2026 Cadillac Escalade

34 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Sep 14, 2026West Yarmouth, MAElectrical system, Engine, Seats

   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 September 16. This is particularly concerning because the vehicle is approximately six months old and has fewer than 10,000 miles. An internal engine failure resulting in metal circulating in the oil at such low mileage raises concerns about premature engine failure and the possibility of loss of engine power if a similar failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven. Prior to this failure, I had also noticed an abnormal ticking noise from the engine. The vehicle has required multiple dealership visits since purchase for other concerns. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of the premature engine failure and replacement on this 2026 Cadillac Escalade. I believe this should be evaluated for potential similarity to other reported 6.2L V8 engine failures in GM full-size SUVs and trucks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11768411
2. Filed Sep 27, 2026Failure Aug 6, 2026Delray Beach, FLEngine, Power train

   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 attempted to diagnose and correct the vehicle’s continuing engine problems. Despite this additional manufacturer-level repair attempt, the underlying engine concern was not successfully resolved. The vehicle was essentially brand new when these problems began. After three repair attempts and a fourth final repair attempt involving a GM engineer, I remain concerned about the safety, reliability, and long-term condition of the engine because of the repeated shaking, loss of power, misfires, abnormal engine noise, and warning lights.

   NHTSA complaint 11767302
3. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Aug 2, 20267,000 milesRosharon, TXEngine

   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 replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11766431
4. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 12, 2026West Chester, PAEngine

   Started hearing a knocking sound from the engine Saturday. Stopped driving the car the rest of the weekend. Took to the Cadillac dealer today and was just told the car needs a new engine. This is unacceptable on 130k 2026 vehicle. Hopefully, you can apply severe pressure on GM to get this issue fixed once and for all.

   NHTSA complaint 11764377
5. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Jun 14, 2026Bartlesville, OKEngine

   Engine failior. Engine lost power on highway and lhad to limp to safety in traffic. With my children in the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11762939
6. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2026Miami, OKElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11762810
7. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Macomb, MIEngine

   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 no longer be driven normally or moved under its own power. The vehicle ultimately had to be transported by a specialty tow service to an authorized Cadillac dealership. The Cadillac dealership inspected the vehicle and advised me that there was a major internal engine failure involving the bottom end of the engine, including the crankshaft/rod-bearing area, and that the engine requires replacement. The vehicle was purchased brand new on December 31, 2025 with approximately 15 miles and suffered this major engine failure less than eight months after purchase. The vehicle had approximately 12,000 miles at the time of the failure. The vehicle is currently at the authorized Cadillac dealership and is available for inspection. Cadillac/GM has been notified of the failure, and a case has been opened with the manufacturer. My primary safety concern is that a major engine failure occurred suddenly while the vehicle was being driven. A sudden loss of propulsion in traffic could create a significant risk of a collision, particularly at highway speeds or in circumstances where the driver needs engine power to safely maneuver the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11761421
8. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Feb 9, 2026Fort Worth, TXEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11761143
9. Filed Aug 27, 2026Failure Aug 6, 2026Shady Point, OKEngine

   My engine locked up with only 9k miles on it. Left me stranded in 109 degree heat. Had it towed to local dealer over 3 weeks ago they determined engine was bad and ordered new engine from GM but the engine is on back order. I need GM to buy my vehicle back so I can replace it I have nothing to drive.

   NHTSA complaint 11760163
10. Filed Aug 26, 2026Failure Aug 2, 2026Escanaba, MIEngine

    Complete engine failure in 2026 Cadillac Escalade sport platinum with 3100 miles

    NHTSA complaint 11759620
11. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 2, 2026Corona, CAEngine

    The motor started making a ticking noise, then when we came to a stop, the motor died. I was able to get it started and get us home. As we made it home, the noise began to get worse. The next morning I planned to take it to the dealership. The car started and I began to drive. We entered the freeway and as traffic picked up, we came to a stop on the freeway. The engine died again. I was able to start it one more time and cotinued on until we got to the exit the dealership is on. At this point the car died again and we were unable to get it started. It left us stranded on the offramp. Car needed to be towed to dealership where it was discovered the engine had failed. Cadillac replaced the engine with a new one. This happened at 7100 miles.

    NHTSA complaint 11759379
12. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 21, 2026St Petersburg, FLEngine

    I was driving on 35 mph road and first got a notification to service charging system, vehicle may stall, with the battery light on. Less than a mile after an alarm went off non stop stating engine overheating shut vehicle down immediately. Roadside mechanic came and discovered the serpentine belt failed. I have 1,100 miles on this car.

    NHTSA complaint 11759141
13. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 23, 2026Lewes, DEEngine

    Complete engine failure at 75MPH. Vehicle only has 5000 miles on it.

    NHTSA complaint 11759076
14. Filed Aug 23, 2026Failure Jul 22, 2026Sherman, TXEngine

    Catastrophic engine failure. Main bearing lock up.

