Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 21,483 complaints for CADILLAC
Incident date: Sep 9, 2026
My husband and I were on the toll when the steering wheel completely unattached.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
My issue is with the telematics module that no longer functions as it should. My GPS, Super-Cruise, OnStar, WiFi, MyCadillac App, and all other so called safety features touted by OnStar are non-functional. If this isn’t a legitimate concern, I apologize. Otherwise, please help with this widespread known issue.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
The engine started clicking and rumbling out of no where. I have done every maintenance protocol since buying and was told there was a recall on all of these engines. Somehow mine is not covered in the recall?
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaire... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - ENGINE
Sep 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Date: XXX Time: 10:30 am approx. Location: [XXX] Vehicle: Cadillac Escalade VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 25,572 While driving normally, the vehicle experienced sudden engine failure. No prior warning lights provided adequate notice. Vehicle became disabled and required towing. This vehicle is equipped with an engine subject to a known recall. A recall mitigation involving higher-viscosity oil was previou... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
They delivered a new car with the carpet behind the drivers pedals sticking up and out. I brought it to the dealership and they stated that this model is delivered that way. That seemed unbelievable, so I contacted Cadillac national. They just called the dealership and asked them if they repaired it, which they said they did. They did not.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
Engine failior. Engine lost power on highway and lhad to limp to safety in traffic. With my children in the vehicle.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Sep 8, 2026
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
On August 17, 2026, at approximately 96,685 miles, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine lost motive power while I was driving on Highway 101 in California. The vehicle stalled, I pulled over, and I was unable to restart it. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed a seized engine that would not rotate, with metal contamination in the oil system and in... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2024) - ENGINE
Sep 8, 2026
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
On August 17, 2026, at approximately 96,685 miles, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine lost motive power while I was driving on Highway 101 in California. The vehicle stalled, I pulled over, and I was unable to restart it. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed a seized engine that would not rotate, with metal contamination in the oil system and in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
Engine failure and replaced. Received vehicle back and placed under 2k miles on the new engine and 3 times now it has shut off while in motion and required a restart.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
Engine failure and replaced. Received vehicle back and placed under 2k miles on the new engine and 3 times now it has shut off while in motion and required a restart.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
Engine failure and replaced. Received vehicle back and placed under 2k miles on the new engine and 3 times now it has shut off while in motion and required a restart.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2026
My vehicle died in the middle of an intersection, I was stranded in the intersection, I could not put it in neutral to move it out of the way. Luckily I was in town and not on the freeway. That is my issue. My cadi had to be dragged onto a tow truck bed and dropped at my local gm dealer in wabash. The reason it died was the fuel module. But not being able to move my vehicle out of the way is s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2026
My vehicle died in the middle of an intersection, I was stranded in the intersection, I could not put it in neutral to move it out of the way. Luckily I was in town and not on the freeway. That is my issue. My cadi had to be dragged onto a tow truck bed and dropped at my local gm dealer in wabash. The reason it died was the fuel module. But not being able to move my vehicle out of the way is s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2026
I was driving in a highway going at highway speed and the car suddenly just shut off and all the alert lights were reflected at that time the car was not responding completely, shut off, then within seconds after the lights flashed it started on it's own. It was the first time this happened. I was concerned that the car would not respond and maybe could have cost an accident.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2026
I was driving in a highway going at highway speed and the car suddenly just shut off and all the alert lights were reflected at that time the car was not responding completely, shut off, then within seconds after the lights flashed it started on it's own. It was the first time this happened. I was concerned that the car would not respond and maybe could have cost an accident.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2026
I was driving in a highway going at highway speed and the car suddenly just shut off and all the alert lights were reflected at that time the car was not responding completely, shut off, then within seconds after the lights flashed it started on it's own. It was the first time this happened. I was concerned that the car would not respond and maybe could have cost an accident.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
On 8/25/2026, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2L V8 suffered a sudden loss of propulsion at approximately 49,754 miles. While my husband was driving and preparing to enter the highway, the vehicle went into Neutral and lost propulsion. He heard a loud banging noise, the low-oil warning illuminated, and the check-engine light began flashing. I later looked in the Cadillac app and saw code P001... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
