There are 28 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESVin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Engine started knocking and past half a mile completely lost power and stoped, towed to dealer, will wait till Monday for any info
After the recall work was performed, the vehicle began consuming engine oil at an abnormal and excessive rate between oil changes. Most concerning, during a recent check, the engine oil level was found to be extremely low, with no oil registering on the dipstick. This condition presents a significant risk of engine damage or failure and raises serious safety concerns. Prior to the recall service, the vehicle did not exhibit any abnormal oil consumption. The issue has only occurred after the recall was completed, which strongly suggests a direct connection to the repair.
On [03/23/2026], while traveling at 79 mph in high-speed highway traffic, my 2022 Cadillac Escalade suffered a sudden, total engine seizure and complete loss of propulsion. This catastrophic failure occurred without any prior warning lamps or symptoms. The loss of motive power at highway speeds created an immediate life-threatening situation, forcing me to navigate through traffic to the shoulder with no engine power. This vehicle is currently at [Parks Chevrolet Charlotte] awaiting a full teardown and is available for inspection. Critical Safety Concern: This engine seizure occurred AFTER Recall 25V-274 was marked "Completed" on June 18, 2025. This incident represents a direct failure of the recall remedy and is a documented escalation of the issues being investigated under NHTSA Recall Query RQ26001. I am reporting this to provide evidence that the current remedy is insufficient to prevent high-speed engine seizures and loss of propulsion.
My car die by itself when I was driving on a highway; screen shows oil pressure low. It has been haven electric problem many times.
Traveling at 70mph the car had some hesitation, then the dash displayed "vehicle is in neutral ", then displayed "shutting down systems to save battery ", then "vehicle is in transport mode". Pulled onto the shoulder of the highway and vehicle would not turn over or start. Called Cadillac roadside and had vehicle picked up and transported to FITZGERALD CADILLAC in Annapolis Maryland.
It happened on a family road trip to Big Bear, CA for Thanksgiving. Driving up a mountain road with my wife, 3 children and 3 dogs on a 2 lane highway. Engine gave out and completely seized. No warning, no lights, just a sudden loss of all power followed by a complete shutdown. I pulled over as far as I could but were still sticking out on the 2 lane highway and put our entire family in danger as well as other drivers that could not adequately see us on the blind turn. Fearing being hit, I had my family exit the vehicle and stand to the side awaiting help in a somewhat safer area..The side of the mountain was a sheer cliff, but we didn’t want to be struck. Had a good friend drive up the hill to rescue the family and dogs while I wait for a tow truck. The vehicle completely locked up and would not shift into neutral. Tow truck drivers could not/would not tow the vehicle because of the placement and the fact it was locked. After about 4 hours waiting, the day turned to night and the battery completely drained so I no longer had hazards, which made it even more dangerous. Finally got a tow that had the right equipment to complete the task and had it towed to a local dealership which confirmed a seized engine. (You don’t even want to know how they got it off the tow truck). The dealership had the vehicle for approx 35 days and I just received it back. It currently has the check engine light on and the electronics do not function so it’s going back this week. My wife is scared to drive it, and we don’t know exactly how to proceed from this point. Contacted an attorney, so we’ll see what happens next. It was an absolute nightmare situation.
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report an ongoing safety issue regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade related to an engine recall. On September 19, 2025, I took my vehicle to the dealership for inspection, but they chose to pass the recall inspection despite the fact that the engine continues to experience serious issues. The problems include: •Engine propulsion failure and loss of acceleration at highway speeds, creating a hazardous situation. •Rumbling noise from the engine when releasing the accelerator pedal. •Erratic RPM fluctuations, with the engine surging significantly up and down. •Frequent engine misfires, which increase the risk of stalling. •On several occasions, the accelerator dropped speed on the freeway unexpectedly, endangering me, my passengers, and others on the road. These symptoms are ongoing and pose a serious safety hazard. I believe the inspection should not have been passed, as the engine clearly remains defective. I strongly urge that the engine be replaced to address these issues. Please advise on the next steps, as I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my passengers. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) in August of 2025. However, soon after the recall inspection, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before responding. The vehicle also hesitated when started and shifted into drive(D) when depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal whining sound, and the vehicle was pulling to the left or the right while driving and had to compensate by returning the steering wheel to the center. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer that performed the recall service. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer informed the contact that there were no performance issues with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade that is subject to NHTSA ID Number: 25V274000 / GM Recall N252494003 for a potential connecting rod/crankshaft defect in the 6.2L L87 engine. I have contacted my authorized Cadillac dealership (Cadillac Pensacola), Pensacola, Florida Five times by phone (dates:1 July 2025 - 15 August 2025) requesting an appointment for the recall inspection and repair. The dealership has failed to schedule an appointment or return my calls. This defect poses a serious safety risk due to possible sudden engine failure and loss of motive power while driving. GM’s recall remedy involves inspecting the engine and, if necessary, replacing it. The delay in repair scheduling is preventing me from having the federally mandated safety remedy performed. I am concerned that GM and its dealer network are failing to provide a timely remedy as required by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. I request NHTSA to investigate this delay and require GM to ensure an immediate repair or alternate remedy (loaner, buyback, or replacement).
I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade that is affected by Recall N252494000. Although the recall repair is not yet available, I’m experiencing several serious symptoms that appear related to the recall: The engine consumes oil at an abnormal rate. I need to add oil frequently between scheduled changes. When I press the gas pedal, there is a delay in response — the car doesn’t accelerate immediately, then suddenly surges. I also hear a light metallic ticking or knocking sound when the engine is warm, especially at idle. I use this vehicle daily for work, and these issues are affecting safety and causing financial loss. I brought the vehicle to a dealership, but they were unwilling to replace the engine without a diagnostic trouble code. I’m concerned that GM is delaying the proper fix, and I am requesting NHTSA to investigate and ensure that affected customers like me receive a complete engine replacement when symptoms are present — even without error codes. Thank you for your attention.
