2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV Engine Problems
Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 71% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 42,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “engine failed” (14% of reports).
- 64engine complaints
- 42,000median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 80%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine failed: mentioned in 9 of 64 complaints (14%)
- Shifted neutral: mentioned in 8 of 64 complaints (13%)
- Loss propulsion: mentioned in 5 of 64 complaints (8%)
- Oil change: mentioned in 5 of 64 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 4 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 64 complaints, 3 mention a crash.
Cadillac Escalade ESV engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Escalade ESV | 11 | 100% | — |
| 2025 Escalade ESV | 7 | 54% | 5,200 |
| 2024 Escalade ESV | 14 | 64% | 15,000 |
| 2023 Escalade ESV | 64 | 71% | 42,000 |
| 2022 Escalade ESV | 44 | 77% | 45,765 |
| 2021 Escalade ESV | 54 | 73% | 80,500 |
| 2020 Escalade ESV | 14 | 64% | 115,118 |
| 2019 Escalade ESV | 20 | 59% | 86,025 |
| 2018 Escalade ESV | 9 | 60% | 104,107 |
| 2017 Escalade ESV | 10 | 26% | 72,725 |
| 2015 Escalade ESV | 2 | 25% | 62,107 |
| 2013 Escalade ESV | 1 | 50% | 130,000 |
| 2012 Escalade ESV | 1 | 33% | 93,875 |
| 2009 Escalade ESV | 2 | 33% | 120,600 |
| 2008 Escalade ESV | 1 | 6% | 91,280 |
| 2007 Escalade ESV | 8 | 21% | 128,500 |
| 2006 Escalade ESV | 1 | 20% | 118,000 |
| 2005 Escalade ESV | 1 | 7% | 123,633 |
| 2003 Escalade ESV | 2 | 17% | 139,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On September 24, 2024, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV stalled while I was driving in traffic and would not restart. I was unable to proceed normally at a green light, creating a risk of a rear-end or other collision. I have video footage of the vehicle unable to proceed. The authorized dealership…
I am filing this safety complaint regarding a critical, unresolved mechanical defect in my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (approx. 80,000 miles). The dealership (Earnhardt Chandler Cadillac) notified me that my vehicle required an engine replacement under a recall/warranty service. Following their…
My 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine, developed an abnormal engine knocking/clicking noise despite previously receiving the remedy for GM engine safety recall N252494000, NHTSA campaign 25V274. On August 21, 2025, at 37,437 miles, Costa Mesa GMC Cadillac performed the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESVs have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 64 owner complaints about engine for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (71% of the 90 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 42,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The most frequent phrase is “engine failed”, in 9 of 64 complaints, followed by “shifted neutral” (8).
See all 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems or engine problems across all Escalade ESV years.