2023 Cadillac Escalade esv
The Verdict
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv has 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (55 complaints) and transmission (6 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 81/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Cadillac Escalade esv, consider the 2024 model year which has 71% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2024 has 71% fewer complaints
View the 2024 Cadillac Escalade esv dashboard →
Klunk Score: Smooth Ride
This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Get notified if a recall hits this car.
We email you when NHTSA issues a new recall on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade esv. No spam, no marketing.
Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Complaints
XXX around 10:30pm I was driving on the expressway about 65mph when the car lost power and turned off without any warning. It immediately shifted into neutral without me shifting gears. I was stranded in the right lane at night with cars driving by. I was extremely nervous I was going to be rear ended. I was able to pull over to the right shoulder on the expressway and then the car wouldn’t start. I had to have it towed to my house. I tried to start it once I got home and it will crank but not start. The car is at the dealership near my house and they have confirmed that my car has engine problems and needs a new engine. The technician said, “It just locked up on you.” Car’s engine still under 100k miles! Car has not being inspected by any other person besides Cadillac dealer. I did not receive any warnings lights or symptoms before car just turned off car started and run just fine all day. I provide all maintenance to the car. I also do oil changes every 5,000 miles because I use this car for my work. I bought the car in December of 24 in [XXX] when it had 5,000 miles on it. I was assured it had no issues then. I have provided all the necessary maintenance. I am now being told a new engine will cost nearly $16,000 with over a months wait to repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VIN [XXX] I did the engine recall. All documented in Braman Cadillac. After the dealer gave me the clear after recall check, they did the GM change of oil etc. But i recently had an afrer recall failure with knock sounds coming from the engine. It is on 3 videos I saved, conditions were while iddle, while driving, while accelerating and braking. so vehicle motionless still had the sound. I had loss of power a few months ago, that I didn't associate to this recall until this sounds that I couldn't reproduce when took the car in, but it is on video. At this point I want my engine replaced and I need help with it as the solutions given from dealership are insuficient given the scope of problem. the car obly has 37k miles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving and the highway speed was about 55 mph and suddenly the car shut off and I was in a very dangerous spot
The night vision camera lens on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV cracked from what appears to be road debris during normal highway driving. No collision occurred. The crack — a star pattern consistent with a rock strike — was discovered during a service visit on December 1, 2025 (RO 502394, 37,314 miles). I was not aware of the failure prior to that visit, meaning the safety system may have been inoperative for an unknown period. The lens is positioned very low on the driver side grille with no protection — directly in the path of road debris at highway speeds. This placement of a standard glass lens on a safety-critical system appears to be a design defect. Research confirms multiple Cadillac owners across the Escalade and XT6 have reported identical cracking from road debris, suggesting a systemic issue across GM night vision systems. Replacement cost is $1,701.23 and requires a proprietary tool available only at Cadillac dealers. GM has categorized this as a road hazard requiring an insurance claim rather than addressing it as a design defect.
On XXX, Dimmitt Cadillac of Pinellas Park confirmed three tires on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX]) at 3/32" tread depth with alignment wear damage — unsafe for highway travel at 41,796 miles. A fourth tire replaced via warranty at 20,586 miles is now at 7/32". All four tires are destroyed or degraded. This alignment condition was never identified or communicated across six service visits at two authorized Cadillac dealerships spanning March 2024 through December 2025, each including tire rotations and multi-point inspections by certified technicians. It was mentioned once on August 1, 2025 as a routine upsell with no urgency, no description of existing damage, and no warning that tires were being destroyed. The vehicle showed no symptoms of alignment loss — no pulling, vibration, or handling anomaly. No collision, pothole strike, or road hazard occurred. The condition developed within two years and 25,000 miles of purchase with no identifiable external cause, raising the possibility of a chassis or suspension defect affecting other 2023 Escalade ESV vehicles. Dealerships: Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa, 101 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa FL 33612 — Dimmitt Cadillac Pinellas Park, 3333 Gandy Blvd, Pinellas Park FL 33781. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
An intermittent orange flashing light in or near the heads-up display area has been reported at multiple service visits on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX]) with no resolution. First reported XXX (RO XXX, Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa) — could not duplicate. Reported again May 13, 2025 (RO XXX) — could not duplicate. The issue continues to occur intermittently as of this filing. The orange flash occurs during nighttime driving and is visible to the driver. No cause has been identified and no fix has been provided across multiple authorized dealership visits. An unresolved intermittent flashing light in the driver's field of vision during highway driving is a distraction hazard. Dealership: Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa, 101 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa FL 33612. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Just got the call from the dealership BAYWAY Cadillac of The Woodlands that the L87 V-8 engine recall failed inspection and the engine will need to be replaced.
