2016 Cadillac Escalade engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 22, 2026NVEngine

   At highway speed, the engine lifters associated with the Active Fuel Management system failed and caused catastrophic damage throughout the engine. The sudden loss of power on the highway almost caused vehicles traveling behind me to collide.

   NHTSA complaint #11752185 · source
2. Filed Jul 13, 2026LAEngine

   The first engine failure occurred while my vehicle remained under warranty. While driving with my children and a couple of her teammates to an AAU tournament in [XXX], the vehicle just began emitting white smoke. We pulled to a gas station and were stranded until we could arrange transportation for the 7 of us. It was a good thing that we left a day early or the girls would not have made it to their game. Upon towing the vehicle back to the shop in [XXX], I was informed that…

   NHTSA complaint #11749913 · source
3. Filed May 8, 2026KYEngine

   While driving my 2016 Cadillac Escalade, the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure associated with the engine and charging system. Upon failure, the vehicle displayed warning indicators including a “low battery” warning and emitted a burnt smell. The engine subsequently failed completely. Diagnostic findings stated: engine would not crank, oil contained metal contamination, crankshaft seized, complete engine replacement required. The estimated repair cost is…

   NHTSA complaint #11736660 · source
4. Filed Apr 8, 2026KYEngine

   While driving in rush hour traffic, engine completely stopped. We were stranded in traffic for 2 hours until the police came to help push us out of the street. It was 20 degrees and we sat for 4 hours to get towed. After much ado, the dealership stated the following; "Checked and found engine wouldn't crank over, towed vehicle into the shop. Removed inspection cover to access torque convertor bolts, removed bolts engine still will not turn over. Checked oil in engine full of…

   NHTSA complaint #11729944 · source
5. Filed Feb 27, 2026FLEngineSuspension

   Suspension failed at 50,000 miles. At 56,000 miles one of the valve components inside the engine (a lifter) has collapsed. This part controls the opening of the engine valve, and because it is no longer moving, that cylinder cannot build compression and is causing the misfire. This is an internal mechanical failure inside the engine and cannot be caused by body work, fuel quality, or anything external.

   NHTSA complaint #11720984 · source
6. Filed Feb 25, 2026137,027 miNCEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded like it was going to stall, and the accelerator pedal was depressed to keep the vehicle from stalling. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with lifter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11720471 · source
7. Filed Jan 14, 2026145,000 miMSEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact then observed smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents from the engine and turned off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived at the residence, inspected the vehicle, and determined…

   NHTSA complaint #11710855 · source
8. Filed Nov 29, 2025CAEngine

   I purchased a car from a used car dealer in Sacramento. Two days later, the lifters went bad. This truck only has 115,000 miles on it. This is a know issue that GM has and they're doing nothing to remedy the issue. They keep putting DOD/AFM in these expensive cars knowing the lifters will fail and cause damage to the cam. They should be responsible for doing a DOD/AFM delete on all trucks that have this issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11702045 · source
9. Filed Oct 15, 2025KSEngine

   The engine started making a tapping noise on the right side. Then the tapping noise got louder and then stopped but the engine light came on and the engine started running very rough. By the noise was described to the shop and they said it is bad lifters and camshafts and this is very common for the GM 6.2L engine. The vehicle has 117,000 miles on it.

   NHTSA complaint #11693623 · source
10. Filed Sep 15, 2025MIEngine

    Bought vehicle certified in 2023 with 86000 miles now at 123000 Engine needs replacing..Bought it from an accredited Cadillac dealership

    NHTSA complaint #11687481 · source
11. Filed Aug 27, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    Purchased 2016 Cadillac Escalade in April 2022 - VIN [XXX] . License plate [XXX] . Car has had electrical shortage issues in the navigation screen ever since purchasing. The navigation screen flickers, switches between apps simultaneously and isn’t responsive to finger touch as advertised. I have taken the car to the dealership 4 times within the 90 day dealership warranty. Those dates were April 25, 2022; May 26, 2022; September 3, 2022; and September 24, 2022. However, the…

    NHTSA complaint #11683544 · source
12. Filed May 30, 2025CAEngine

    1/2/24, at odometer reading 103,885, while driving on a busy street, the car lost engine power and made a loud knocking noise. Was taken to the shop immediately. It was determined to need new lifters and cam shaft. The vehicle has always had routine maintenance this there were no prior indicators of any problem and the symptoms came on suddenly. The repairs were done and the car seemed to run fine once again. 4/24/25, at odometer reading 109,913 the symptoms appeared again…

    NHTSA complaint #11664051 · 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