175 of the
2,305 complaints filed about the Cadillac Escalade
are about the transmission —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
175
Complaints
8%
Share of all complaints
5
Crashes
2
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
The engine/powertrain malfunctioned on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade at approximately 29,434 miles, ultimately requiring complete engine replacement. During the engine repair, the Cadillac technician also discovered that the transmission cooler lines were leaking fluid. The dealership replaced all of the affected transmission cooler lines as part of the repair.The original failed engine was removed by the Cadillac dealership, so I do not know whether GM/Cadillac retained it. The failure involved the vehicle’s engine and created concern about the possibility of sudden loss of propulsion or engine failure while driving. Because this is a large vehicle routinely operated on public roads and highways, an unexpected loss of engine power could significantly reduce my ability to safely accelerate, merge, or move the vehicle out of traffic. Fortunately, I brought the vehicle in for service after noticing the abnormal engine noise before a complete failure occurred while driving. Yes. Heritage Cadillac inspected and diagnosed the vehicle. The dealership documented my complaint of a “weird noise on start up” that continued until approximately 10 MPH. The technician removed the valve covers and inspected the rocker arms and pushrods. The dealership ultimately determined that an engine replacement was necessary and replaced the engine under warranty. Yes. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by Heritage Cadillac, an authorized Cadillac dealership. The dealership diagnosed the engine issue and replaced the complete engine. During the repair process, the technician also discovered leaking transmission cooler lines. I did not receive a warning lamp or dashboard message alerting me to an engine problem. The primary symptom was an abnormal engine noise shortly after startup that continued during initial acceleration to approximately 10 MPH. This prompted me to bring the vehicle to Heritage Cadillac for inspection. The dealer documented this symptom on the repair order.
NHTSA complaint #11758672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transmission has experienced ongoing shifting problems, including extremely hard shifts at low speeds and difficulty shifting properly at higher/highway speeds. The hard shifting could cause the vehicle to jerk unexpectedly, and the difficulty shifting at higher speeds caused concern about the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and maintain predictable power while driving. Because of the ongoing shifting problems, we paid to have the vehicle tuned in an attempt to improve the shifting, but the transmission problems continued. More recently, after routine transmission fluid service, the transmission became significantly worse and the vehicle would not properly move in either Drive or Reverse. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired by a dealership. The transmission is currently being inspected and repaired privately, and components can be retained if needed. The shifting problems were present before the recent transmission fluid service.
NHTSA complaint #11757087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on a family road trip, our vehicle check engine light came in and put the vehicle in limp mode. This happened a couple of times but luckily we were close enough to our home we were able to make it home safely. The code received was indicative of a Coolant Control Valve Failure. In discussions with the dealer, there is currently a special coverage out for this component failing but that our VIN was not covered under this special coverage. After some research, we are not the only ones who are having this problem. I believe this issue is more wide spread than the dealer would like to admit. The special coverage is N252508341.
NHTSA complaint #11755964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2023 Cadillac Escalade, 6.2L V8 (RPO L87). Subject of Recall 25V-274 and NHTSA investigation RQ26-001. Over the past year, this vehicle has been out of the shop only about 90 days total. The rest of the year it has been in dealer service at GM/Cadillac dealerships for a recurring, undiagnosed loss-of-power defect. It is currently in dealer service. FAILURE: The vehicle has suddenly lost all motive power on three separate occasions. Engine runs, vehicle loses all drive power, will not restart. Two events occurred at approximately 80 mph on an interstate highway. One occurred with children in the vehicle. The only warning is a “service rear axle” message that appears just before power loss. No diagnostic trouble code has isolated the fault. Root cause has not been diagnosed. REPAIR PATTERN: Six dealer visits across two Cadillac dealerships in one year. Interventions have included two battery replacements, a full engine replacement under Recall 25V-274, an approximately $1,500 charge categorized as diagnostic with no repair labor documented, and most recently a “wiring harness manipulation / re-wrap” performed over approximately 90 days. Dealer personnel described the fix as “manipulation fixed it” — which is not a diagnosed repair. On at least one return of the vehicle, dealer personnel stated in the presence of a witness that they were not certain the defect had been fixed. The “service rear axle” warning returned within three days of the most recent repair. POST-RECALL: The engine was replaced under Recall 25V-274 and the loss-of-power failures continued afterward. This is directly relevant to RQ26-001, examining post-recall-remedy failures.
