Consumer Safety Complaints

Incident date: Jun 15, 2018

The vehicle experiences harsh shifting, surging, and jerking forward during normal driving conditions. The behavior has occurred repeatedly over several years and has been confirmed by the dealership. Multiple repair attempts, including transmission-related work, have not resolved the issue. The vehicle has surged forward unexpectedly, creating near-miss accident situations. I no longer feel the v... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2018

The vehicle experiences harsh shifting, surging, and jerking forward during normal driving conditions. The behavior has occurred repeatedly over several years and has been confirmed by the dealership. Multiple repair attempts, including transmission-related work, have not resolved the issue. The vehicle has surged forward unexpectedly, creating near-miss accident situations. I no longer feel the v... Read more

Incident date: Jan 11, 2026

My 2024 Cadillac EV is only 9900 miles. I was driving the car on Sunday Jan 11, 2026 with my family when we noticed smoke filled inside the cabin. My 3 children (a [XXX] , a [XXX] old, and a new-born who is [XXX] old) were in the car; they inhaled the smoke. We evacuated the car and called onstar for assistance - who towed the car. The smoke originated from the tailgate of the car. Alarmingly, ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 11, 2026

My 2024 Cadillac EV is only 9900 miles. I was driving the car on Sunday Jan 11, 2026 with my family when we noticed smoke filled inside the cabin. My 3 children (a [XXX] , a [XXX] old, and a new-born who is [XXX] old) were in the car; they inhaled the smoke. We evacuated the car and called onstar for assistance - who towed the car. The smoke originated from the tailgate of the car. Alarmingly, ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 28, 2026

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,

Incident date: Jan 28, 2026

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,

Incident date: Dec 18, 2025

I was driving slowly into my driveway to prepare for turning into my garage. The car rapidly accelerated on it’s own causing me to crash into the garage door next to the one I intended to park in. I have video from my security system.

Crash

Incident date: Dec 18, 2025

I was driving slowly into my driveway to prepare for turning into my garage. The car rapidly accelerated on it’s own causing me to crash into the garage door next to the one I intended to park in. I have video from my security system.

Crash

Incident date: Dec 18, 2025

I was driving slowly into my driveway to prepare for turning into my garage. The car rapidly accelerated on it’s own causing me to crash into the garage door next to the one I intended to park in. I have video from my security system.

Crash

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

After receiving the recall notice, the car was taken to the dealership in Mid-November 2025 at 42,713 miles for the pico engine test. The engine passed the test and had the oil and oil filter changed to the 0-W40 oil and a new oil cap. On January 9, 2026 at approx. 43,700 miles, the engine seized while driving the freeway at approx. 70 mph. The car was towed to the same dealership who confirmed... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2026

We just purchased our new 2026 Cadillac Escalade V this month. We were driving on interstate 64 when we experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and a warning that there was no oil pressure. We barely made it to the side of the highway where the engine had seized up and was unable to be started. The vehicle was towed to our local Cadillac dealer. They informed me today that the crankshaft had faile... Read more

Incident date: Jan 11, 2026

Component/System Involved: Engine / Powertrain and Vehicle Electronic Control Systems, including Serial Data Gateway Module Description of Failure: While driving at highway speed (approximately 60 mph), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion without warning. Engine power was lost while traveling on an interstate, forcing me to pull onto the shoulder without propulsion. T... Read more

Incident date: Jan 11, 2026

Component/System Involved: Engine / Powertrain and Vehicle Electronic Control Systems, including Serial Data Gateway Module Description of Failure: While driving at highway speed (approximately 60 mph), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion without warning. Engine power was lost while traveling on an interstate, forcing me to pull onto the shoulder without propulsion. T... Read more

Incident date: Jan 11, 2026

Component/System Involved: Engine / Powertrain and Vehicle Electronic Control Systems, including Serial Data Gateway Module Description of Failure: While driving at highway speed (approximately 60 mph), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion without warning. Engine power was lost while traveling on an interstate, forcing me to pull onto the shoulder without propulsion. T... Read more

Incident date: Jan 8, 2026

THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.

Incident date: Jan 8, 2026

THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.

