Owners have filed 30 complaints
about the 2026 Cadillac Escalade with NHTSA between 2026 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 27 of 27 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 18
Against the median year of the Cadillac Escalade. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2026 compares with every other Cadillac Escalade
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2026peak 8Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2026 Cadillac Escalade
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA26005Opened 20 Aug 2026Still openENGINE
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. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s reca...
Recalls on the 2026 Cadillac Escalade
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202623257 units in Canada
Wheels
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels that had a dealer-installed accessory brake package or had the front hubs replaced during service. On certain vehicles, the wrong bolts may have been used during installation of the accessory brake package or during service or replacement of the front wheel hub bearings. As a result, the bolts could loosen and cause poor handling and a loss of control. Additionally, this could cause the front wheel(s) to separate from the vehicle. Safety Risk: A loss of control could create the risk of a crash. A wheel that separates could create a road hazard for others. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts.
Recall 20260861,255 units in Canada
Other
Issue: On certain vehicles, the owner's manual may be missing. As a result, the vehicles may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Note: For the Escalade model, the recall also affects certain 2026 model year Escalade IQ and Escalade IQL models. Safety Risk: A missing owner's manual could cause confusion on how to safely operate the vehicle and increase the risk of injury or a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install the owner's manual.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Dania Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The night vision does not work. I told it to the dealer on 17 July they claimed they don’t know how to fix it. They blow it off and say that it’s because of the temperature but it’s not true. It wasn’t working at night when it was nice and cool. It wasn’t working during the day. It doesn’t work at all. They have a history of failing and general motors does not have a solid fix. They had this in their shop for six weeks and they still couldn’t figure out how to fix it. It still doesn’t work to this day. The temperatures have dropped at night, especially in the rain and that is not the problem. They lack of experience with night vision camera cameras is the problem and they are unable to fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11758886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrick, NY
ENGINE
Catastrophic Engine Failure while driving with 2,500 miles, leaving me stranded on the highway in the dead of night. Cadillac towed it in for repairs, yet refused to install a new engine, instead swapping out block with a rebuilt one and moving all other components over from the blown engine. As this was a “V” model which is equipped with an 6.2 LT4 engine, I was told that this would not be subject to the constant failures that plague the 6.2 L87. So I agreed to purchase the considerably more expensive V at a cost of $200,000 and I was still placed in the same danger that I was in with the less expensive models. This vehicle was not on any recall list and I was offered no compensation whatsoever for having a rebuilt engine which is now part of its permanent record at both Cadillac and Carfax. Same thing happened to my 2023 Escalade while my daughter was driving, total loss of power, engine seized, she barely made it to the shoulder safely from the left lane. I had to get rid of it after that as I felt my family’s safety was in jeopardy had we continued to drive it. The buyer I sold it to just notified me that the replacement engine blew up just like the original one and needed a to have third engine replaced. VIN of the 2023: [XXX]. Cadillac is repairing/replacing these defective engines with the same defective parts, so of course they will continue to fail again and again. Recommendation of upgrading oil viscosity is a complete joke and has done nothing to resolve this dangerous issue. This is a massive problem, just about everyone I speak with who has a Cadillac Escalade has experienced the same fate. I am aware of injuries associated with this situation, GM and Cadillac need to be brought to task here before someone gets killed if that hasn’t already happened. I can provide any other information should you require including pictures and videos of these cars being towed away as well as repair tickets if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sherman, TX
ENGINE
Catastrophic engine failure. Main bearing lock up.
