YearToAvoid

2023 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 115 engine complaints for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, 85% of its 136 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 30,000. A related recall (25V274000) covers the 6.2L V8 engine in 2021-2024 Escalade and Escalade ESV models.

Engine complaints
115
85% of 136
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
30,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speed, with the vehicle stalling in a live lane of traffic.
  • Some describe a knocking, whistling, or high-pitched squeaking noise from the engine before it stalls or seizes.
  • Multiple complaints describe the engine locking up or seizing entirely, sometimes requiring a full engine replacement.
  • Owners report the vehicle lurching, bucking, or making a flapping noise before losing the ability to shift into gear.
  • Several describe low oil pressure warnings appearing right before complete engine failure.
  • One complaint describes the engine failing tied to a lifter issue diagnosed by the dealer.

When 2023 Cadillac Escalade engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 14, 2023, latest Sep 15, 2026.

2023 Cadillac Escalade engine complaints: complaints filed per month14Jun 2023Jun 2024Mar 2025Jul 2025Dec 2025Apr 2026Aug 2026
115 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2023 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2025 (14).

Engine recalls for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade

  1. NHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine597,571 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.

Engine complaints by Escalade model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20103 (8%)
  2. 20110 (0%)
  3. 20125 (25%)
  4. 20135 (26%)
  5. 20146 (30%)
  6. 201533 (34%)
  7. 201634 (38%)
  8. 201723 (45%)
  9. 201810 (48%)
  10. 201917 (68%)
  11. 20208 (57%)
  12. 202153 (74%)
  13. 202273 (89%)
  14. 2023115 (85%)
  15. 202440 (83%)
  16. 202513 (65%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade have?
NHTSA lists 115 engine complaints for the 2023 Escalade, which is 85% of the 136 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade engine?
Yes. Recall 25V274000 covers the 6.2L V8 engine in 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV models, along with several GM truck and SUV models sharing the same engine.
At what mileage do 2023 Escalade engine problems usually happen?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2023 Escalade is 30,000 miles.
What do owners describe when the engine fails?
Owners describe sudden power loss at highway speed, knocking or whistling noises, and in some cases complete engine seizure requiring replacement.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?
NHTSA data for this area shows 1 crash and 1 injury, and 0 fires, among the reported engine complaints for the 2023 Escalade.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.