2026 Cadillac Escalade recalls & problems

Recent owner complaints

• Oct 2, 2026Engine
  Catastrophic engine and power train failure
• Oct 14, 2026Engine
  The engine malfunctioned. On October 19, 2026, the dealership advised by telephone that the engine would need to be replaced. The specific internal component or cause of failure has not been provided. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 1. During highway driving, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and did not respond as expected. The driver backed off the accelerator and observed a flashing check-engine light. Unpredictable acceleration created concern about safely keeping pace with traffic. Additional noises and an unusual odor later developed. The vehicle was parked safely. 2. Yes. The dealership evaluated the reported problems and advised on October 19 that engine…
• Oct 9, 2026Engine
  6.2L Engine blew with less than 6,200 miles. Driving highway speed, started by hearing a slight tick and within 3 miles, the tick got louder, check engine light came on, then the pull over notice, pulled over and wouldn't start. Awaiting install of new motor for a Rear Main Bearing failure according to Service Manager.
• Oct 2, 2026Engine
  Vehicle engine shutdown on routs [XXX] in [XXX] while traveling at 70mph. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
• Aug 1, 2026Unknown or other
  The original speedometer layout was two horizonal lines...one was a tach and the other the speed. However the speed line had no numbers so I had no idea of how fast I was going. There was a small digital readout that was obscured the steering wheel when driving in the normal 10 and 2 hands. Was very excited when a software upgrade came down which added a second option for the speedometer which is the more traditional half circle. But is it offset to the left of center so now the hi beam indicator light is hidden behind the steeting wheel (the original layout is still available). Other option is dangerous....chose one cant see how fast OR cant see high beam indicator light. What is wierd is…
• Sep 14, 2026Engine
  I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine and took delivery on XXX. At approximately 9,700 miles, the vehicle developed an engine-related problem and the check engine light illuminated. I brought the vehicle to Cadillac of Norwood in [XXX] on XXX During diagnosis, the dealership identified metal contamination in the engine oil. I was advised that, because metal was found in the oil, further internal diagnosis was stopped and the engine would need to be replaced. The dealership subsequently ordered a complete replacement engine. As of XXX, the vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting the replacement engine and has been out of service continuously since…
• Aug 6, 2026Engine
  I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade on July 27, 2026. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began experiencing significant engine-related problems, including shaking, rough running, loss of power, knocking-type noises, misfires, and a check-engine light. The vehicle underwent three separate repair attempts for the engine-related concerns. During these visits, the dealer diagnosed and attempted to correct the misfire and related engine issues, including work involving the ignition coil/coil pack. Despite these repair attempts, the problems continued or returned. A fourth visit was then conducted as a final repair attempt. During this visit, a General Motors engineer became involved and…
• Aug 2, 2026 · 7,000 milesEngine
  The contact owns a 2026 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to maintain automotive power. In addition, after depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, cause of the failure was not known. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine, engine oil pan, and the engine oil filter. The vehicle was also diagnosed with rod bearings #1 and #2 failures, and that the engine needed to be…

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

• EA26005 · opened Aug 20, 2026 · openLoss 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 recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has…