Incident date: Dec 11, 2025

To Whom It May Concern at General Motors, I am writing to express my profound concern, disappointment, and fear following a recent experience with my Cadillac Escalade that has caused me to seriously question the safety, reliability, and future of the Cadillac brand. For important context, the first Cadillac Escalade my family owned was a 2012 model that we purchased used in Ann Arbor. At the ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 11, 2025

To Whom It May Concern at General Motors, I am writing to express my profound concern, disappointment, and fear following a recent experience with my Cadillac Escalade that has caused me to seriously question the safety, reliability, and future of the Cadillac brand. For important context, the first Cadillac Escalade my family owned was a 2012 model that we purchased used in Ann Arbor. At the ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 11, 2025

To Whom It May Concern at General Motors, I am writing to express my profound concern, disappointment, and fear following a recent experience with my Cadillac Escalade that has caused me to seriously question the safety, reliability, and future of the Cadillac brand. For important context, the first Cadillac Escalade my family owned was a 2012 model that we purchased used in Ann Arbor. At the ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

While driving vehicle reported multiple system failures and started shaking. Was safety parked and towed to dealership. Dealership found metal shavings in engine oil. No resolution as of yet.

Incident date: Dec 13, 2025

The vehicle’s OnStar system, emergency calling features, and built-in navigation/maps do not function properly. The maps do not work, emergency calling is unreliable, and OnStar is unable to accurately locate my vehicle. This is a serious safety concern because these systems are intended to provide immediate emergency assistance and precise location information. I am the primary caregiver for m... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2026

Received a recall letter that stated the engine in my 2023 escalade with roughly 49,000 miles on it at the time. Has problems with the engine breaking down and shutting the entire vehicle off. Took the car to the dealer to fix per the recall letter. They stated they only needed to replace an oil cap and put better oil in the car, and not replace the engine as stated in the recall letter. About two... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2026

Received a recall letter that stated the engine in my 2023 escalade with roughly 49,000 miles on it at the time. Has problems with the engine breaking down and shutting the entire vehicle off. Took the car to the dealer to fix per the recall letter. They stated they only needed to replace an oil cap and put better oil in the car, and not replace the engine as stated in the recall letter. About two... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2026

Received a recall letter that stated the engine in my 2023 escalade with roughly 49,000 miles on it at the time. Has problems with the engine breaking down and shutting the entire vehicle off. Took the car to the dealer to fix per the recall letter. They stated they only needed to replace an oil cap and put better oil in the car, and not replace the engine as stated in the recall letter. About two... Read more

Incident date: Jan 24, 2026

I put up a rubber stop to test the emergency stop feature the car is equipped with. With car moving either forward in drive or backwards in reverse the car would not automatically stop before hitting this two foot high aid. A warning vibration is felt just before the car struck the device but the way I understand it in the owners manual the car should come to a complete emergency stop. This could... Read more

Incident date: Jan 24, 2026

I put up a rubber stop to test the emergency stop feature the car is equipped with. With car moving either forward in drive or backwards in reverse the car would not automatically stop before hitting this two foot high aid. A warning vibration is felt just before the car struck the device but the way I understand it in the owners manual the car should come to a complete emergency stop. This could... Read more

Incident date: Oct 9, 2025

I was driving and had to hard brake as to not hit a young driver who wasn't paying attention to his driving. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor. There were no warning lights on. I got the car checked out by our local mechanic AND a certified Cadillac dealer. We had a new master cylinder and O ring installed in October. Our mechanic found there is a special bulletin on 18 different ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

I PURCHASED A 2025 CADILLAC ESCALADE IN APRIL 2025 AND IGOT 9300 MILES AND THE LIFTER NOISE IS LIKE TYPE WRITER THAT SPEEDS UP WITH ACCELERATION AND THE TAPING IS LOUD I CAN NOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE I DONT WANT TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

Incident date: Jan 19, 2026

To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to formally report a safety concern involving my 2018 Cadillac XT5, VIN [XXX] . Recently, my vehicle displayed a “Steering Assist Reduced” message on the dashboard while driving. This warning significantly increases the physical effort required to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds, and I believe it presents a genuine safety hazard.Upon taking the v... Read more

Incident date: Jan 19, 2026

To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to formally report a safety concern involving my 2018 Cadillac XT5, VIN [XXX] . Recently, my vehicle displayed a “Steering Assist Reduced” message on the dashboard while driving. This warning significantly increases the physical effort required to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds, and I believe it presents a genuine safety hazard.Upon taking the v... Read more

Incident date: Oct 18, 2025

The steering wheel locked up and the car shifted. I was unable to control the steering wheel it caused a crash

Crash

Incident date: Oct 18, 2025

The steering wheel locked up and the car shifted. I was unable to control the steering wheel it caused a crash

Crash

Incident date: Aug 8, 2025

Persistent Engine Failure and Safety Hazards – 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV 97000 miles The vehicle suffered a major engine failure while traveling at highway speeds. The incident began with a loud mechanical knocking from the engine, followed by a sudden loss of propulsion and the vehicle entering "limp mode." Both the Check Engine Light (flashing/solid) and multiple safety system warnings illum... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2025

