There are 4 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2024 Cadillac Escaladein NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Coffee was spilled on center console while transferring cup from Starbucks employee to cup holder. Cup was overfilled and lid wasn’t on properly. Immediately the dash panel started flashing and the service transmission light came on. Drove around a parking lot for a few minutes and seemed okay to drive even with the instrument panel flashing. Had 90 mile drive and during drive message similar to slow down for gear shift popped up and “Service Shifter See Owner’s Manual” came up. When I went to exit freeway and was around 5 MPH the vehicle slammed to a stop. Then would not go into any other gear. As I called for tow driver I turned vehicle back on and was sitting when the vehicle started moving again without my control. I then drove it an additional 20 miles home staying above 20 MPH. Insane Cadillac would design a $120k vehicle with that risk in a very susceptible to spills area. Incredibly unsafe. Beyond traumatizing experience with a vehicle that has leas than 8500 miles on it.
Clicking that the dealer stated was normal. It was not loud knocking saying that is how the high flow fuel pump worked. Safety braking did not work at all. And there was a water intrusion in the trunk.
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The primary issue was with the vehicle’s software system, which was incompletely updated on 9/13/24. This has caused the safety features to malfunction. Additionally, the parking emergency brake engaged suddenly while I was driving. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request, as I have already reported the issue and requested immediate attention from the dealership. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety,, was severely put at risk when the parking emergency brake suddenly engaged while I was driving. This sudden braking caused me to sustain a strained neck and strained back. I was fortunate to avoid a more serious accident, but this malfunction was extremely dangerous. Additionally, the faulty safety features and the repeated and incorrect engagement of the OnStar emergency system have caused further distress and distractions while driving. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •As of now, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. I have scheduled an appointment for inspection on 10/2, and I have made the dealership aware of the issues through my communication. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •The vehicle or component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I have only reported the issue to the dealership so far and requested an immediate inspection and resolution. 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •Yes, there were symptoms prior to the emergency brake incident. After the incomplete software update on 9/13/24 the vehicle’s safety features began malfunctioning.
I started my Escalade and 5 minutes later I lost power which as the entire vehicle had no power. So I left it alone for an hour or so in my garage and I started up again and this time didn’t loose power. Everything appeared normal and working again. Than the next day I started it up and I had this popup message SD card has been removed press ok to exit navigation (when no SD card was removed). I also noticed that my backup camera, grid lines, or augmented reality has also intermittently not working on days. It sometimes works as normal and sometimes it does not. The message shows Service Augmented Reality System. The following next day, while I’m cruising on the highway the Escalade shifted into neutral when I was going 75 mph and had no mechanical power. So I pulled over stoped the vehicle and shut it off. Restarted after 15 minutes and it operated normally. I’m worried about Safety since it shifted to neutral at highway speed and lost mechanical power, along with other power issues which is extremely dangerous. This vehicle either is a lemon or there is a unknown manufacturing defect and in both cases needs to be replaced due to egregious safety concern.
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