Is 6.2l l87 engine failure and loss of propulsion a known issue with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?

37 NHTSA complaints have been filed about 6.2l l87 engine failure and loss of propulsion on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv (2021-07 → 2026-08). Reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11755799): "The engine was not repaired or replaced. On [DATE], while driving, the vehicle hesitated and lost power under acceleration. Engine noise then increased progressively until I pulled over on the side of the road. The engine stopped running and would not restart" Source: NHTSA.

Is recall 25v274 remedy adequacy and vin exclusion disputes a known issue with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about recall 25v274 remedy adequacy and vin exclusion disputes on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv (2025-08 → 2026-08). Reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11755963): "The recall inspection was completed and the vehicle passed, so GM performed the 0W-40 higher-viscosity-oil remedy rather than engine replacement. The vehicle has a history of unexplained oil loss with no obvious external leak, including a prior low-oil warning" Source: NHTSA.

Is transmission gear shift anomaly and unintended movement a known issue with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about transmission gear shift anomaly and unintended movement on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv (2022-12 → 2024-02). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11572391): "I had my 2021 Cadillac Escalade esv vehicle service twice at the dealership of purchase regarding the vehicle gear shifting on its own and dragging. The service advisor said they couldn’t find a problem with the vehicle. He told bring it back if it does it again. [XXX] the…" Source: NHTSA.

2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is recall repair parts unavailability and dealer delays a known issue with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about recall repair parts unavailability and dealer delays on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv (2025-06 → 2026-04). Reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11684587): "The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is engine lifter and camshaft valve train failure a known issue with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about engine lifter and camshaft valve train failure on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv (2021-09 → 2023-01). Reported component: ENGINE, POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11446506): "I heard which to me sounds like metal hammers clanking together. I immediately turn off the truck. In my experience it sounded like lifters and pistons out of sync. If I had been traveling to work this would have left me stranded on the freeway. I called roadside to set an…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is door latch and lock actuator malfunction a known issue with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about door latch and lock actuator malfunction on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv (2025-08 → 2026-02). Reported component: STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11677698): "Twice in the last 6 months the vehicle doors have locked at random while the key was inside the vehicle. Both times, my children were trapped in the vehicle exposed to potential heat issues. Fortunately, in both cases the doors were able to be opened through another door that…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is engine coolant control valve failure and reduced acceleration a known issue with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about engine coolant control valve failure and reduced acceleration on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv (2025-05 → 2026-02). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11724797): "a check engine light produced code P1098, engine coolant control valve position sensor performance. Code caused the cooling fans to run continuously when the engine reached a certain temperature and the vehicle had reduced acceleration, which posed a safety hazard when driving…" Source: NHTSA.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv carries 10 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering steering control module and driveshaft. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “6.2L L87 engine failure and loss of propulsion.” Cadillac uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm watches engine revolutions, temperature, and load, then lights the change-oil message — typically around 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, with dexos-approved oil. Turbo fours in ATS, CT4, XT4, and XT5 are harder on oil than the indicator suggests in short-trip driving. Northstar-era V8s (DeVille, Seville, Eldorado) live and die by their cooling system — coolant condition checks are not optional on those cars. Escalade shares its 6.2L V8 and 10-speed with GM's trucks and follows the same fluid schedule.

10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Campaign #21V455000 · Jun 17, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #22V036000 · Jan 27, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.

Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V811000 · Dec 23, 2020

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Campaign #21V739000 · Sep 23, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

Campaign #21V421000 · Oct 6, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.

Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #21V190000 · Mar 18, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.

Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #22V617000 · Nov 8, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.

Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #22V827000 · Mar 11, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #24V797000 · Oct 24, 2024

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Campaign #25V274000 · Apr 24, 2025

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv.

