2023 Cadillac Escalade problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 140 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, most often about engine. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
140
Recalls
4
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Median mileage
30,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 119 of 140 complaints (85%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (21) and electrical system (15) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 30,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries.
  • The 2023 Cadillac Escalade has 4 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 3rd of 21 Cadillac Escalade model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 65% more complaints than the 2022 model year (85).

2023 Cadillac Escalade problems by category

  • Engine · 1 crash
    119 complaints
  • 21 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    15 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    14 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    10 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    9 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    3 complaints
  • Lighting
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine108
Power train21
Electrical system15
Fuel/propulsion system14
Engine and engine cooling12
Unknown or other10
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking3
Back over prevention: rearview system braking3

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k510k–30k730k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2023 Cadillac Escalade complaints that list mileage.

2023 Cadillac Escalade recalls (4)

  • Recall 25V274000Apr 24, 2025597,571 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

    Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

  • Recall 24V674000Sep 12, 2024449,671 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.

  • Recall 23V642000Sep 20, 2023189 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:REAR

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.

    Risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232415910.

  • Recall 22V903000Dec 8, 2022740,108 vehicles
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • EA26005Opened Aug 20, 2026Open

    Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

    On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s reca…

  • RQ26001Opened Jan 16, 2026Closed Aug 20, 2026

    Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

    On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s reca…

  • EA25007Opened Oct 23, 2025Open

    Loss of motive power due to engine failure

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to…

  • PE25001Opened Jan 16, 2025Closed Oct 23, 2025led to recall 25V274

    Loss of motive power due to engine failure

    On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2023 Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆
2023 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆

Recent 2023 Cadillac Escalade complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 6, 2026TXEngine
    Around May 2025; we noticed a ticking/knocking noise coming from our engine. We popped the hood, confirmed the noise was coming from somewhere in the engine. Shut the vehicle off, noticed that the drive belt was significantly damaged/frayed. Brought it to the dealership - they we were informed that our engine had failed related to the GM 2025 recall. Engine was replaced at 68,500 miles with new engine. October 2026, around approximately 103,000 miles, we heard the same…
    NHTSA complaint #11769372 · source
  2. Filed Oct 2, 2026FLTransmission & Drivetrain
    The engine stalled in the middle of an intersection ([XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11768600 · source
  3. Filed Sep 30, 2026MOEngine
    I received a recall notice for catastrophic engine failure on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade sport platinum. I took it into Cable Dahmer Caddy Sales. They ran a test and added a thicker oil. My check engine light turns on roughly every 40 to 60 days and I take it to get service and it usually comes back with no error but why is the check engine light keep popping on and flashing. I’ve been reading about this catastrophic engine failure on the 6.2 V8 engine that’s in my vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11768006 · source
  4. Filed Sep 29, 2026FLEngine
    Driving down freeway and engine started making engine clicking noise, lights for engine, Stabil- Trak and numerous others came on. Gas pedal made even louder noise and shaking as i pulled over as i could not keep driving as it sounded like engine was going to blow up. limped off the road and took it to dealer. of course, they are saying it's a lifter failure and not an engine failure. Dealership wording it the way the want trying to get me to pay for it even though there is…
    NHTSA complaint #11767772 · source
  5. Filed Sep 26, 2026FLEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11767079 · source
  6. Filed Sep 23, 2026TXOther / Unknown
    Repeated Check engine light due to emissions systems Problem cannot be fixed even after several repairs with GM TAC case help
    NHTSA complaint #11766304 · source
  7. Filed Sep 15, 2026ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Prior to purchasing my 2023 Cadillac Escalade, I was informed the vehicle had been subject to an engine recall. The dealership told me the corrective action was changing the oil from 0W-20 to 0W-40, replacing the filter, and updating the oil cap. I was assured this resolved the issue and that I should not experience future problems. Based on those assurances, I purchased the vehicle in October 2025 with approximately 25,000 miles. About nine months later, the engine shut off…
    NHTSA complaint #11764478 · source
  8. Filed Sep 15, 202642,000 miFLCrashTowedBrakes
    The contact and her husband own a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while her husband was inside the vehicle with their four children and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed to work as intended, causing the vehicle to crash into the vehicle ahead. The contact stated that there was no injury sustained. The contact stated that a Police report was not filed; however, the local Police assisted with having the vehicle towed to the dealer.…
    NHTSA complaint #11764417 · source

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Other 2023 Cadillac models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. 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