2026 Cadillac Escalade

Do not drive

Owners filed 39 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

Too new to rank against other Cadillac Escalade years; complaints take a few years to arrive. Which Cadillac Escalade years to avoid →

Most common 2026 Cadillac Escalade problems

34 of the 39 complaints (87%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine34
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Electrical System2
000
Service Brakes · brakes1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Wheels › Hub26V304000
Filed May 14, 20262,457 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.

Risk. A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262554630. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 14, 2026.

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)26V289000Do not drive
Filed May 7, 202666 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.

Risk. Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.

Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual26V114000
Filed Feb 26, 20265,861 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”

Risk. Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 26, 2026PA

Catastrophic engine and power train failure

Engine
Filed Oct 19, 2026FL

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 replacement was necessary. Written diagnostic findings have not yet been provided. 3. The dealership evaluated the vehicle. No separate inspection by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or an independent service center is known. According to the records available to us, the vehicle was driven only TWO miles in connection with the dealership’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) inspection. This raises concern about whether the inspection adequately identified the engine problem before sale. 4. Symptoms began October 13, 2026, during the initial drive home after purchase: black exhaust smoke during hard acceleration. On October 14, hesitation and an unusual whooshing/rushing-air noise occurred during highway acceleration. The check-engine light flashed intermittently, then went out w

Engine
Filed Oct 15, 2026CO

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 4, 2026TX

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 the dash goes side panel to side panel (over 50 inches) and yet they cant seem to place critical driver information where can safely see it.

Engine
Filed Oct 4, 2026PA

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)

Engine
Filed Oct 1, 2026MA

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

Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2026FL

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 23, 20267,000 milesTX

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2026PA

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026OK

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026OK

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

Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2026MI

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
Filed Aug 31, 2026TX

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 27, 2026OK

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2026MI

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

Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2026CA

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2026DE

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

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2026FL

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 23, 2026NY

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 dange

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 23, 2026FL

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 23, 2026TX

Catastrophic engine failure. Main bearing lock up.

Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026300 milesTX

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 17, 2026IL

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)

Engine
Filed Aug 15, 2026FL

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 t

Electrical System
Filed Jul 30, 2026NC

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

Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2026OK

Our engine failed with only 18k miles on it.

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 202610,099 milesFL

The contact owns a 2026 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. Later, while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated unexpectedly in the middle of highway traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off the road and parked in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,099.

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2026TX

2026 CADILLAC ESCALATE WITH 4900 STARTED KNOCKING TOOK TO DEALER TOLD ME IT HAD SPUN A MAIN BEARING REPLACED ENGINE NOW NEW ENGINE SOUNDS THE SAME TAKING BACK TO DEALER

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2026FL

While driving my 2026 Cadillac Escalade with approximately 15,000 miles, I experienced a sudden loss of engine power. I was able to safely move the vehicle onto the shoulder of the road. The vehicle would not continue operating and required towing. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle with a catastrophic internal engine failure requiring complete engine replacement. The engine is the 6.2L V8. There were no prior indications that the engine was about to fail.

Engine
Filed Jul 11, 2026FL

Complete engine failure at 7000 miles.

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2026TX

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND KNOCKING/BUMPING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE AREA AND SMOKING BADLY. ALMOST IMEDAITALLY LOSING POWER. OIL SPRAY FROM ENGINE COVERED RUNNING BOARDS AND BACK OF VEHICLE. NOT SURE OF EXACT COMPONENTS COULD ASLO BE MORE POWERTRAIN COMPONENTS AND NOT JUST ENGINE. WE CAN MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR INSPECTION IF NEEDED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED "CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE" . WE HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN DETAILS ON EXACT CAUSE OR COMPONENTS. SAFETY OF DRIVER AND THREE PASENGERS WERE PUT AT RISK AS THE ISSUE HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC RISKING CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. SAT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR TWO HOURS WAITING ON TOW TRUCK FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT DELAERSHIP AS THEY HAVE NOT YET TOLD US THE EXACT ISSUE BUT IT IS AN ENGINE/POWERTRAIN FAILURE IS ALL THEY HAVE SAID. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT AUTHORIZED CADILAC DEALERSHIP IN LAMESA, TX. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SOUNDS BEFORE THE ENGINE NOISE AND LOSS OF POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON UNTIL ENGINE POWER HAD BEEN LOSSED AND SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT COME ON FOR A FEW MINUTES AFTER LOSING ENGINE POWER.

Engine
Filed May 7, 2026TX

Complete engine failure. Car stalled out at highway speeds and nearly caused collision. Would not turn over to be moved off freeway.

