Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. This special coverage covers if an engine failure occurs in the vehicle as a result of the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after May 23, 2025, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation code
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Cadillac Escalade engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade have filed 78 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 30,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
78
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Escalade | 16 |
| 2020 Escalade | 8 |
| 2021 Escalade | 36 |
| 2022 Escalade | 49 |
| 2023 Escalade (this page) | 78 |
| 2024 Escalade | 27 |
| 2025 Escalade | 6 |
| 2026 Escalade | 8 |
When does it fail?
Of the 78 engine complaints filed for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 18 model years of Cadillac Escalade we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 78.
Engine accounts for 64% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on vehicle engines within the identified suspect VIN population. If the engine passes the PICO test, the engine oil will be changed from 0W20 to Mobil 1 Supercar 0W40 dexosR. From that point forward, the engine must use 0W40 dexosR oil products for all future oil change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test. If this condition were to occur, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code will set. Additionally in some cases, the engine cooling fans may run after the engine is switched off. Dealers are to replace the engine coolant control valve as necessary. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade engine fails catastrophically—losing all power at highway speeds without warning—according to 74 complaints analyzed here. Owners at 9,000 to 45,000 miles report sudden shutdown with no check engine light beforehand. The vehicle coasts to a stop, sometimes in live traffic, with the engine unable to restart. One owner had three engines replaced before 30,000 miles. Another's engine seized twice while towing a trailer at moderate speeds.
Dealers confirm the problem is related to NHTSA Recall 25V274000, citing manufacturing defects in crankshaft or connecting rod components. The manufacturer's "remedy"—higher viscosity oil, oil filter replacement, and an oil cap—is not available yet. Multiple owners report waiting months or longer for replacement engines on national backorder, with no timeline from Cadillac.
Some owners report abnormal engine knocking, ticking, or clicking before failure, and metal fragments appear in oil pans and filters. After engine replacement, rough running, vibration, and drivability issues persist. One dealer reportedly drained oil and refilled it to pass recall inspection rather than replace the engine. Another dealer refused replacement despite visible metal contamination, saying "if the engine fails again it is under warranty." The risk of catastrophic failure while driving with children or at highway speeds makes this a serious safety issue.
Same Cadillac Escalade engine reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2022 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Catastrophic Engine Seizure / Loss of Propulsion
Engine seizes or loses all power while driving at highway speeds, forcing the vehicle to coast to a stop in traffic or on roadway shoulders with no warning. Vehicle cannot be restarted and must be towed. Owners report 10 to 45+ thousand miles on odometer at time of failure.
When: Mileage range: 9,000 to 45,000+ miles; occurs without prior symptoms, often during highway driving at speeds 50–80 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown with no warning lights beforehand; Loss of all power and propulsion; Vehicle unable to restart after shutdown; Automatic shift to neutral or park on some vehicles; No prior abnormal sounds or warning indicators in most cases
Codes mentioned: PE25001 (NHTSA investigation), NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; dealers report extended waiting periods (weeks to months) for replacement engines on national backorder. One owner reported third engine replacement before 30K miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling recall). Recall remedy currently unavailable (as of latest narratives). Temporary measures include higher viscosity oil (0W-40), oil filter replacement, and oil fill cap installation, but these do not address underlying manufacturing defect in crankshaft or connecting rod components.
Engine Knocking, Clicking, Ticking, and Internal Damage
Owners report abnormal engine noises—knocking, ticking, clicking—emanating from engine compartment, often at cold startup. Some complaints note metal fragments found in oil pan and oil filter, indicating internal wear or damage. Noises persist or worsen after dealer repairs and engine replacement.
When: Typically occurs within first year of ownership or after recall service; mileage 3,000 to 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal knocking or ticking sound at cold startup; Loud clicking noise from engine compartment; High-pitched squeaking sound; Metal fragments visible in oil pan and oil filter; Rough engine idle and vibration, particularly after engine replacement
Codes mentioned: TSB #19-NA-218 (Cylinder misfire related), Crankshaft damage (diagnostic finding)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported cylinder 2 misfire; dealer recommended and completed engine replacement. After replacement, new engine continues to run rough with vibration. Oil contamination with metal chunks noted in one case; dealer refused further replacement despite metal in oil. Filter replacement and oil changes performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #19-NA-218 issued. NHTSA Recall 25V274000 addresses crankshaft and connecting rod defects. One dealer suggested oil consumption test every 1,000 miles as monitoring strategy rather than repair.
Excessive Oil Consumption and Low Oil Level
Vehicle consumes oil abnormally. One owner reported mechanic found no oil in engine after recall service; another reported oil consumption excessive enough to trigger 'Check Oil' message. Owners describe oil levels dropping between service intervals despite regular maintenance.
