Date: XXX Time: 10:30 am approx. Location: [XXX] Vehicle: Cadillac Escalade VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 25,572 While driving normally, the vehicle experienced sudden engine failure. No prior warning lights provided adequate notice. Vehicle became disabled and required towing. This vehicle is equipped with an engine subject to a known recall. A recall mitigation involving higher-viscosity oil was previously performed by a Cadillac dealership. Concerns regarding the recalled engine were raised with GM directl in May (no call back) and direct with dealer in October 2025 (dismissed by dealer “not thier issue”). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11762964 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety, I would like to report a recurring safety issue involving the instrument cluster in my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: Approximately 170,000 miles The digital instrument cluster/display directly behind the steering wheel intermittently goes completely black while the vehicle is in operation. When this occurs, I lose visibility of the speedometer, odometer, warning information, and other important driver information. The center navigation/infotainment display can remain operational while the driver’s instrument cluster is completely black. This condition originally began before the vehicle reached 70,000 miles. Initially, it occurred only occasionally and the instrument cluster would eventually turn back on by itself. The problem has progressively worsened and, particularly after approximately 120,000miles, the blackouts have become considerably more frequent. The vehicle has been brought to a Cadillac dealership. I was advised that insufficient battery power could be causing the problem. The battery was replaced and the vehicle software was updated. However, the instrument cluster continues to intermittently go completely black. The dealer has now indicated that the complete instrument cluster may need to be replaced. I am reporting this condition because I believe the sudden loss of the speedometer and other critical driver information while operating the vehicle presents a potential safety concern. I respectfully request that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether similar instrument cluster/display failures have been reported by other owners of 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles and whether further investigation may be appropriate. Thank you for reviewing this safety complaint. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758098 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11720698 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to report a serious vehicle safety concern involving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The vehicle is currently displaying the following warning messages: "Service Leveling System" "Vehicle Too Low, Drive with Caution" In addition, the vehicle is visibly sitting lower than normal, indicating a potential suspension system failure. On September 20, 2023, NHTSA announced Recall Campaign Number 23V642000 related to improperly heat-treated rear suspension bolts that could fail and affect vehicle stability and safety. Based on the symptoms my vehicle is exhibiting, I believe it may be experiencing the same defect addressed by this recall. Given the similarity between the reported recall condition and the issues affecting my vehicle, I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter and determine whether my vehicle's VIN should be included in Recall 23V642000 or whether additional investigation is warranted. This condition presents a potential safety risk and requires urgent attention. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your review and response.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761568 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11742807 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov