73 of the
2,305 complaints filed about the Cadillac Escalade
are about the suspension —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2007.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2025 Cadillac Escalade, which experienced a catastrophic engine failure while being driven on a public roadway with approximately 13,000 miles on the vehicle. While traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly lost power while in motion. A warning message appeared stating “Press to Start Again.” The engine shut off completely while driving, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. The vehicle went into neutral, and I was forced to maneuver to the side of the road to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Once stopped, the vehicle would not restart. Multiple attempts were made using both the push-button ignition and key fob remote start, but the vehicle remained inoperable. The vehicle was towed and later diagnosed as requiring a complete engine replacement despite being less than one year old. I believe this is a serious safety defect because the vehicle lost power without warning while being driven. Had this occurred in heavier traffic, while crossing an intersection, merging, or traveling at higher speeds, it could have resulted in a serious accident, injury, or death. This was not the first major issue with this vehicle. Within weeks of taking delivery, multiple components required repair or replacement, including: • Complete replacement of the camera system due to defective cameras • Replacement of a defective lighting component • Transmission failure concerns • Cylinder #2 misfire issues The repeated failures of major vehicle systems, culminating in a complete engine failure and loss of propulsion while driving, raise serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle. Additionally, after the engine failure, the vehicle could not be placed into neutral and had to be dragged onto a tow truck, causing damage to the tires and raising concerns about emergency roadside recovery procedures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11741395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suspension failed at 50,000 miles. At 56,000 miles one of the valve components inside the engine (a lifter) has collapsed. This part controls the opening of the engine valve, and because it is no longer moving, that cylinder cannot build compression and is causing the misfire. This is an internal mechanical failure inside the engine and cannot be caused by body work, fuel quality, or anything external.
NHTSA complaint #11720984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cadillac and GM have a know issue in the Escalade for faulty susp3nsion, with their MagRide system, and bad lifters. They use AFM/DOD to reduce the engine down to 4 cylinders and it causes the lifters to get stuck and damage the cam. I am one of thousands to experience these issues. GM need to be held responsible. Why. Are you putting this junk in 100k trucks? Why are we having to foot the bill to get rid of it? My car only has 112,000 miles. This is ridiculous. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11702046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1.) Loud engine ticking and clicking noise when car is in park position. 2.) Vibration in steering wheel after numerous alignment and wheel balancing services. Even purchased 4 new tires and vibration still continues.
NHTSA complaint #11697017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My wife and I purchased this vehicle in 2023 with 33,xxx miles on it and since we’ve had it, the vehicle has locked itself with the key fob inside 3 different times, we’re going on the third suspension replacement with normal driving that is ruining alignment and tires, we’ve had multiple issues with the computer system resetting itself and not acting appropriately, key fob not working, seat heaters in the back turning themselves on, and glove box randomly opening. Yesterday, my wife tried to start the car and everything on the dash just started flashing, the vehicle attempted to turn over and made terrible knocking noises in the engine compartment. The final straw for us was on July 13th when my wife placed our then 7 month old son in the car after church with the remote start feature working, placed his diaper bag in the vehicle with keys inside the bag, and as she walked around to the driver door, the vehicle locked itself and shut off in 103*F heat. My son began screaming and the vehicle would not unlock. My wife was forced to punch the window out, lacerating her hand open, and even after peeling the window out, the vehicle still would not unlock even manually. I had to leave my fire station to meet her at the hospital where she received stitches. Cadillac sent out an inspector on 8/17/25 and we still have not heard anything back. I have filed with the BBB Auto Line as well. There was never any warning lights or messages, other than repeated “service suspension system” warnings, which has been replaced twice in 20,xxx miles and now needs to be replaced again.