Engine
Filed Apr 23, 2026VA

The engine failed my check engine light came on, it was in the middle of traffic on 4/2/2026. the vehicle had a very rough idle it went away and then came back and then rough idle again I had 2 miles to go to reach my home and then it just shut off. I called the dealer immediately and then I call AAA I received a loaner from the dealer, and they said they would set up a meeting with the tech advisor and myself. My 2026 Cadillac escalate only had 3186 miles on it I was told by the dealership that it was a bearing issue.

Engine
Filed Mar 28, 2026MI

Driving on freeway, engine starting knocking loudly and completely failed. I blew an engine on my 2023 escalade esv as well. Seems like the recall might need to be extended to the 2026 models as well.

Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2026GA

On March 21, 2026 while traveling at approximately 70 mph on a public highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of propulsion. The vehicle stalled in active traffic, creating an immediate and life-threatening hazard. Following the stall, the vehicle’s system failed, and the vehicle would not engage any gear, including “Park” or “Neutral.” Consequently, the vehicle could not be towed by standard means and required a specialized car carrier to be transported to Heritage Cadillac in Morrow, GA 30260.

Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2026WI

My Escalade had just been into the dealer because the battery died at only 4200 miles. I drove away and after 10 minutes, I was getting warning messages that the engine was overheating and to turn the vehicle off immediately. I had to pull over on the freeway while listening to my engine knock and click. I eventually got it back to the dealer where they were unable to turn the car on and unable to determine the issue other than telling me it’s something with the engine.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 20, 2026MO

ON FEBRUARY 16, 2026, AROUND 4:30 P.M. WE WERE DRIVING OUR NEW CADILLAC ESCALADE SPORT V-SERIES WITH ONLY 900 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AT AROUND 50 MILES PER HOUR ON HIGHWAY T IN FRANKLIN COUNTY TO OUR HOME FROM THE DOG GROOMER WITH OUR 2 LARGE BREED NEWFOUNDLAND DOGS WHO WEIGH 130 POUNDS EACH NAMED [XXX] AND SQUIGGY WHO WERE LAYING DOWN IN THE REAR CARGO AREA WITH THE 3RD ROW SEAT FOLDED DOWN WHEN I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THAT'S WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ANY ALERTS OR WARNING MESSAGES. THEN, SUDDENLY AGAIN WITHOUT ANY ALERTS OR WARNING THE BRAKES LOCKED UP ON THE HIGHWAY THROWING US FORWARD INCLUDING [XXX] AND [XXX] INTO THE BACK SIDES OF OUR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATBACKS. IF ANY OTHER MOTORISTS HAD BEEN FOLLOWING US CLOSELY THEY WOULD HAVE RISK COLLIDING WITH THE REAR BUMPER AREAS OF OUR VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF CHECKED TO MAKE SURE NO OTHER MOTORISTS WERE APPROACHING US WHILE STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE LESS THAN 1 MILE TO OUR HOME. WE UNLOADED [XXX] AND SQUIGGY WHO WERE LUCKILY NOT INJURED AFTER BEING THOWN FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKES UNEXPECTLY LOCKED UP AND CALLED ELCO CADILLAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE SAFETY CONCERNS WE HAD ABOUT THE ENGINE SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND THE SUDDEN UNEXPECTED HARD BRAKING EVENT WE JUST EXPERIENCED AND THAT WE'D BE DRIVING

Electrical System
Filed Feb 12, 2026TX

On February 12, 2026, while driving my 2026 Cadillac Escalade from Corpus Christi to Portland, Texas, I encountered a severe safety issue. While driving on the bridge, the engine started making a loud knocking noise and then abruptly stopped working, causing the vehicle to turn off in the middle of traffic. I have only had my vehicle for a total of 55 days, and the mileage on my vehicle is 2,455 miles. This incident highlights a critical motor failure that poses a significant safety risk.

Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2026WV

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 failed similar to the previous 6.2 L engine recalls. they have ordered a new engine. They are unable to tell me when the new engine will be there or how long it will take for the repairs to be done. I should also mention that our 2022 Cadillac Escalade experienced catastrophic engine failure as well. This led us to our new purchase of the 2026 Escalade. There were no warning signs prior to this catastrophic failure. It put myself and my entire family at significant risk as the failure occurred to highway speed.

All 39 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20271000Routine
2026 — this page39300Do not drive
202521100Routine
202452200Routine
2023143400Routine
202286410Routine
202179910Routine
202014210Routine
201925000Routine
201822110Routine
201751210Routine
201689430Do not drive
201598930Do not drive
201420210Routine
201319410Routine
201220300Routine
201149600Routine
201038300Routine
2009585110Fatalities reported
2008136450Routine
2007230470Above average
200619200Routine
200543410Routine
200469460Routine
200381640Routine
2002115370Routine
20013110Routine
200071430Routine
199939510Routine

Compare every Escalade year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 14, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.