2023 Cadillac Escalade · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 71owner reports
- 29,434median miles
- $120median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
117 of the 138 complaints on this car are about the engine. 71 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2023 Escalade.
Tick what matches of 71 reports
Engine failure on other Escalade years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (71 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2023 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
All 4 recalls on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Escalade
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.
What owners paid
5 of the 71 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $110 to $130.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 15,000 and 38,658 miles, from the 33 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 6 service bulletins or notices for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
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 bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the engine lifter bores may be oversized. Dealers are to replace the engine.
This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be the main cause of an engine failure.
2 more on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade page.
What owners wrote
“My vehicle was recalled under N252494002 L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion. The car was taken to the dealership June 19, 2025 and determined to require a engine replacement. The dealer has had the vehicle for a month without repair of the vehicle. This seems like an unreasonable time to replace the engine.”
Filed Jul 19, 2025
“Currently under an open, incomplete safety recall (GM Program #N252494000 / NHTSA 25V274) for the L87 engine defect that can cause catastrophic engine failure and complete loss of propulsion.”
Filed Jul 1, 2025
“2023 Cadillac Escalade engine failure at 23,000 miles while driving at 70 mph on a very rural area in Central Florida. Engine failure and need replacing engine. We have lost value and resale in vehicle because of faulty GM parts.”
Filed Apr 28, 2025 · 23,000 miles
“I was driving down the road. I accelerated to the speed limit of 55mph. This was not a quick acceleration. As I reached 55mph, my car seized up. The dash board went out, the engine shut off and I wasn't able to brake. I managed to coast until I came to a stop in the roadway. My car would not turn back on and I was told my engine seized and had to be replaced”
Filed Apr 15, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 71 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 42 reports