NHTSA complaint #11687917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade to Utah, the engine completely locked up and failed without warning. The vehicle had to be towed to a GM-authorized dealership. Upon inspection, the dealership confirmed the failure was directly related to an active safety recall on the vehicle. Prior to the failure, there were no check engine lights or no other warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. The failure occurred suddenly and without additional notice. The dealership stated the needed part is currently on national backorder and that the vehicle cannot be repaired or safely driven until the part arrives. It has now been over four months since the vehicle was brought in, and there is still no estimated repair date from GM. This has left me without a functioning vehicle due to a known safety defect. The vehicle remains inoperable at the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11678340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The front upper control arm on the driver’s side snapped in half, resulting in the complete detachment of the wheel while the vehicle was in motion. The failed component is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. This failure placed both my life and the lives of others at significant risk. The wheel detached while I was driving, which could have led to a catastrophic crash had it occurred at higher speeds or in heavier traffic. I was extremely fortunate that the failure occurred under conditions that allowed me to bring the vehicle to a stop without injury or collision. A suspension failure of this nature represents a critical safety hazard. The failure has been physically verified by both the service center where the vehicle was taken after the incident and by GM’s assigned third-party inspection service. A visual and mechanical inspection confirmed the fractured upper control arm and resulting suspension failure. A second opinion from an independent mechanic is being pursued as well. The vehicle was inspected by a third-party claims investigator assigned by GM, who reviewed the scene and the damage. I have not received a full report or documentation from GM or the inspector, but I am requesting it formally. The incident was also documented by my insurance provider. The police were not called, as there were no injuries or collision with another vehicle. There were no warning lights, messages, or error codes on the dashboard prior to the incident. I did not observe any unusual handling, noises, or vibrations that would have suggested an impending mechanical failure. The control arm failure occurred suddenly and without warning while driving under normal conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11670950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine just stopped working mid traffics shifted to neutral automatically- almost causing a serious accident on a busy interstate . Brought to the mechanic, readings stated misfiring cylinders as engine seized and slipped. Tried fixing issue for $8300.00. Then after trying to fix it with no luck, cylinder 5 and seven were stuck and could not be repaired. Cost of labor to out engine back together was $4600.00 plus $400 to tow it to a dealer. Not only life threatening but also wallet draining with no warning. Will never buy a Cadillac again. This is a serious threat for those driving in it and for those who come across it when something happens.
NHTSA complaint #11658681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2018 Escalade with 84 k miles. First issue was the front struts went out at around 80k miles 3200 repair. Second issue which is the major issue. Was driving and started hearing a clicking noise as I pressed on gas the car didn’t want to move and started slowing down. Car started shaking. Check engine light wasn’t on. Drove straight to dealership and was told I had a bent push rod and my lifters would need to be repairs and possibly cam shaft. Was quoted 8-13 thousand dollars. Car got regular oil changes and premium gas only since day 1.
NHTSA complaint #11658065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At speeds of 50 mph and above, my vehicle does the death wobble. Any time I hit a tiny crack in the road, going higher speeds. The person that sold he this car knew it did not pass emissions in September 2024 and I bought it in November 2024. A dealership checked car fax for me after I bought it. And this person rolled back the odometer also. I found this out after I purchased it.
NHTSA complaint #11637676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I paid 8600 on my engine for lifters exc...in 2022 the now in 2025 I was told I need a new engine [XXX] The whole engine is messed up INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11637223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I am driving the car shutters a lot especially during acceleration. When I stop no shutters but when I begin to go shutters. I have been to the Pepboys where I get my car fixed all the time and they can’t find the problem. I spent lots of money on the suspension system already and still the same shutters. Will Gm find and fix the defect or they can just give me a brand new car.
NHTSA complaint #11615733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After driving car all day off and on, it suddenly went into limp mode. Multiple misfires. Service traction t control and service stabilitrak warnings. Engine light flashing. Car had oil. Replaced oil pressure sensor. Replaced spark plugs. Wires. And coils. Will not clear misfire and won’t go out of limp mode. $7500 fix. This is ridiculous. I have heard of 15 others with the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11605346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
It cut off in the middle of traffic every time I drive it . The. Stability engine power reduced comes on. I have small kids in the car it becomes a issue because we almost got hit
NHTSA complaint #11558110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle was sold to me with severe frame damage, which was not reported on the carfax, and was not reported at the dealership. If you turn the steering wheel to the right, you will hear a scraping noise under the right front tire, as the suspension is off because of the frame damage caused from an accident with the previous owner. I returned the car for a refund, however the car is being sold again at a different dealership and there is no reports of any frame damage.