NHTSA complaint #11758924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal Lake, IL
ENGINE
On Monday XXX, I was on my way to the dealer for my first oil change. I was driving through a toll both, also under construction just outside [XXX], when the engine lost power without warning and just stopped. While scrambling to find a tow truck I finally got the vehicle started and limped it to the dealer, Patrick Cadillac in Schaumburg, IL,. Nearly a week later, a technician informed me that the engine is unrepairable and needs to be completely replaced. He also informed me that engines are on back-order and no ETA is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade from AutoNation Cadillac West Palm Beach on July 27, 2026. At only approximately 375 miles, the vehicle developed serious engine/drivability problems and front/rear bumper alignment defects. The Escalade began shaking/stuttering, hesitating, experiencing inconsistent power, and making an abnormal knocking-type noise. The check-engine light illuminated. I took the vehicle to Delray Cadillac, where technicians found a cylinder 4 misfire and ultimately determined the problem involved the cylinder 4 lifter system. The repair required substantial internal engine work on an essentially brand-new vehicle. Cadillac replaced eight lifters, along with associated gaskets, bolts, guides, and related components. The engine was opened for the repair, and the technician inspected the camshaft/cam lobes and related valvetrain components before reassembly and testing. After receiving the vehicle back, I still notice abnormal power delivery. At approximately 45–55 mph, the engine intermittently hesitates and feels as though it struggles to maintain steady power, even though the check-engine light is currently off. This concerns me because major internal engine work was already required at only about 375 miles. The vehicle also has visible front and rear bumper alignment problems. The rear bumper protrudes outward instead of sitting flush with the body, and the front bumper also appears misaligned. These issues were reported to Cadillac. I am reporting this because a new vehicle requiring major valvetrain/engine repair at approximately 375 miles, followed by continued hesitation and inconsistent power, may present a safety risk during acceleration, merging, or highway driving.
NHTSA complaint #11757093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
ENGINE
I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade from AutoNation Cadillac West Palm Beach on July 27, 2026. At only approximately 375 miles, the vehicle developed serious engine/drivability problems and front/rear bumper alignment defects. The Escalade began shaking/stuttering, hesitating, experiencing inconsistent power, and making an abnormal knocking-type noise. The check-engine light illuminated. I took the vehicle to Delray Cadillac, where technicians found a cylinder 4 misfire and ultimately determined the problem involved the cylinder 4 lifter system. The repair required substantial internal engine work on an essentially brand-new vehicle. Cadillac replaced eight lifters, along with associated gaskets, bolts, guides, and related components. The engine was opened for the repair, and the technician inspected the camshaft/cam lobes and related valvetrain components before reassembly and testing. After receiving the vehicle back, I still notice abnormal power delivery. At approximately 45–55 mph, the engine intermittently hesitates and feels as though it struggles to maintain steady power, even though the check-engine light is currently off. This concerns me because major internal engine work was already required at only about 375 miles. The vehicle also has visible front and rear bumper alignment problems. The rear bumper protrudes outward instead of sitting flush with the body, and the front bumper also appears misaligned. These issues were reported to Cadillac. I am reporting this because a new vehicle requiring major valvetrain/engine repair at approximately 375 miles, followed by continued hesitation and inconsistent power, may present a safety risk during acceleration, merging, or highway driving.
NHTSA complaint #11757093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle randomly stalls and shuts down. This can happen while pulling out in traffic. It has happened 5 times or more.
NHTSA complaint #11753678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, NC
ENGINE
The vehicle randomly stalls and shuts down. This can happen while pulling out in traffic. It has happened 5 times or more.
NHTSA complaint #11753678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle randomly stalls and shuts down. This can happen while pulling out in traffic. It has happened 5 times or more.
NHTSA complaint #11753678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, OK
ENGINE
Our engine failed with only 18k miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11753574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,099 milesDania Beach, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2026 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. Later, while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated unexpectedly in the middle of highway traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off the road and parked in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,099.
NHTSA complaint #11752581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Venus, TX
ENGINE
2026 CADILLAC ESCALATE WITH 4900 STARTED KNOCKING TOOK TO DEALER TOLD ME IT HAD SPUN A MAIN BEARING REPLACED ENGINE NOW NEW ENGINE SOUNDS THE SAME TAKING BACK TO DEALER
NHTSA complaint #11751711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windermere, FL
ENGINE
While driving my 2026 Cadillac Escalade with approximately 15,000 miles, I experienced a sudden loss of engine power. I was able to safely move the vehicle onto the shoulder of the road. The vehicle would not continue operating and required towing. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle with a catastrophic internal engine failure requiring complete engine replacement. The engine is the 6.2L V8. There were no prior indications that the engine was about to fail.