    NHTSA complaint 11758924
15. Filed Aug 23, 2026Failure Jul 17, 2026Dania Beach, FLUnknown or other

    The night vision does not work. I told it to the dealer on 17 July they claimed they don’t know how to fix it. They blow it off and say that it’s because of the temperature but it’s not true. It wasn’t working at night when it was nice and cool. It wasn’t working during the day. It doesn’t work at all. They have a history of failing and general motors does not have a solid fix. They had this in their shop for six weeks and they still couldn’t figure out how to fix it. It still doesn’t work to this day. The temperatures have dropped at night, especially in the rain and that is not the problem. They lack of experience with night vision camera cameras is the problem and they are unable to fix it.

    NHTSA complaint 11758886
16. Filed Aug 23, 2026Failure Jul 29, 2026Merrick, NYEngine

    Catastrophic Engine Failure while driving with 2,500 miles, leaving me stranded on the highway in the dead of night. Cadillac towed it in for repairs, yet refused to install a new engine, instead swapping out block with a rebuilt one and moving all other components over from the blown engine. As this was a “V” model which is equipped with an 6.2 LT4 engine, I was told that this would not be subject to the constant failures that plague the 6.2 L87. So I agreed to purchase the considerably more expensive V at a cost of $200,000 and I was still placed in the same danger that I was in with the less expensive models. This vehicle was not on any recall list and I was offered no compensation whatsoever for having a rebuilt engine which is now part of its permanent record at both Cadillac and Carfax. Same thing happened to my 2023 Escalade while my daughter was driving, total loss of power, engine seized, she barely made it to the shoulder safely from the left lane. I had to get rid of it after that as I felt my family’s safety was in jeopardy had we continued to drive it. The buyer I sold it to just notified me that the replacement engine blew up just like the original one and needed a to have third engine replaced. VIN of the 2023: [XXX]. Cadillac is repairing/replacing these defective engines with the same defective parts, so of course they will continue to fail again and again. Recommendation of upgrading oil viscosity is a complete joke and has done nothing to resolve this dangerous issue. This is a massive problem, just about everyone I speak with who has a Cadillac Escalade has experienced the same fate. I am aware of injuries associated with this situation, GM and Cadillac need to be brought to task here before someone gets killed if that hasn’t already happened. I can provide any other information should you require including pictures and videos of these cars being towed away as well as repair tickets if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11758831
17. Filed Aug 21, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2026300 milesBrenham, TXEngine

    The contact owns a 2026 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal ticking sound that progressed into a knocking sound coming from the engine while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle surged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven only six times prior to the engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered monetary compensation. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

    NHTSA complaint 11758436
18. Filed Aug 17, 2026Failure Jun 16, 2026Crystal Lake, ILEngine

    On Monday XXX, I was on my way to the dealer for my first oil change. I was driving through a toll both, also under construction just outside [XXX], when the engine lost power without warning and just stopped. While scrambling to find a tow truck I finally got the vehicle started and limped it to the dealer, Patrick Cadillac in Schaumburg, IL,. Nearly a week later, a technician informed me that the engine is unrepairable and needs to be completely replaced. He also informed me that engines are on back-order and no ETA is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11757412
19. Filed Aug 15, 2026Failure Aug 6, 2026Delray Beach, FLEngine, Body

    I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade from AutoNation Cadillac West Palm Beach on July 27, 2026. At only approximately 375 miles, the vehicle developed serious engine/drivability problems and front/rear bumper alignment defects. The Escalade began shaking/stuttering, hesitating, experiencing inconsistent power, and making an abnormal knocking-type noise. The check-engine light illuminated. I took the vehicle to Delray Cadillac, where technicians found a cylinder 4 misfire and ultimately determined the problem involved the cylinder 4 lifter system. The repair required substantial internal engine work on an essentially brand-new vehicle. Cadillac replaced eight lifters, along with associated gaskets, bolts, guides, and related components. The engine was opened for the repair, and the technician inspected the camshaft/cam lobes and related valvetrain components before reassembly and testing. After receiving the vehicle back, I still notice abnormal power delivery. At approximately 45–55 mph, the engine intermittently hesitates and feels as though it struggles to maintain steady power, even though the check-engine light is currently off. This concerns me because major internal engine work was already required at only about 375 miles. The vehicle also has visible front and rear bumper alignment problems. The rear bumper protrudes outward instead of sitting flush with the body, and the front bumper also appears misaligned. These issues were reported to Cadillac. I am reporting this because a new vehicle requiring major valvetrain/engine repair at approximately 375 miles, followed by continued hesitation and inconsistent power, may present a safety risk during acceleration, merging, or highway driving.

    NHTSA complaint 11757093
20. Filed Jul 30, 2026Failure Jul 29, 2026sanford, NCElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    The vehicle randomly stalls and shuts down. This can happen while pulling out in traffic. It has happened 5 times or more.

    NHTSA complaint 11753678