When: Detected during/after recall service or routine maintenance checks; mileage 34,000 to 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops between service intervals; 'Check Oil' message on instrument panel; No oil detected in engine after recall service; Excessive oil consumption
Codes mentioned: Excessive oil consumption (diagnostic finding), NHTSA Campaign 25V274000
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer allegedly drained oil and refilled with 0W-40 to pass recall inspection without replacing engine. Another suggested oil consumption test every 1,000 miles. Dealer service visits to top off oil reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 25V274000 remedy includes higher viscosity oil (0W-40) and oil filter replacement. One dealer denied replacement despite metal contamination, stating 'if engine fails AGAIN it is under warranty.'
Check Engine Light and Drivability Issues Post-Repair
Check engine warning light illuminates or flashes, often intermittently or after recall service and engine replacement. Vehicle exhibits loss of power, rough running, difficulty with automatic start-stop function, and failure to accelerate properly even after engine replacement.
When: Occurs after recall service, engine replacement, or during highway driving; mileage 16,000 to 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates or flashes intermittently; Loss of power / reduced acceleration; Rough engine running; Automatic start-stop malfunction (stalls at red lights, difficulty restarting); Vehicle slowing down unexpectedly while accelerating; Chugging sound during acceleration; Difficulty shifting into drive or reverse; vehicle requires restart to regain drivability
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (generic, source not detailed in narratives), NHTSA Campaign 25V274000
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replaced under warranty in some cases. One mechanic compared repaired vehicle to another Escalade and said engines sounded similar, unable to find fault. Dealer suggested problem is 'normal' engine behavior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers performed recall repairs (oil, filter, cap changes); one dealer avoided answering questions about whether oil was drained and refilled. Manufacturer awareness noted in some cases.
Sudden Engine Shutdown During Acceleration or Driving
Engine shuts down abruptly while vehicle is in motion at various speeds, including highway speeds. Vehicle sometimes displays brief warning message ('not safe to drive' or 'press start button' or 'engine hot') just before or after shutdown, but typically no warning lights are visible beforehand. Vehicle automatically shifts to neutral or park and cannot be restarted immediately.
When: Occurs unpredictably during normal driving; mileage 9,000 to 45,000+ miles; documented instances at highway speeds 50–80 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown without prior warning lights; Vehicle loses power and coasts to stop; Automatic shift to neutral or park; Brief dashboard message ('not safe to drive,' 'press start button,' 'engine hot,' 'restart engine') immediately before or after shutdown; Unable to restart vehicle immediately after shutdown; No audible abnormal engine noise prior to shutdown in most cases
Codes mentioned: PE25001 (NHTSA investigation into engine failure), NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in all cases. Owners report delays of weeks to several months awaiting replacement engine availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 issued; remedy currently not available (as reported in narratives). Defect attributed to manufacturing defects in crankshaft and connecting rod components.
Recall Repair Unavailable and Extended Waiting Period
Owners notified of NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 but parts required to perform recall repair are unavailable as of the complaint date. Manufacturers and dealers have no estimated timeline for parts arrival or repair completion. Some owners report waiting months without updates or loaner vehicle offers.
When: Ongoing as of latest complaint dates (late 2024 to early 2026)
Symptoms owners cite: Notification of recall but no parts available; No estimated timeline for remedy availability; Dealership communication gaps and lack of updates; No loaner vehicle offered despite months of waiting; Owner anxiety about driving vehicle with unrepaired defect
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling)
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary remedy (higher viscosity oil, oil filter, oil cap) implemented on some vehicles; does not address underlying crankshaft/connecting rod defect. One owner reported dealer completed temporary recall fix and then sold vehicle with major engine failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 issued but stated 'remedy not available.' Temporary measures (oil change, filter, cap) offered pending availability of permanent remedy. One dealership stated 'no remedy available' for recall. Extended delays reported with no communication from manufacturer or dealers.
Synthesized from 78 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud motor sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shut off while in a parking lot and failed to restart after several attempts. The contact was picked by her husband. The contact stated…
We took the vehicle in for the recall inspection. They pass it and changed the oil. Weeks later, as I was driving home (was on holiday vacation in another state), the engine failed immediately. I was able to get it to the side of the road but the engine would not properly run. Had to call the tow truck and hauled back to the dealership near my home of record.
Engine stopped running while driving. Took to the dealer. Engine was making a load grinding noise. Dealer replaced the engine. Drove home vehicle dripped oil in the driveway. Took vehicle to dealership. Engine block was cracked. Dealer replaced engine. Took vehicle to dealership for oil change . Engine had 1,800 Miles . Engine oil was contaminated with large pieces of metal. I took the used oil…
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and another recall; however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the…
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The…
Had engine trouble with your 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 78 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 17,000 and 37,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,000; a quarter make it past 37,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Cadillac/Escalade.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.