutes after I stopped the engine, it would not restart. I found no measurable engine oil on the dipstick. When the engine was started again, a large amount of blue smoke was emitted from the exhaust, while the engine continued running extremely rough. GM's official MyCadillac application displayed critical warnings for the Engine & Transmission System, Emissions System, Transmission System, and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) System. GM ultimately determined that the engine required complete replacement under warranty. Despite completion of GM Safety Recall N252494000 (NHTSA Campaign No. 25V-274), the engine required complete replacement only approximately 2,347 miles later. The replacement engine remains on backorder. I understand that NHTSA has opened Recall Query RQ26001 regarding post-remedy L87 engine failures. Because my vehicle experienced a post-remedy engine failure only approximately 2,347 miles after completion of the recall repair, I respectfully request that this complaint be included as part of Recall Query RQ26001. I have preserved photographs, videos, diagnostic screenshots, and repair records.

NHTSA complaint #11748650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV lost power and shut down while I was driving on the highway. The gas pedal stopped responding, and the vehicle would not restart afterward. This created a serious safety risk because the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion while driving in traffic. The vehicle is less than one year old and is already going to be on its third engine. The original engine was already replaced once before. The previous replacement engine was a brand-new GM engine with 0 miles, but it failed after only about 20,000 miles. Pepe Cadillac confirmed that this is the second replacement engine, which means the third engine counting the original engine. The dealer also confirmed that the engine locked up due to internal bearing material failure and needs to be replaced again. The repair order number is 140134. I am concerned this is a serious safety-related engine defect. A brand-new GM replacement engine should not lock up after only about 22,000 miles, especially while driving on the highway. I am also concerned that simply replacing the engine again may not fully address the safety and reliability issue with this vehicle. Cadillac Customer Care case number: 100539041.

NHTSA complaint #11740929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Subject: Safety Complaint – 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transmission Failure After Recall Repair To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. VIN: [XXX] My vehicle experienced a serious transmission malfunction where the vehicle would not properly engage in reverse. The “R” gear indicator blinked multiple times, and the vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to operate. Cadillac dealership diagnostics later confirmed issues related to the transmission valve body and/or transmission control components. After researching this issue, I discovered that GM and NHTSA issued Recall No. 26V085000 regarding transmission control valve body wear in certain 2022 Cadillac Escalade vehicles equipped with the 10-speed transmission. The major concern is that my vehicle had already received the recall/software update before this failure occurred. Despite completing the recall remedy, the exact transmission problem still happened. I never received any warning before the failure. I was forced to spend significant time and money dealing with towing, dealership visits, diagnostics, and transportation disruption for my family. This raises serious concerns that the recall software update does not actually resolve the underlying mechanical defect within the transmission valve body. For a luxury SUV of this value and age, this type of major transmission failure is unacceptable and creates a serious safety concern. I request a full investigation into why the recall remedy failed, confirmation of all recall work completed on my VIN, and extended warranty coverage for the transmission and related drivetrain components. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11737485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. While driving in [XXX] near [XXX] and XXX [XXX] , the engine suddenly failed without warning and left me stranded in traffic. Prior to the failure, there were either no warning signs or insufficient warning indicators to safely prevent the incident. The sudden engine failure created a serious safety concern because the vehicle lost power while operating on a public roadway. I was forced to pull over unexpectedly in traffic conditions, placing myself and others at risk. The vehicle had to be towed and I was informed the engine would require major repair or replacement. I have since learned that other owners of GM vehicles equipped with the 6.2L engine have reported similar catastrophic engine failures. The failure appears to occur unexpectedly and can leave drivers stranded without adequate warning. I believe this issue represents a significant safety risk and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11736835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

SUBJ: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sudden Loss of Power I am reporting a safety issue involving a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX] ). On April 19, 2026 (late evening into early April 20), while traveling approximately 70 mph on [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power without warning. This created an immediate safety hazard, nearly resulting in a collision. I was able to exit the highway, but the vehicle lost all acceleration and became disabled in the middle of a dark off-ramp with oncoming traffic approaching from behind. OnStar was contacted and Virginia State Police responded due to the unsafe location. A trooper remained on scene with emergency lights to redirect traffic and prevent a collision. Due to the hazardous conditions, the trooper arranged an emergency tow. I incurred $389.61 in out-of-pocket towing costs. The vehicle was taken to a tow yard, and my AAA Premier coverage then towed it 189 miles to Miller Brothers Cadillac in Ellicott City, MD. The dealership diagnosed catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement at approximately 53,000 miles. There were no meaningful warning indicators prior to the sudden loss of power. This vehicle was purchased from Sons Chevrolet / Cadillac in Columbus, GA in December 2025 as a Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac and had already required multiple repairs shortly after purchase. The vehicle is currently at Miller Brothers Cadillac awaiting complete engine replacement and is available for inspection. This sudden loss of power at highway speed presents a serious safety risk and could have resulted in a severe accident or loss of life. Given the absence of warning and catastrophic failure at relatively low mileage, I am concerned this may indicate a broader safety defect rather than an isolated incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11733978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Accelerated onto highway and some power was lost. Engine light came on and dash read the following: rear axle system off, service stabilitrak, auto hold unavailable. Lost some power while entering the highway could’ve been put in a bad situation with traffic. Dealer confirmed issue said lifters and potential cam. No warning or lights before issue occurred. Took straight to dealership the next morning. Vehicle at dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11732291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

11/26/25 at 85,400 miles on the v8 6.2L L86 engine, I began experiencing rough idle, loss of engine power and propulsion, a ticking/ knocking noise at idle and when RPMs increased as well as blinking engine warning light. Diagnostics/Repair work was done by Reliable GMC/Cadillac of Roseville to fix an ignition coil that was giving the engine error code. 2/24/26 At 86,697 miles, I began having rough idle worse than before, loss of power when accelerating and driving, knocking sounds that increased with acceleration in RPMs as well as a blinking engine warning light. All spark plugs and wiring were changed by Cadillac which resolved engine error codes for misfire. Diagnostics/Repair was done by Reliable GMC/Cadillac of Roseville. 3/30/26 at 87,246 (only 549 miles since the previous work up,) the car began to idle rough, and have a audible rhythmic tapping and knocking when accelerating and increasing RPMs. During driving, I experienced flashing engine light, and then sudden loss of power and control of vehicle. 3/30/26 Veh towed toThompson GMC, of Placerville, CA diagnosed vehicle with full engine failure from broken connecting rods and crankshaft of engine. Dealership is recommending full engine replacement, costing approx $23,000. This engine failure occurred on XXX in [XXX] …a dangerous, steep and curvy 2 lane highway. The engine light and loud forceful knocking happened almost simultaneously, without warning. I was forced to perform a dangerous maneuver to exit the highway into a gas station. Had I not done so, the engine failure could have caused full control loss of the vehicle. Traveling approx 50-65mph with my wife, [XXX] son and 2 daughters, an engine failure put my entire family at risk of serious injury or death. Had I not acted quickly, the outcome would have been catastrophic if not fatal. The vehicle is currently at Thompson GMC, [XXX] and available for further inspection. We believe this may be related to NHTSA EA25007. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)

NHTSA complaint #11728347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission would intermittently lock up and cause rough running conditions. Occasionally causing wheels to lock up and the vehicle to lose control. Took the vehicle to multiple service facilities and was told this is a common issue with this transmission and it is in need of replacement to remedy the issue. The vehicle has 85,000 miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11727496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.