2022 Cadillac Escalade power train problems

“The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the dealer had performed an unknown engine recall repair; however, the engine seized afterwards while driving. The failure had occurred after the engine was replaced. While driving 70 MPH, there was engine oil leaking from the rear main seal which sprayed underneath the vehicle and onto the roadway. There was smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant (4580 E Pickard St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858); and the rear main seal was replaced twice. The vehicle then experienced rough starts, rough idling, grinding sounds, rough transmission shifting, and hesitation while shifting gear. The vehicle was taken back to Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating normally. The failure mileage was 118,960.”

“On XXX, my 2022 Cadillac Escalade (approx. 21,000 miles) shut down on its own while I was stopped in traffic on US-XXX in [XXX], near XXXairport. The dashboard then displayed 'Service Transmission.' I was able to restart the vehicle and it restarted with no issues, but a vehicle shutting down in live traffic is a safety hazard — if this happens while moving, or if it had not restarted, I and others could have been hit. No crash, fire, or injury occurred. I dismissed the dash message; I understand the fault code remains stored. There has been no dealer diagnosis yet. A VIN check on XXX showed 0 open recalls onM this vehicle. I am reporting this so it is on record as a possible safety defect involving a sudden shut down in traffic with a transmission warning.”

“Normal Routine Engine Maintenance - Suddenly the vehicle died with engine alerts of engine failure, transmission failure, low oil pressure, low 12V battery detected. Car stalled exiting highway normal driving conditions, would not start, electrical system malfunctioning warning signs and alert code immediately popped up in email, phone and onboard display for these issues, and I received an email from my OnStar system for code P0016 which seems is affiliated with the following from a major recall notice: P0016 is a critical code indicating a major internal engine defect covered by a safety recall (N252494000), often requiring engine replacementProduct Safety Recall L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion (Related field action: See Special Coverage N252494003) GM Program #: N252494000 NHTSA: 25V274 Date Issued: 2025-04-24”

“While driving approximately 55 mph on a public road, the 6.2L V8 (RPO L87) engine failed catastrophically and the vehicle lost propulsion. The pistons in cylinders 1 and 2 exploded and were ejected through both sides of the engine block. The vehicle was towed to Walnut Creek Cadillac (RO 189443, 55,262 miles). The dealer replaced the complete long block, radiator, oil cooler lines, intake manifold and catalytic converter under warranty, and the repair order records GM recall N252494000 / NHTSA 25V-274 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion) as completed and verified. The vehicle was out of service approximately one month. Loss of propulsion at highway speed created a serious crash risk.”

“This is a POST-REMEDY FAILURE. Please associate with EA26005. The replacement engine installed in July 2025 under recall 25V-274 has now failed at approximately 16,000 miles. In August 2026 at 70,606 miles the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle ran roughly and felt like it would stall. The dealer performed GM campaign N252510321 (ECM software update), found nothing further, charged $325 in diagnostics and returned the vehicle after a factory reset. The light returned within a week with additional faults. On the second visit (RO 198718, 71,355 miles) the dealer found codes P0300 and P0304, swapped coil, wire and plug to known-good cylinders with the misfire following cylinder 4, and measured 0 PSI compression. Diagnosis: lifter failure. Right-bank lifters, pushrods and oil valve solenoids were replaced. 15 days out of service. Days after pickup the vehicle developed a whining noise in reverse, then illuminated traction control, collision system and check engine warnings simultaneously during a short drive. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive. The dealer instructed me to drive it 35 miles to the dealership and declined both a tow and a loaner.…”

“Engine failed while driving down the highway at speed. Just shut off. Very dangerous. No power had to pull over. Vehicle would not start agin. Said low oil pressure. Had it towed to the dealership. Complete engine failure and had to have the motor replaced. After replacement engine still does not feel right and transmission acts up as well. Complete piece of junk for how expensive these vehicles are. Scary, dangerous and do not trust this vehicle anymore. Stuck with an unsafe piece of junk that's unreliable. Please help. New motor is exactly the same as the other one so it's going to fail again. It stays at the dealership instead of my driveway. People are getting screwed. Some kind of compensation needs to be done for us with these issues. Completely unfair.”