NHTSA complaint #11754077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On June 14, 2026, while driving approximately 70 mph on a Michigan freeway, the 6.2L V8 engine began shaking violently. The vehicle lost oil pressure, warning messages appeared on the dashboard, and the vehicle completely lost propulsion and shut down while still in motion. My spouse and child were inside the vehicle. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a serious risk of a collision, although I was able to bring the vehicle to safety. No collision, bodily injury, fire, or property damage occurred during this incident. An OnStar/Cadillac notification reported a critical engine and transmission system problem and diagnostic trouble code P0016. The vehicle was towed directly to an authorized Cadillac dealership. The dealership opened the repair order on June 15, 2026, at approximately 46,640 miles. The dealership determined that the vehicle required a replacement engine. The replacement engine later arrived, but additional required parts, including a seal kit and gasket, were still outstanding. General Motors advised in writing that there was no estimated arrival date for those parts and no confirmed repair-completion date. The vehicle and failed engine components have been in the possession of the authorized Cadillac dealership and should be available for inspection. General Motors confirmed that the engine failure and repairs are covered under warranty. I am reporting this incident because the engine failure caused a complete and unexpected loss of propulsion at highway speed, placing the vehicle occupants and surrounding motorists at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11751902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum with 6.2L L87 V8 suffered catastrophic engine failure on 6/20/2026 at approximately 38,658 miles. Vehicle had GM recall N252494000 performed at Coulter Cadillac in Phoenix, AZ on 12/3/2025. Engine reportedly passed GM recall inspection and received oil-related remedy rather than engine replacement. Approximately six months later, while driving on I-17 near Black Canyon City, AZ at highway speed on a 75 mph interstate, the engine suddenly shut down with no warning signs or alerts. Vehicle shifted to neutral and lost all propulsion. There were no prior check-engine lights, oil-pressure warnings, reduced-power warnings, abnormal noises, or other alerts before failure. I was traveling with my family of four plus our dog in approximately 105°F heat at the start of a road trip. I was able to maneuver to the shoulder, but the sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed created a serious safety risk. We were stranded roadside for nearly one hour in a remote area. Earnhardt Cadillac in Scottsdale, AZ diagnosed crank bearing failure. GM/Cadillac has indicated the proposed repair is installation of a refurbished/remanufactured replacement engine. I am concerned this failure occurred after the recall remedy had already been completed and appears consistent with the L87 crankshaft/connecting rod/bearing failures and post-remedy failures under NHTSA review. Cadillac case number is 103635161.
NHTSA complaint #11750090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transmission gear make noise when the gear shift and the engine have loud noise tick tick inside the engine . I’m feel not safe to drive and feel very stressful of my car .i can’t sleep due to car not safe drive
NHTSA complaint #11749846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving through a conveyor car wash with child occupants in the rear seats, the vehicle was placed in neutral (N). The vehicle was then shifted into drive (D) as instructed but accelerated independently. The contact added that the vehicle barely made a left turn exiting the car wash bay, nearly colliding with a wall and a car wash door. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The contact shifted the vehicle into park (P), but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact added that after shifting the vehicle into neutral (N), a roaring noise emanated from the engine compartment as if the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact depressed the power button, but the vehicle failed to shut off. The vehicle continued across the parking lot at a high rate of speed. The contact made a sharp right turn, nearly missing the car wash stalls, and then shifted the gear selector between park (P) and neutral (N) quickly multiple times. The vehicle accelerated in a circle, slowed down, came to an abrupt stop, and rocked violently before turning off. The contact then noticed a clicking noise behind the dashboard, and unknown warning lights, numbers, and messages appeared. The son-in-law of the contact arrived and restarted the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a sore neck, and the child occupants became dizzy, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was left at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2022 Escalade with 98,000 miles at 70,000 miles I complained about engine and transmission issues On June 14 I lost my transmission I brought it to the dealer and they diagnosed it as a valve body failure Valve number 6 stuck and binding Unfortunately I inquired about the special coverage and my vin is not in the special Recall This problem extends beyond what gm is saying
NHTSA complaint #11748307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on the freeway at 70mph, vehicle lost power and slowed down with no warning. Gas pedal unresponsive. Received message on screen to start vehicle. was able to swerve to shoulder lane out of oncoming traffic's way just in time for it to come to a full stop and never start again. When attempted to start vehicle again, it was completely unresponsive. Had to call for police escort since car was in near path of oncoming traffic. Tow truck had to haul to dealership location near home (100+ miles away). Currently still receiving alerts from onstar that all vehicle functions are clear and OK with no issues "green checkmark" on all components. No recalls or service issues in the vehicle for 22k miles until failure.
NHTSA complaint #11746280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has experienced the same safety issue on two separate occasions. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power and displayed a “Conditions Not Correct for Shift” warning message. During the incident, the vehicle became stuck in Drive and could not be shifted normally. The brakes also did not respond as expected, creating a significant safety hazard and making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning and has happened more than once, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle’s electrical, powertrain, and braking systems.