[XXX] on Sunday I was driving Longisland’ highway around 70 mile per a hour on left line my Cadillac engine stop end notification start engine I barely stop my car called police officer he help me because car it wast safe area with tow truck take my car now car in service almost week still no response and I have a appointment last Saturday because it was recall one day before engine blows just want to notification if necessary low suite in figure best regards car service name smithtown king o road best regards INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle shifted into neutral, and the Push to Start message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast off the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was bearing failure and that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 41,530.
6.2L V8 - First engine trouble was at 71K miles, right side lifter failure. Dealership and GM covered part of the engine tear down and right side lifter replacement in July 2024. [XXX], complete engine failure on the highway in Amarillo, TX. My wife, 3 children and dog in the car. Engine stopped driving down the highway and ended up blocking a very busy 4 way construction stop. Was unable to put vehicle into Neutral, so tow truck had to drag vehicle onto deck. Autonation Cadillac of Amarillo diagnosed as engine failure and engine would need replacement. We understand there is an ongoing investigation into 2019-2024 of these engines. Car has now been transported to Jerry's Cadillac Service in Hudson Oaks, TX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving 55mph on a highway ([XXX]) at [XXX] on [XXX], the vehicle shut down and went into neutral. The vehicle coasted to the shoulder of the highway. It was a very dangerous situation with virtually no vehicles following the move over law and flying by us at 60 plus mph. The vehicle was towed to Capellino Cadillac in Williamsville, NY where it sat for days without anyone looking at it or moving from the parking spot where it was dropped off. On 3/13/2025, I phoned service to find out the status of my vehicle and was told the engine was "Blown". This without anyone even looking at it. I was told that it is becoming a frequent problem with low mileage motors and the motor would have to be sent to GM for evaluation and my motor replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
no warning out of nowhere while driving about 35mph the car stopped driving but still had power then i pressed gas again and it jerked me and stopped driving again so slowly had to pull off the road to get out of traffic. cadillac wouldn’t move back or forward when gears shifted. called aaa to pick up car and take to the dealership. no explanation or calls to what is happening to my car. has been 1 month since have no replies or answers what’s happening with my vehicle.
Without any prior symptoms or warnings when I was driving on the highway I felt the car losing power and the car started to slow down in the middle of the road and then check engine light came on when i was on my way to pull over. When I stopped, I felt a strong vibration throughout the car, as if it was about to shut down. Then it actually stopped. I tried once to start it, but failed. I towed the car to the dealership .It took them 4 days to diagnose it , l They charged me a diagnose fee for removing the top of the engine and then a separate fee for removing the bottom of the engine. Then they told me they had to call Cadillac support because they didn't know what to do.I waited about a week to know the result and then unfortunately they told me that I had to replace the entire engine and pay about $13,000. Let me tell you I was at the same dealership 4 days before what happened. I was there because they recommended me to do a throttle body cleaner. I did the recommended service and they confirmed that everything was working properly and the car is perfectly fine. Let me also tell you that I do all the maintenance, I change the oils even before the time for changing them, I use a premium gas from top tier station, Now the car at the dealership since February 2025 , my car's engine is back ordered, they don't have any expectations or time frame or even average wait time! So frustrated and nothing to do. It is truly a disaster and I do not know what I did to deserve this material and moral suffering. I hope to God that you help me to be justified in this clear injustice. Thank you;
I was driving 70 mph on the highway and the engine shut off with no warning. The screen said to press start again. That's when I realized the engine was off. I pulled over it took four or five tries to turn the engine back on it. Cranked multiple times before it turned over. Got it back on drove another half mile and then the engine seized. We had it towed an hour south of where we were. The dealer had no loaners and there were no rental cars anywhere in the vicinity. We had to rent a cargo van and drive me, my wife and my three kids and cousin in a cargo van (zero rear seats) back to our house which was another hour and a half south of there. We were driving north for a weekend vacation with was cancelled. The whole experience with exception of the very nice tow driver was an absolute nightmare. Now we are without our car not sure what to do. The Escalade needs a new engin, $155k car and no one seems to care. This Escalade has been in the shop at the dealer many times before for extended periods of time for computer issues, brake issues, dashboard issues. You name it this car has it.
I was driving with my family and kinds a car a freeway and vehicle start making loud sounds And shut off We were so scared Caz it got stopped on the middle of traffic and I couldn’t checking the lane Caz of heavy traffic It was scary moment of my life Talked to the dealership they took two months to get me a new engine under Warrenty But I didt have my car for three months Now they gave me my car back with NO WARRENTY YHIS IS TERRIBLE I know it will happen again
I purchased a used 2022 Cadillac Escalade. With 34,000 miles...as I was driving in the highway the engine failed. No brakes, everything went black on the screen and engine was out. Dealership told me it was harness chaffing and fixed it. No less than a week later, on the highway, the engine seized and failed. New engine is being ordered. This was extremely dangerous at high speeds and almost killed us, twice.
While driving 70 mph on the highway, my Escalade flipped into Neutral and ultimately died in the middle of the highway. There was absolutely no warning. I was traveling with my husband and three children. We could have been involved in a serious accident as cars and 18 wheelers were flying by, and had to dodge our vehicle. Luckily, we were able to exit the car and get on the side of the highway. I refuse to ever drive this vehicle ever again. Especially after researching and seeing others with the same issue.
Showing 1–20 of 28 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026