Diagsheet

Fifth generation · first-year watch

2026 Cadillac Escalade, day 228

  • 30complaints since Jan 28, 2026
  • 3recalls
  • 0involved a crash
  • 5,000median miles at failure

Newest report Sep 8, 2026 · checked Sep 13, 2026

Changed since August

  • 3 new complaints in September, mostly about engine, fuel and propulsion and electrical.
  • Nothing filed yet on sticky steering, transmission failure or fire.
  • 17th most complaints of the 69 2026 models on this site.
2026 Cadillac Escalade
Photo: HJUdall, Wikimedia Commons, CC0

What's been reported

NHTSA's own component codes. One report can cite several.

  • Engine
    29
  • Electrical
    3
  • Fuel and propulsion
    3
  • Transmission and drivetrain
    2
  • Other
    2
  • Collision avoidance
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Structure
    1

Problems so far

  • Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 24 reports
  • Engine stalls or loses power while driving 13 reports

Recent reports

“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.”

Filed Sep 8, 2026

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

Filed Sep 8, 2026

“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.”

Filed Aug 31, 2026

“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.”

Filed Aug 27, 2026

NHTSA investigations

EA26-005opened Aug 20, 2026
Engine · model years 2021 to 2026

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.

NHTSA summary
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 received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period c

Recalls

Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

26V-304May 14, 2026
Wheels:Hub

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 and remedy
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.
26V-289May 7, 2026
Do not drive Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)

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 and remedy
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.
26V-114Feb 26, 2026
Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual

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 and remedy
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.

The log

Complaints by the month NHTSA received them, newest first. Dark bars mark a month with a recall or an investigation.

Sep 2026
3Engine, Fuel and propulsion
Aug 2026
12Engine, Structure investigation EA26005
Jul 2026
6Engine, Electrical
Jun 2026
1Engine
May 2026
1Engine recall 26V-289: Transmission and drivetrain recall 26V-304: Wheels
Apr 2026
1Engine, Transmission and drivetrain
Mar 2026
3Engine, Fuel and propulsion
Feb 2026
2Engine, Electrical recall 26V-114: Equipment
Jan 2026
1Engine

Other model years