2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 19, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11765448 · source
2. Filed Aug 30, 2026CODriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The engine is knocking between 10-30 mph and over 50 mph. The forward collision light lights up. This is the third time this has happened. I am very concern it will stall on me at high speeds

   NHTSA complaint #11760814 · source
3. Filed Aug 12, 2026NVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   On [XXX], while driving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV from the Salt Lake City area toward Las Vegas, the vehicle developed a serious loss-of-power condition in Utah. I contacted OnStar, exited the highway, and waited at a gas station. OnStar arranged towing to a Cadillac dealership. GM records document the tow at approximately 56,644 miles. At the dealership, I reported the loss of power. After initially being told they were too busy, I waited about 10 minutes and was then…

   NHTSA complaint #11756590 · source
4. Filed Aug 9, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   While traveling at 75 mph, our SUV suddenly lost power going uphill. We barely reached the crest and were able to coast down to a safe place off the highway. We were stranded 300 miles from home and nearly 100 miles from the closest Cadillac dealership, sitting on the side of the highway with my family for three hours before someone could pick us up. The cause was a catastrophic bearing failure in the L87 engine, requiring the entire engine to be replaced. Thankfully, we…

   NHTSA complaint #11755805 · source
5. Filed Jul 17, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   my 2023 cadillac escalade esv, was having issues when it had about 50-60 k miles, when it was in park hen shift to reverse it would jerk all the time, also my engine started to act up as well, I took it to the cadillac dealer and like always could not identify the problem, when the had the recall or engine put thicker oil, like that was going to resolve the problem well my engine started to misfire, did not want to accelerate started shaking the smoke came out, engine lights…

   NHTSA complaint #11751227 · source
6. Filed Apr 27, 2026MDEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   SUBJ: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sudden Loss of Power I am reporting a safety issue involving a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX] ). On April 19, 2026 (late evening into early April 20), while traveling approximately 70 mph on [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power without warning. This created an immediate safety hazard, nearly resulting in a collision. I was able to exit the highway, but the vehicle lost all acceleration…

   NHTSA complaint #11733978 · source
7. Filed Jan 30, 2026AZTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle experienced a loss of propulsion 2 times when idol at traffic lights due to an uncommanded shift into neutral while stopped at a traffic light, requiring the vehicle to be restarted to regain drive. These events occurred after a longstanding history of front end vibration and grinding noises that have been repeatedly reported to a GM authorized dealer since October 2024. The most recent GM authorized dealer repair order documents the loss-of-propulsion event,…

   NHTSA complaint #11714503 · source
8. Filed Jan 29, 2026ALEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I had a complete engine failure while driving. This was after going through the recall inspection in September 2025 where they looked, changed the oil and said everything was okay,

   NHTSA complaint #11714162 · source
9. Filed Dec 27, 2025VAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   On December 19, 2023, when pulling out of a parking lot onto the street, pressing the gas vehicle jerked and would not accelerate. No lights on dash. Drove less than 1 minute and turned down a side street, to get out of traffic while going slow/no power. Stopped at stop sign, went thru intersection. Went to next intersection, at stop sign, vehicle shut off, in the middle of traffic. Still no dash lights. Vehicle would not start. Turned on hazard lights. While waiting for tow…

   NHTSA complaint #11707224 · source
10. Filed Nov 14, 2025CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    In March 2025, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV experienced a sudden engine failure. The engine began running rough, the check engine light turned on, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive. The Cadillac dealer diagnosed the engine with #8 exhaust push rod bent and metal debris in the engine oil. This matches the defect described in GM Recall N252494000 (connecting rod/crankshaft internal engine defect). I paid $10,000 out of pocket for a full engine replacement at Crestview…

    NHTSA complaint #11699380 · source
11. Filed Aug 19, 2025VATransmission & Drivetrain

    Auto started for about 5 minutes. Got in started vehicle and drove off. Immediately sounded like a motorcycle, loud exhaust. Volume of noise increased, upon acceleration. Checked under vehicle for exhaust problems when got to destination, 30 minutes drive, found nothing. Stayed about 90 minutes. Drove back home, same noise. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Informed transmission fluid pump was cracked. Upon finding out pump is internal to transmission, wondered how this could…

    NHTSA complaint #11681499 · source
12. Filed May 28, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain

    Manufacturer Recall NumberN252494000 NHTSA Recall Number25V274 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Hello, I was informed of this recall 25V274 but the issue has yet to be resolved despite my attempts to schedule service. I contacted Marvin K Brown on May 9th 2025. I have been unable to get a clear timeline for repair.”] As this recall involves a potential safety risk, I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving the matter. Please advise on the next…

    NHTSA complaint #11663515 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology