Problems · NHTSA complaints

2023 Cadillac Escalade problems

Owners filed 237 complaints about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade with NHTSA between Nov 2022 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (176).

Complaints
237
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine176
  2. Power train41
  3. Electrical system27
  4. Fuel/propulsion system25
  5. Engine and engine cooling20
  6. Forward collision avoidance11
  7. Service brakes9
  8. Vehicle speed control6
  9. Suspension5
  10. Steering4
  11. Wheels4
  12. Exterior lighting4
  13. Back over prevention4
  14. Visibility/wiper3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20224
202314
20248
2025115
202696

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

176 reports4 crashes
“After the recall and switching to the new oil viscosity, the 6.2 ltr engine still quit working! Dealership said bearings seized up and metal shavings were found in the oil.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026EngineODI 11775276

Power train

41 reports1 crash
“2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum, VIN [XXX], equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8. The vehicle has a recurring vibration/shudder during steady, light-throttle driving, particularly in the low 30 mph range and again around 53 mph. At approximately 53 mph, the vibration can remain sustained while speed and throttle are held steady and generally stops or improves when I accelerate. The selling Cadillac dealer has repeatedly road-tested the vehicle. The Service Manager personally reproduced the condition and confirmed that the vibration goes away when the vehicle is operated in L9. After further evaluation, the dealer advised me in writing that the vibration was “positively confirmed” to be caused by the cylinder-deactivation process and that it cannot be changed. The vehicle previously underwent the applicable GM L87 engine recall inspection and passed that inspection. I am reporting this because the vibration and hesitation are noticeable and sustained during normal steady-speed driving, and I am concerned about whether this cylinder-deactivation behavior presents a drivability or potential safety issue. I have not experienced complete loss of propulsion or engine…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 26, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11767079

Electrical system

27 reports2 crashes
“Since May 24, 2026, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV has repeatedly experienced reduced engine power, check-engine warnings, multiple dashboard alerts and loss of propulsion. During one incident, the motor stopped responding, the vehicle lost power and came to a complete stop in the middle of a public roadway. This exposed me and surrounding motorists to a serious collision risk. Whether the shutdown resulted from an internal engine failure or an electrical/control-system malfunction remains UNKNOWN. OnStar documented recurring warnings and fault codes, including engine/transmission communication faults. The same condition returned after multiple dealership visits and repair attempts, including module resets/reprogramming. At times the check-engine light was no longer illuminated upon arrival, but the dangerous symptoms and OnStar reports had already occurred. An authorized Cadillac dealership blamed alleged aftermarket alarm/tracking equipment and proposed charging approximately $1,900 to remove it. I paid $250 for an independent inspection, which found no such aftermarket equipment and identified the questioned component as a genuine GM part. This incorrect…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11773767

Fuel/propulsion system

25 reports
“About 11pm Driving 70 on freeway started feeling pull back and then started to hear a knock noise. So turned down the music and the knock noise was getting louder as I was driving so I went to the right lane as I went to the right lane I felt like the car was pulling back and slowing down even as I accelerated… knock got even louder and I decided to exit the freeway early instead of getting to my destination. As I exited the freeway the entire car shut down lights flickered check engine went on and low oil pressure flickered once but then turned off. I couldn’t get it in park couldn’t get the car to turn over. I was able to get out of the middle of the intersection turning off the freeway and pulled gas station called AAA. I’ve had no prior problems or warning lamps before this problem happened with the vehicle. I have videos of the whole incident that will not let me download on bottom of page. “2023 Escalade ESV, VIN [XXX]. Towed to Cadillac of Laguna Niguel. Engine knocked, then complete no-crank, suspected seizure. I need a case tied to recall N252494000 / NHTSA 25V-274 and special coverage N252494003. Do not authorize paid diagnosis. I need a loaner…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2026Suspension, Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11765448

Engine and engine cooling

20 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer where the engine was replaced twice, and the engine failure was confirmed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11774624

Forward collision avoidance

11 reports1 crash
“My 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV brakes on its own when Super Cruise is on. This happens in normal highway traffic with no vehicle, object or hazard in my path. The braking is sudden and hard. A vehicle behind me could hit me. On several occasions, a vehicle behind me had to brake hard / swerve to avoid a collision. I have a few cases captured on camera. The problem is intermittent. It first happened at about 15K miles in April 2025. Since then it has happened several times. I took the vehicle to nearby dealers 5-6 times for this issue. Each time the dealer said that they could not duplicate the problem, even after leaving there for several days, and they did no repair. The problem continues.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11772841
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.