NHTSA complaint #11553368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. It has been well taken care of. To my disappointment, this vehicle has been a money pit since day one. We have had to have all shocks replaced two times since January 16, 2020, costing thousands of dollars.The front cross bar was replaced the first time the shocks were replaced. The airconditioning system went out in the summer of 2020, replacement cost over 2500.00 The back suspension was just replaced in December 2022 for 2100.00. Running board motor wore out. Radio touch screen had to be replaced because it did not respond to tounch 1400.00 No warning lights appeared. SAFETY ISSUES**** The automatic seatbelt system no longer works since August 2022. Now the side detection system doesn't work since December 2022, replacement cost will be 1500.00 These have both been inspected by a dealer. These put myself, my passengers, and others at risk by not properly ensuring their safety while in my car and drivers in my blind spot. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle any longer. I don't know when or where it will malfunction next and that will extremely dangerous to those in my car and driving along side me. Needless to say, this vehicle has cost us more money than the beauty of the vehicle. These are a just a few of the issues we have encountered while owning it and I can honestly say, we will probably not purchase another Cadallic again.
NHTSA complaint #11502005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving it feels like I'm slowing down when I'm not. The lights inside, the headlights, & on dashboard flicker & sometimes go out while driving. My seatbelts on the driver, back seat behind driver not working. The driver seat does not adjust so I can position myself correctly. The truck rocks side to side while driving as if it will tip over on its side if I drive over 30. I just recently acquired the truck within the last few months and I need to be on the road driving my babies around. I love the truck andu problems with it sounds and drive like it's all a safety issue. Please let me know if these issues are covered to be fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11495611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
•available for inspection. Unknown exact system failure •issue regularly occurs •dealership service. Transmission had to be replaced at around 10k miles and covered by warranty. •no lights indicating any problems. Forward collision alert activated. Vehicle has a lag between the time pressure is applied to the gas pedal and it causes a delay in acceleration resulting in the vehicle sort of lunging forward unexpectedly. About 15-20 seconds after the gas pedal is pressed it will have a sudden burst of quick acceleration. It only lasts a few seconds and there’s no time to correct the sudden acceleration by braking. I finally realized the seriousness of the issue after I very close to being in an accident today as a result of the delayed acceleration. I was stopped at a red light and pressed the gas once it turned green, another driver happened to change lanes as soon as we crossed the intersection, moving to the front of my vehicle, probably closer than they should have but more than able for me to react under normal circumstances if needed. However, it occurred at the same time my vehicle randomly had a burst of acceleration and I had to swerve into the next lane to avoid hitting the car, because I wasn’t expecting to speed forward and did not have time to correct by braking. It happens about 40% of the time when going over 15-20mph (estimate) after I come to a complete stop and then press the gas to begin moving again. For example it won’t do it if I’m letting off the break to movie forward at a stop sign or lines, etc. It only happens when I accelerate with the intention of being able to reach the posted speed limit before I’d need to make another stop. Stop lights are the primary issue, as well as when exiting somewhere to get back onto the road, for example the gas station.
NHTSA complaint #11492685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
frame rotted where the control arm conects to the frame causing the control arm to break away from the frome. i lost steering fortunetly iwas coming to a stop. The dealer Colonial Cadillac Woburn Ma. confirmed the damage. it was inspected by a tecnition at the dealership. No there was no warning, i bought an etended warenty when the origanel one ran out. ty are not covering this? there resaning the say is because of rust. a 5 year old car should not rot out this bad.
NHTSA complaint #11470362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.