On 8/25/2026, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2L V8 suffered a sudden loss of propulsion at approximately 49,754 miles. While my husband was driving and preparing to enter the highway, the vehicle went into Neutral and lost propulsion. He heard a loud banging noise, the low-oil warning illuminated, and the check-engine light began flashing. I later looked in the Cadillac app and saw code P001... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
On 8/25/2026, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2L V8 suffered a sudden loss of propulsion at approximately 49,754 miles. While my husband was driving and preparing to enter the highway, the vehicle went into Neutral and lost propulsion. He heard a loud banging noise, the low-oil warning illuminated, and the check-engine light began flashing. I later looked in the Cadillac app and saw code P001... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
On [XXX], at approximately 15,200 miles, my 2025 Cadillac Escalade V developed multiple warnings while I was driving at highway speed. These included reduced acceleration, speed limited to 62 mph, service power steering, service traction control, rear axle system off, and unavailable forward-collision and adaptive-cruise functions. At one point, the speedometer displayed 0 mph while I was still tr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
On [XXX], at approximately 15,200 miles, my 2025 Cadillac Escalade V developed multiple warnings while I was driving at highway speed. These included reduced acceleration, speed limited to 62 mph, service power steering, service traction control, rear axle system off, and unavailable forward-collision and adaptive-cruise functions. At one point, the speedometer displayed 0 mph while I was still tr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2026
On [XXX], at approximately 15,200 miles, my 2025 Cadillac Escalade V developed multiple warnings while I was driving at highway speed. These included reduced acceleration, speed limited to 62 mph, service power steering, service traction control, rear axle system off, and unavailable forward-collision and adaptive-cruise functions. At one point, the speedometer displayed 0 mph while I was still tr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
I’ve had to replace 2 motors and a transmission.
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I had a 2023 Escalade that I was experiencing issues with. I decided to pay lot of money to get out of the 2023 and purchase a 2025 - which is what I was told would get me around the engine problems I was experiencing. Well that was quite the opposite. In 2025 Cadillac Escalade: 1. All the lights on the dashboard lit up and the engine seized up. It was at night with both of my kids scared. ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
While driving my 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in an active traffic lane, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion. I was unable to maintain movement with traffic, and the vehicle became disabled in the roadway. The failure occurred without sufficient warning for me to safely remove the vehicle from active traffic. This created a serious safety hazard because the sudden lo... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2022) - ENGINE
Sep 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly loss power and was unable to exceed 30 MPH. The engine was knocking prior to the vehicle losing power. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with catastrophic engine failure. The dealer waiting for parts to repair the vehicle. The m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Airbags did not deploy in a rear end crash. Seat belts may have failed as well. Car is located at an offsite strorage facility for insurance purposes. I suffered head trauma and a concussion. Bruising on my torse from what I believe was from the seatbelt. Car is totaled and no inspection has been done by a service center. Insurance will be doing a valuation of the value only. No warning lig... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Airbags did not deploy in a rear end crash. Seat belts may have failed as well. Car is located at an offsite strorage facility for insurance purposes. I suffered head trauma and a concussion. Bruising on my torse from what I believe was from the seatbelt. Car is totaled and no inspection has been done by a service center. Insurance will be doing a valuation of the value only. No warning lig... Read more
Crash
1 injured
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Sep 2, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to report a serious vehicle safety concern involving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The vehicle is currently displaying the following warning messages: "Service Leveling System" "Vehicle Too Low, Drive with Caution" In addition, the vehicle is visibly sitting lower than normal, indicating a potential suspension system failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
On August 25, 2026, while driving my 2026 Cadillac Escalade, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine lost power and the vehicle became inoperable while I was on the road. There was no meaningful advance warning that would have allowed me to safely anticipate the failure. The sudden loss of engine power created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
The vehicle is a Cadillac Lyriq. Following an over the air software update pushed by the manufacturer, the vehicle began displaying a high voltage system error message and lost the ability to DC fast charge. The high voltage components themselves are reported to be functional, the issue appears to be caused entirely by the software update rather than a hardware failure. The vehicle has been at an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2026
Oil pressure sesnsor warning. The dealership is saying I need a new motor.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 1, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while idling, the engine was shaking, the vehicle stalled, and the vehicle lost power. The contact restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ba... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