NHTSA complaint #11751731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
ENGINE
Complete engine failure at 7000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11749714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BIG Spring, TX
ENGINE
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND KNOCKING/BUMPING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE AREA AND SMOKING BADLY. ALMOST IMEDAITALLY LOSING POWER. OIL SPRAY FROM ENGINE COVERED RUNNING BOARDS AND BACK OF VEHICLE. NOT SURE OF EXACT COMPONENTS COULD ASLO BE MORE POWERTRAIN COMPONENTS AND NOT JUST ENGINE. WE CAN MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR INSPECTION IF NEEDED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED "CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE" . WE HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN DETAILS ON EXACT CAUSE OR COMPONENTS. SAFETY OF DRIVER AND THREE PASENGERS WERE PUT AT RISK AS THE ISSUE HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC RISKING CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. SAT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR TWO HOURS WAITING ON TOW TRUCK FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT DELAERSHIP AS THEY HAVE NOT YET TOLD US THE EXACT ISSUE BUT IT IS AN ENGINE/POWERTRAIN FAILURE IS ALL THEY HAVE SAID. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT AUTHORIZED CADILAC DEALERSHIP IN LAMESA, TX. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SOUNDS BEFORE THE ENGINE NOISE AND LOSS OF POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON UNTIL ENGINE POWER HAD BEEN LOSSED AND SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT COME ON FOR A FEW MINUTES AFTER LOSING ENGINE POWER.
NHTSA complaint #11741391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
ENGINE
Complete engine failure. Car stalled out at highway speeds and nearly caused collision. Would not turn over to be moved off freeway.
NHTSA complaint #11736259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tabb, VA
POWER TRAIN
The engine failed my check engine light came on, it was in the middle of traffic on 4/2/2026. the vehicle had a very rough idle it went away and then came back and then rough idle again I had 2 miles to go to reach my home and then it just shut off. I called the dealer immediately and then I call AAA I received a loaner from the dealer, and they said they would set up a meeting with the tech advisor and myself. My 2026 Cadillac escalate only had 3186 miles on it I was told by the dealership that it was a bearing issue.
NHTSA complaint #11733281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tabb, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine failed my check engine light came on, it was in the middle of traffic on 4/2/2026. the vehicle had a very rough idle it went away and then came back and then rough idle again I had 2 miles to go to reach my home and then it just shut off. I called the dealer immediately and then I call AAA I received a loaner from the dealer, and they said they would set up a meeting with the tech advisor and myself. My 2026 Cadillac escalate only had 3186 miles on it I was told by the dealership that it was a bearing issue.
NHTSA complaint #11733281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tabb, VA
ENGINE
The engine failed my check engine light came on, it was in the middle of traffic on 4/2/2026. the vehicle had a very rough idle it went away and then came back and then rough idle again I had 2 miles to go to reach my home and then it just shut off. I called the dealer immediately and then I call AAA I received a loaner from the dealer, and they said they would set up a meeting with the tech advisor and myself. My 2026 Cadillac escalate only had 3186 miles on it I was told by the dealership that it was a bearing issue.
NHTSA complaint #11733281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MI
ENGINE
Driving on freeway, engine starting knocking loudly and completely failed. I blew an engine on my 2023 escalade esv as well. Seems like the recall might need to be extended to the 2026 models as well.
NHTSA complaint #11727672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, GA
POWER TRAIN
On March 21, 2026 while traveling at approximately 70 mph on a public highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of propulsion. The vehicle stalled in active traffic, creating an immediate and life-threatening hazard. Following the stall, the vehicle’s system failed, and the vehicle would not engage any gear, including “Park” or “Neutral.” Consequently, the vehicle could not be towed by standard means and required a specialized car carrier to be transported to Heritage Cadillac in Morrow, GA 30260.