NHTSA complaint #11744743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I want to report several recurring issues with my 2024 Escalade transmission:Rough/Hard Shifting: Drivers experience jerky, clunking, or harsh shifting, especially when accelerating or decelerating.Transmission Slipping: The vehicle slipped between gears, impacting performance.Delayed Engagement: A delay or clunking sound when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11741209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
5/7/2026: Travelling on freeway with son at 70-75mph, vehicle shifted itself into Neutral causing loss of acceleration and a message stating vehicle engine needed to be restarted. I had to navigate crossing multiple lanes of traffic to safely exit while quickly loosing speed. Was able to safely exit the freeway and come to a complete stop to restart the engine and resume normal driving. 10 minutes later, the vehicle repeated this causing yet another safety issues. Vehicle has been at the dealership since 5/8 and as of this report 5/12, the technicians are reporting that they have not been able to replicate the problem. I am in fear of the safety of myself and my family and am very hesitant about accepting the vehicle back without a proper diagnosis or repair.
NHTSA complaint #11737417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Cadillac Escalade due to a transmission/valve body failure occurring at approximately 77,100 miles. The vehicle began experiencing transmission-related issues including harsh shifting, hesitation, abnormal operation, and unsafe drivability concerns. The vehicle was diagnosed by the repair facility as requiring a transmission valve body replacement. I was then informed that the required valve body is currently on national backorder with General Motors, and my vehicle has now been out of service for over two months with no estimated repair completion date available. After researching the issue, I discovered numerous other GM owners reporting similar transmission valve body failures involving Cadillac Escalades and other GM full-size SUVs and trucks equipped with similar transmissions. The widespread nature of the failures and the nationwide parts shortage raise serious concerns regarding reliability and potential safety defects. This issue creates a significant safety concern because transmission failure can affect acceleration, shifting, drivability, and the vehicle’s ability to operate safely in traffic conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these transmission valve body failures and the related nationwide parts shortage affecting GM vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11737067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Dealership stated they fixed recall ref# N252494000 on 9/24/25. But on 4/9/26 noticed engine noise (knocking), then a lose of power and then vehicle stalled on the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11730314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade on an interstate highway at approximately 70 mph with my family, including two minor children, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost propulsion, shut off, and shifted into neutral. This occurred in active traffic and created an immediate safety hazard. A warning message appeared instructing me to restart the vehicle. After several minutes navigating traffic, I was able to restart the vehicle briefly and exit the highway. Shortly thereafter, additional dashboard alerts appeared indicating critical engine and transmission failure. After exiting the highway, the vehicle shut down completely at a traffic signal and failed to restart. The vehicle was immobilized in an active roadway until police assistance arrived to prevent a rear‑end collision and a flatbed tow was arranged. The sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed placed vehicle occupants and surrounding motorists at serious risk. The vehicle is available for inspection and was diagnosed as having a seized engine on March 9, 2026, by Diamond Cadillac in [XXX] . This failure did not occur without warning. Prior to this incident, I repeatedly reported excessive oil consumption to the selling dealer, Otto Cadillac, from whom I purchased the vehicle in April 2025 as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. On two separate service visits, I reported oil consumption exceeding two quarts between recommended service intervals and requested that this be documented. I was advised that the consumption was “within tolerance” and was later informed—incorrectly—that this tolerance applied to my engine configuration. Otto Cadillac performed a recall-related inspection and implemented the manufacturer-directed remedy consisting of an oil cap replacement and a change in oil viscosity to SAE 40. No mechanical repair or deeper diagnostic action was taken. The subsequent engine seizure confirms that these mitigation measures did not resolve the underlying defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
NHTSA complaint #11728563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine. I’m told my engine is not part of the recall but makes an extremely loud sound on start up. Been to dealer just for them to say the vehicle is not part of the recall. Recently called roadside assistance because the vehicle shut off in the middle of traffic. Took it back to dealer, Nothing they can do, just keep bringing it back! Now warranty has expired & sound is getting worse
NHTSA complaint #11727375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade (VIN: [XXX] ) Dealer: Cadillac Pasadena Case Number (GM Corporate): XXX Refusal to perform a mandatory Federal Safety Recall remedy. Details: 1. My vehicle is currently under Safety Recall XXX(L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion). I experienced a loss of propulsion and brought the vehicle to Cadillac Pasadena. 2 The dealership technician confirmed the engine is exhibiting "abnormal noise (lifter clatter on both banks) and active misfires." 3 The dealership claims they cannot complete the mandatory PicoScope diagnostic test for the recall because the engine condition (misfires/noise) interferes with the equipment. 4 Under GM Special Coverage XXX, if the engine cannot be safely tested due to internal mechanical failure within the recall population, GM is mandated to cover the diagnostic teardown and full engine assembly replacement at no cost to the consumer. 5 The dealership is refusing to authorize the teardown under the GM Special Coverage code and is instead pressuring me to pay myself. 6 The dealership has stopped responding to my written inquiries (sent March 18th and 19th) and refuses to provide a loaner vehicle, despite the vehicle being officially "unsafe to drive" due to the open safety recall. I am asking you to requre Immediate authorization of engine teardown and full engine assembly replacement under GM Special Coverage XXXat $0 cost to me, and provision of a loaner vehicle as required for safety recall grounding. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11726077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.