repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
2023 Cadillac EscaladeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 145 owner complaints about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-274 the manufacturer reports only 88% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Cadillac Escalade has problems
145 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
112Engine1 crash/fire/injury
21Power train
15Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
14Fuel/propulsion system
13Engine and engine cooling
6Forward collision avoidance
3Wheels
3Back over prevention
3Service brakes
118 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 112 | 1 |
| Power train | 21 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 15 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 13 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 1 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 11 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2023 Cadillac Escalade recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Brake fluid low warning: lamp
Risk. Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Suspension: rear
Risk. A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Lighting control module: software
Risk. DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Best & worst years
2023 vs. every other Escalade year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Escalade median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2023 Cadillac Escalade safety ratings
2023 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 3 stars (0.0% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard & Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard & Optional
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of motive power due to engine failureOpen
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyOpen
- Loss of motive power due to engine failureLed to recall 25V-274
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyNo recall
In owners' words
What Escalade owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The motor is making lots of weird noises and idling weird. This motor was replaced due to the L87 motor recall and sounds like it’s going to fail again.
After the recall and switching to the new oil viscosity, the 6.2 ltr engine still quit working! Dealership said bearings seized up and metal shavings were found in the oil.
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine (currently at 106,000 miles). The engine suffered sudden engine failure while driving / stalling, creating an immediate traffic hazard. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Cadillac dealership in…
Own a 2023 Escalade?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.