NHTSA complaint #11726402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, GA
ENGINE
On March 21, 2026 while traveling at approximately 70 mph on a public highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of propulsion. The vehicle stalled in active traffic, creating an immediate and life-threatening hazard. Following the stall, the vehicle’s system failed, and the vehicle would not engage any gear, including “Park” or “Neutral.” Consequently, the vehicle could not be towed by standard means and required a specialized car carrier to be transported to Heritage Cadillac in Morrow, GA 30260.
NHTSA complaint #11726402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Creek, WI
ENGINE
My Escalade had just been into the dealer because the battery died at only 4200 miles. I drove away and after 10 minutes, I was getting warning messages that the engine was overheating and to turn the vehicle off immediately. I had to pull over on the freeway while listening to my engine knock and click. I eventually got it back to the dealer where they were unable to turn the car on and unable to determine the issue other than telling me it’s something with the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11726570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On March 21, 2026 while traveling at approximately 70 mph on a public highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of propulsion. The vehicle stalled in active traffic, creating an immediate and life-threatening hazard. Following the stall, the vehicle’s system failed, and the vehicle would not engage any gear, including “Park” or “Neutral.” Consequently, the vehicle could not be towed by standard means and required a specialized car carrier to be transported to Heritage Cadillac in Morrow, GA 30260.
NHTSA complaint #11726402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Albans, MO
ENGINE
ON FEBRUARY 16, 2026, AROUND 4:30 P.M. WE WERE DRIVING OUR NEW CADILLAC ESCALADE SPORT V-SERIES WITH ONLY 900 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AT AROUND 50 MILES PER HOUR ON HIGHWAY T IN FRANKLIN COUNTY TO OUR HOME FROM THE DOG GROOMER WITH OUR 2 LARGE BREED NEWFOUNDLAND DOGS WHO WEIGH 130 POUNDS EACH NAMED [XXX] AND SQUIGGY WHO WERE LAYING DOWN IN THE REAR CARGO AREA WITH THE 3RD ROW SEAT FOLDED DOWN WHEN I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THAT'S WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ANY ALERTS OR WARNING MESSAGES. THEN, SUDDENLY AGAIN WITHOUT ANY ALERTS OR WARNING THE BRAKES LOCKED UP ON THE HIGHWAY THROWING US FORWARD INCLUDING [XXX] AND [XXX] INTO THE BACK SIDES OF OUR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATBACKS. IF ANY OTHER MOTORISTS HAD BEEN FOLLOWING US CLOSELY THEY WOULD HAVE RISK COLLIDING WITH THE REAR BUMPER AREAS OF OUR VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF CHECKED TO MAKE SURE NO OTHER MOTORISTS WERE APPROACHING US WHILE STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE LESS THAN 1 MILE TO OUR HOME. WE UNLOADED [XXX] AND SQUIGGY WHO WERE LUCKILY NOT INJURED AFTER BEING THOWN FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKES UNEXPECTLY LOCKED UP AND CALLED ELCO CADILLAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE SAFETY CONCERNS WE HAD ABOUT THE ENGINE SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND THE SUDDEN UNEXPECTED HARD BRAKING EVENT WE JUST EXPERIENCED AND THAT WE'D BE DRIVING TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT 10 MILES FROM OUR HOME TO DROP OFF THE ESCALADE TO DETRERMINE IF THERE WERE ANY CODES IN THE COMPUTER IDENTIFYING THE ISSUES WE ENCOUNTERED. WHEN WE ARRIVED ABOUT 5:45 THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AND THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A RATTLING NOISE. AS WE PULLED UP TO THE AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR SERVICE ENTRY THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AS WE ROLLED INSIDE SERVICE ENTRANCE. NOTED ON LINE 2 OF ELCO ESTIMATE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF
NHTSA complaint #11719336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.