Persistent Engine Failure and Safety Hazards – 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV 97000 miles The vehicle suffered a major engine failure while traveling at highway speeds. The incident began with a loud mechanical knocking from the engine, followed by a sudden loss of propulsion and the vehicle entering "limp mode." Both the Check Engine Light (flashing/solid) and multiple safety system warnings illum... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2025

Persistent Engine Failure and Safety Hazards – 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV 97000 miles The vehicle suffered a major engine failure while traveling at highway speeds. The incident began with a loud mechanical knocking from the engine, followed by a sudden loss of propulsion and the vehicle entering "limp mode." Both the Check Engine Light (flashing/solid) and multiple safety system warnings illum... Read more

Incident date: Aug 13, 2025

Lifters failed and needed repaired. $2,000 mechanic bill

Incident date: Jan 8, 2026

While driving approximately 50 mph on a busy road, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and stalled, leaving it unable to restart in the roadway. The car was towed to the dealership, where a new battery was installed and the engine seized.

Incident date: Dec 25, 2025

The engine has an Active Fuel Management system that has frequent failures of the lifters which causes the push rods to bend. This causes a misfire and the check engine light to illuminate. A broken piece of material entered the lower portion of the engine which could have caused an engine failure while on the highway. I had the vehicle towed to a dealership before a catastrophic failure occurred.... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2025

1. 6.2L Gasoline Engine.Vehicle available and has been in the shop at least 6 documented times. The 2025 was not part of the recall. GM refuses to tell me if the known engine problems of the recall was fixed on my engine prior to building and delivering the vehicle 2. Engine continues to knock and studder sometimes as if it will shut down. 3. Initial knocking confirmed and mechanics changed ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2025

1. 6.2L Gasoline Engine.Vehicle available and has been in the shop at least 6 documented times. The 2025 was not part of the recall. GM refuses to tell me if the known engine problems of the recall was fixed on my engine prior to building and delivering the vehicle 2. Engine continues to knock and studder sometimes as if it will shut down. 3. Initial knocking confirmed and mechanics changed ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway, limiting the driver’s vision while driving. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight was inoperable, and the driver’s side headlight was very dim. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to use the high-beam headlights while driving ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv has been at the dealership countless times over the last 2 years with strange engine sounds, acceleration issues, 4 wheel drive would top working and I couldn't make turns without a grinding sound coming from under the hood, check engine light (with no issues seen/heard). The engine recall was "passed" in October even after our concern with the engine sounds and stran... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv has been at the dealership countless times over the last 2 years with strange engine sounds, acceleration issues, 4 wheel drive would top working and I couldn't make turns without a grinding sound coming from under the hood, check engine light (with no issues seen/heard). The engine recall was "passed" in October even after our concern with the engine sounds and stran... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

My 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv has been at the dealership countless times over the last 2 years with strange engine sounds, acceleration issues, 4 wheel drive would top working and I couldn't make turns without a grinding sound coming from under the hood, check engine light (with no issues seen/heard). The engine recall was "passed" in October even after our concern with the engine sounds and stran... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

The electronic exterior door handle on my CT5 has failed and raises a concern of what if there was an accident and nobody was able to open the door if I was unconscious. I believe that having a key access is not enough and there should be a mechanical exterior door handle instead of an electronic handle that fails and is costly to repair.

Incident date: Dec 30, 2025

My vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement after a recall remedy (oil change with thicker oil) was performed and the vehicle passed the pico test. Engine symptoms became more pronounced after the oil change. In addition, the vehicle has experienced repeated steering system abnormalities requiring multiple repairs, including replacement of airbag-related ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2025

My vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement after a recall remedy (oil change with thicker oil) was performed and the vehicle passed the pico test. Engine symptoms became more pronounced after the oil change. In addition, the vehicle has experienced repeated steering system abnormalities requiring multiple repairs, including replacement of airbag-related ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2025

My vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement after a recall remedy (oil change with thicker oil) was performed and the vehicle passed the pico test. Engine symptoms became more pronounced after the oil change. In addition, the vehicle has experienced repeated steering system abnormalities requiring multiple repairs, including replacement of airbag-related ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2026

UNKNOWN

Incident date: Jan 16, 2026

2023 Escalade, the dealer did the oil change recall to put the thicker oil and oil filter in it a few months ago after the motor was ticking. They had to get recall approved by GM, due to it not showing up under my VIN for the recall. They approved it and on Friday 1/16 driving on a 55mph 3 lane highway with my newborn baby the car just stopped driving and shut off with no warning and not enough t... Read more