On or about XXX, I was the authorized subscriber and driver of a 2026 Cadillac CT4 owned by Flexcar, VIN [XXX]. While driving near [XXX] and [XXX], multiple dashboard warning lamps suddenly illuminated and a brake-assist warning appeared. The braking response became abnormally stiff or limited, and I nearly rear-ended another vehicle. The suspected systems are the service-brake/brake-assist syste... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
On or about XXX, I was the authorized subscriber and driver of a 2026 Cadillac CT4 owned by Flexcar, VIN [XXX]. While driving near [XXX] and [XXX], multiple dashboard warning lamps suddenly illuminated and a brake-assist warning appeared. The braking response became abnormally stiff or limited, and I nearly rear-ended another vehicle. The suspected systems are the service-brake/brake-assist syste... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
On or about XXX, I was the authorized subscriber and driver of a 2026 Cadillac CT4 owned by Flexcar, VIN [XXX]. While driving near [XXX] and [XXX], multiple dashboard warning lamps suddenly illuminated and a brake-assist warning appeared. The braking response became abnormally stiff or limited, and I nearly rear-ended another vehicle. The suspected systems are the service-brake/brake-assist syste... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
My 2024 Cadillac Escalade had the 6.2 v8 engine recall done in 6/25. I’ve put less than 8k miles on it since and just rolled 32400 miles total. While driving with my family in the car on 8/30 on the highway, it lost all power and just shut off while driving highway speeds. I was able to safely stop but very dangerous. Vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to dealer.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
My 2024 Cadillac Escalade had the 6.2 v8 engine recall done in 6/25. I’ve put less than 8k miles on it since and just rolled 32400 miles total. While driving with my family in the car on 8/30 on the highway, it lost all power and just shut off while driving highway speeds. I was able to safely stop but very dangerous. Vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to dealer.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
My 2024 Cadillac Escalade had the 6.2 v8 engine recall done in 6/25. I’ve put less than 8k miles on it since and just rolled 32400 miles total. While driving with my family in the car on 8/30 on the highway, it lost all power and just shut off while driving highway speeds. I was able to safely stop but very dangerous. Vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to dealer.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
First engine failed (6.2L) at 4900 miles and the was replaced. The second engine failed at 6000 miles and I am on my third engine now.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
All four exterior door handles on my 2021 Cadillac CT5 have experienced the same intermittent failure. The handles initially work intermittently and then become unable to release the door. This has occurred on all four doors. This creates a serious safety concern because occupants may be unable to enter or exit the vehicle normally, and emergency responders may be unable to access occupants throug... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
All four exterior door handles on my 2021 Cadillac CT5 have experienced the same intermittent failure. The handles initially work intermittently and then become unable to release the door. This has occurred on all four doors. This creates a serious safety concern because occupants may be unable to enter or exit the vehicle normally, and emergency responders may be unable to access occupants throug... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2023 Cadillac Escalade involving unexpected acceleration and loss of propulsion while driving. On XXX, while traveling to [XXX] in slow-moving traffic with Super Cruise engaged, my vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. I immediately applied the brakes to avoid striking the vehicle ahead. I reported the incident to the Cadillac dealership and conta... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2023 Cadillac Escalade involving unexpected acceleration and loss of propulsion while driving. On XXX, while traveling to [XXX] in slow-moving traffic with Super Cruise engaged, my vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. I immediately applied the brakes to avoid striking the vehicle ahead. I reported the incident to the Cadillac dealership and conta... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2023 Cadillac Escalade involving unexpected acceleration and loss of propulsion while driving. On XXX, while traveling to [XXX] in slow-moving traffic with Super Cruise engaged, my vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. I immediately applied the brakes to avoid striking the vehicle ahead. I reported the incident to the Cadillac dealership and conta... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - ENGINE
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving and accelerating, the vehicle stalled and jolted forward. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was infor... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
Currently receiving it's 4th engine (it has shut down on me while driving down the road, twice) onStar module has been replaced, radiator has been replaced (i think twice), sway bar has been replaced, front suspension problems multiple times (i don't remember all of them), coolant leak, for some reason eats up front tires in about 10K miles and nobody can explain why (discount tire says they have ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
Currently receiving it's 4th engine (it has shut down on me while driving down the road, twice) onStar module has been replaced, radiator has been replaced (i think twice), sway bar has been replaced, front suspension problems multiple times (i don't remember all of them), coolant leak, for some reason eats up front tires in about 10K miles and nobody can explain why (discount tire says they have ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
Currently receiving it's 4th engine (it has shut down on me while driving down the road, twice) onStar module has been replaced, radiator has been replaced (i think twice), sway bar has been replaced, front suspension problems multiple times (i don't remember all of them), coolant leak, for some reason eats up front tires in about 10K miles and nobody can explain why (discount tire says they have ... Read more