Engine failure shortly after recall remedy performed by dealer. Recall 25V-274 / N252494000. Sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds with no warning. Engine stalls and will not restart. Vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral without engine running making it impossible to get vehicle to safety and out of traffic. Dealer confirmed that engine seized as part of recall and will need to be replaced, despite having recall oil change remedy performed. Cadillac case file #98347975
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV - passed Safety Recall N252494001 L87 in August of 2025. March 2026 experienced loss of propulsion (while driving), major noise and violent shaking. Every warning came on. There were no other symptoms Very fortunate no one was behind us as vehicle completely stopped on road. Reported problem to dealer and took into them. Said it was serpentine belt and we were charged to replace (they never showed us the belt nor took a picture of it. In April 2026 the same exact issue occurred with complete propulsion failure (vehicle dies abruptly with significant noise and shaking) on the road near home (nearly hit by following traffic). Called dealer, told to not move the vehicle and we had to have it towed to same dealer. In shop now for 2 weeks, we have heard 3 different reasons with no fix of the issues. They will not call us. We have to phone them and it is a different issue each time we call. We were told GM is involved; but we have had no verification.
SUBJ: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sudden Loss of Power I am reporting a safety issue involving a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX] ). On April 19, 2026 (late evening into early April 20), while traveling approximately 70 mph on [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power without warning. This created an immediate safety hazard, nearly resulting in a collision. I was able to exit the highway, but the vehicle lost all acceleration and became disabled in the middle of a dark off-ramp with oncoming traffic approaching from behind. OnStar was contacted and Virginia State Police responded due to the unsafe location. A trooper remained on scene with emergency lights to redirect traffic and prevent a collision. Due to the hazardous conditions, the trooper arranged an emergency tow. I incurred $389.61 in out-of-pocket towing costs. The vehicle was taken to a tow yard, and my AAA Premier coverage then towed it 189 miles to Miller Brothers Cadillac in Ellicott City, MD. The dealership diagnosed catastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement at approximately 53,000 miles. There were no meaningful warning indicators prior to the sudden loss of power. This vehicle was purchased from Sons Chevrolet / Cadillac in Columbus, GA in December 2025 as a Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac and had already required multiple repairs shortly after purchase. The vehicle is currently at Miller Brothers Cadillac awaiting complete engine replacement and is available for inspection. This sudden loss of power at highway speed presents a serious safety risk and could have resulted in a severe accident or loss of life. Given the absence of warning and catastrophic failure at relatively low mileage, I am concerned this may indicate a broader safety defect rather than an isolated incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving approximately 55 miles per hour vehicle started making loud knocking noise then vehicle shifted to neutral. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Waiting for inspection to confirm engine failure. Vehicle has 32,000 miles.
6.2 liter L87 engine failed on highway at 101363 miles.
The original engine was replaced in my Escalade in September 2025 under the GM Engine Recall. The original engine was working, but it failed the inspection at the dealership and was replaced. March 1st, 2026 the Escalade died while driving. Police came and helped block traffic and called a tow truck since the engine was dead. The Escalade was towed back to the same dealership and they confirmed the newly replaced engine failed under the same bulletin that mandated the replacement of the original engine.
The engine failed on I-17 while driving 75MPH on 2/14/2026. The car shifted into neutral and was able to coast on to the berm of the interstate. The car was towed to Flagstaff Chevrolet and was determined to have engine failure and is waiting for a replacement engine. When the engine failed a warning message came on warning of severe engine overheating and shut down and the car automatically shifted into neutral.