2 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Action #EA25007 · opened Oct 23, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Year…
View on NHTSA →
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Action #EA26005 · opened Aug 20, 2026
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 comple…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

6.2L L87 engine failure and loss of propulsion

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

37 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2026-08

“The engine was not repaired or replaced. On [DATE], while driving, the vehicle hesitated and lost power under acceleration. Engine noise then increased progressively until I pulled over on the side of the road. The engine stopped running and would not restart”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755799

“We were told by Denny Menholt later that day that there was a bearing failure of the rod and piston on cylinder #8 and that the entire engine block was destroyed resulting in the need of a whole new engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669682

“Car full of kids, going down the expressway in the fast lane the car completely shuts off with no warning. I had to merge four lanes to get to the side of the road and my kids and I could have been in huge trouble if I didn’t remain calm”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637330

“Engine completely seized on [XXX] pulling a trailer and boat. Vehicle was equipped to pull weight. Was stranded with 4 kids with very little cell service for over six hours”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11651064

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall 25V274 remedy adequacy and VIN exclusion disputes

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-08

“The recall inspection was completed and the vehicle passed, so GM performed the 0W-40 higher-viscosity-oil remedy rather than engine replacement. The vehicle has a history of unexplained oil loss with no obvious external leak, including a prior low-oil warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755963

“My 2021 Cadillac experienced a catastrophic engine failure that is mechanically identical to a known GM engine defect currently under recall. GM has denied coverage solely because my VIN is not included, despite the failure matching recall symptoms and diagnostics”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717056

“Since April 2025, my 2021 escalade has been losing oil quickly. No leak externally has been found. The recent recall found "no engine problems" and placed new thicker oil, but the leak continues with us losing significant amounts of oil every 500 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706007

“Had it towed to the dealership, they are saying the ther is an issue with a rod and engine is blown and needs a new engine. They are describing the same exact issue that this motor is on recall for other vehicles with the same motor and same year, but for some reason the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681970

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall repair parts unavailability and dealer delays

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2025-06 → 2026-04

“The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11684587

“My vehicle has a recall and I took it to the dealer on the 28th of June and this is the date that I still do not have my vehicle. I have a report at Cadillac to replace the engine. The dealer sends all the information to GM Cadillac to authorize the engine replacement since it…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685884

“The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000(Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle remained with the dealer for 90 days, and an…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11674245

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine lifter and camshaft valve train failure

ENGINE, POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-09 → 2023-01

“I heard which to me sounds like metal hammers clanking together. I immediately turn off the truck. In my experience it sounded like lifters and pistons out of sync. If I had been traveling to work this would have left me stranded on the freeway. I called roadside to set an…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446506

“Back in August of 2022 my 2021 Cadillac Escalade started having severe engine roughness, a check engine light, and an error saying that most of the collision safety features had been disabled. I was able to limp the vehicle into a GMC dealer who informed me that Cadillac had…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498049

“Engine breakdown in middle of the road. Lifter valves failed and had to be taken in for complete Engine repair/replacement. Dealership is currently repairing. Vehicle is available to inspect after repair if requested. Lifter valves Engine failure confirmed by dealership.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637889

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door latch and lock actuator malfunction

STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-02

“Twice in the last 6 months the vehicle doors have locked at random while the key was inside the vehicle. Both times, my children were trapped in the vehicle exposed to potential heat issues. Fortunately, in both cases the doors were able to be opened through another door that…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677698

“The door frequently cannot be opened from either the inside or the outside. At first, I believed the problem was related to the child safety lock. However, even after confirming that the child safety lock is fully disengaged, the door still fails to open from both inside and…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716503

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission gear shift anomaly and unintended movement

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2024-02

“I had my 2021 Cadillac Escalade esv vehicle service twice at the dealership of purchase regarding the vehicle gear shifting on its own and dragging. The service advisor said they couldn’t find a problem with the vehicle. He told bring it back if it does it again. [XXX] the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11572391

“Ever since the lifters broke in the new vehicle (which the dealer now tells us is a defect in the engine and that the lifters keep breaking; it was not a "bad delivery of lifters" as we were initially told), the car idles very rough and has power surges. Today sitting at a red…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499497

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine coolant control valve failure and reduced acceleration

ENGINE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05 → 2026-02

“a check engine light produced code P1098, engine coolant control valve position sensor performance. Code caused the cooling fans to run continuously when the engine reached a certain temperature and the vehicle had reduced acceleration, which posed a safety hazard when driving…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724797

“GM has a coolant control valve issue that impacts all Escalades and Suburban vehicles. Vehicle will maintain speed as a result of issue. This is a huge safety issue. All of a sudden the car drops to 45mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11662452

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — sooner if the climate fan has lost its punch.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On Northstar V8s this is the schedule that decides the engine's fate — low or contaminated coolant is how head-gasket trouble starts. Check level and condition at every oil change on those cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped models and anything with Super Cruise use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, and expect shorter life from the electrical load these cars carry parked.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv reflects Cadillac's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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