On 5/8/2024, at approximately 18,969 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of engine power while driving on the highway in the rain with my family inside. The engine died, the vehicle lost all propulsion creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Dealer diagnosis revealed a catastrophic crankshaft main bearing failure, requiring a full engine replacement. Since the engine repair, the vehicle has exhibited persistent intermittent/unintended brake activation. The brakes engage without driver input causing "Service Brake" messages, excessive and premature brake pad/rotor wear (replaced three times in a matter of months due to heat and dust from repeated activation), grinding, squealing, and locked caliper incidents. The vehicle has been inspected by two Cadillac Dealerships without any remedy except replacing warranty parts. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed the issue is likely related to the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. To drive safely, we must disable the collision avoidance and traction control features. This has been reported on multiple repair orders and matches complaints from other 2023-2025 Escalade and GM SUV owners. Total documented downtime since first failure exceeds 160+ calendar days. Problems remained unresolved despite warranty repairs, software updates, recalls, and the L87 engine replacement. The sudden engine failure endangered my family and the ongoing phantom braking creates risk of collision or loss of control, especially at highway speeds. I have been forced to disable critical safety systems to prevent unintended braking. This vehicle is directly affected by the L87 defect that prompted federal recall and investigations. Please include my complaint in the ongoing EA25007 and RQ26001 investigations and consider my case in any further actions regarding the adequacy of GM's remedies. Please contact me for dealer repair orders and independent mechanic findings.
6.2 engine had the recall fix done to it. It did not work because the engine seized up yesterday
On Saturday 2/14/26 our Escalade was making a light ticking noise. We made an appointment to bring it in for service, earliest appointment was 2/17/26. On the evening of 2/14 the vehicle died on the freeway and had to be towed to the local dealer after it would not start, Crest View Cadillac in Rochester Hills, MI. Our service write Tony Griffin, confirmed verbally on 2/16 that the vehicle most likely will need an engine replacement, but had to be inspected first. I emailed him on 2/19 as I had no update and he let me know it needs more diagnostics but it will be getting an engine replacement. As of 2/21 the vehicle is still sitting in the parking lot with the battery now dead. I was given a loaner vehicle that is not at all suitable or nearly equivalent to my current vehicle. I have been given an electric Cadillac Lyriq and have no means to charge it.
Vehicle was taken in to L87 engine recall in Sept 2025. Passed said inspection on September 29, 2025 and new higher viscosity oil was put in the vehicle. Feb 14, 2026 - driving the vehicle down the highway at 70mph. Car shifts to neutral, engine turns off and losses propulsion. Manage to get to the shoulder of the highway. Vehicle would not restart or turn on. We were traveling with our 3 small children in the car. Stranded on the side of the highway until a family member could come pick us up. Took 18hours through Cadillac roadside assistance to find a tow truck. After 3 calls to the local dealership, 2 days later I was told the engine failed due to the L87 recall and a full engine replacement is required.
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer at 51,000 miles, and stated that the engine would be inspected, and if necessary, repaired or replaced. Additionally, the vehicles that passed the inspection, dealers would add higher viscosity oil, install a 6-oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the Owner's manual. After driving 16,000 additional miles, approximately 6 months later, the engine started knocking, and the vehicle accelerated slowly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who had inspected the engine. The contact stated that when the engine was inspected, it caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired under the recall due to the recall being considered closed, and the title was now considered a Salvage Title, even though the vehicle did not have a Salvage Title when the engine was inspected. The engine was ordered and was scheduled to be replaced at the Owner's expense. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
For the second time, engine stalled out and car would not start. Going 75 miles per hour on major highway on cruise control and engine just stopped in the middle of the road. Major hazard and crash risk, unable to restart car and had to be towed. Trafffic was dodging vehicle and it was a major safety hazard. Approximately 7 months ago, the car would not start and had to be towed; we reported the incident to dealership, were told there was nothing wrong and there was no diagnosis. We inquired about the engine recall at that time and were told our vehicle was no affected. Our issues are exactly the same ones being stated as part of the recall for the same make/model/year for engine failure or this vehicle. Lives were put in danger today and we are fortunate there was not crash given location and speed of vehicle when engine failed abruptly. Towed to dealership, car remains there without diagnosis and we are no longer comfortable driving vehicle.
70 total