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2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade Esv carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering software and rear. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “L87 engine failure and loss of propulsion at speed.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #22V903000 · Aug 12, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL 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: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC 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 N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #23V642000 · Sep 20, 2023

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.

Risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. 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 N232415910.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP

Campaign #24V674000 · Dec 9, 2024

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

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.

Fix: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.

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 2023 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

L87 engine failure and loss of propulsion at speed

ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

42 NHTSA complaints · 2022-11 → 2026-08

“While traveling at 75 mph, our SUV suddenly lost power going uphill. We barely reached the crest and were able to coast down to a safe place off the highway. We were stranded 300 miles from home and nearly 100 miles from the closest Cadillac dealership”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755805
“I was driving on the expressway about 65mph when the car lost power and turned off without any warning. It immediately shifted into neutral without me shifting gears. I was stranded in the right lane at night with cars driving by”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748860
“Feb 14, 2026 - driving the vehicle down the highway at 70mph. Car shifts to neutral, engine turns off and losses propulsion. Manage to get to the shoulder of the highway. Vehicle would not restart or turn on. We were traveling with our 3 small children in the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718736
“driving down [XXX] in Delaware at 68mph, with no prior warning my Cadillac Escalade had a total power loss and shifted into neutral in the center lane of a 4 lane highway nearing causing a collision that could of took my life as well as my 3 children”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652761

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine failure after or despite recall 25V274 remedy

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

12 NHTSA complaints · 2025-07 → 2026-08

“Engine failure shortly after recall remedy performed by dealer. Recall 25V-274 / N252494000. Sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds with no warning. Engine stalls and will not restart. Vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral without engine running making it…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737378
“The original engine was replaced in my Escalade in September 2025 under the GM Engine Recall. The original engine was working, but it failed the inspection at the dealership and was replaced. March 1st, 2026 the Escalade died while driving. Police came and helped block…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727461
“6.2 engine had the recall fix done to it. It did not work because the engine seized up yesterday”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11720032
“The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control activated, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact received notification of…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11684499

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall 25V274 remedy unavailable or delayed at dealership

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05 → 2025-09

“Despite my VIN being actively flagged under this recall and the serious safety implications involved, the authorized GM dealership has repeatedly refused to perform the required inspection outlined as the first phase of the official recall remedy. Their justification is that the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661873
“I was informed of this recall 25V274 but the issue has yet to be resolved despite my attempts to schedule service. I contacted Marvin K Brown on May 9th 2025. I have been unable to get a clear timeline for repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663515
“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 engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680621

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

10-speed transmission valve body failure

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-04 → 2025-08

“The transmission needs a new valve body at 43,491 mile, and is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk because I was driving on the highway at approximately 70mph, when all of a sudden I received a loss of power message on my dashboard along with the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657311
“10 speed transmission valve body failed with 14k miles which resulted in inability to accelerate/shift and the car would not shift into reverse. After researching this appears to be a very common problem experienced by owners of other GM vehicles with the same 10 speed…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660745
“Auto started for about 5 minutes. Got in started vehicle and drove off. Immediately sounded like a motorcycle, loud exhaust. Volume of noise increased, upon acceleration. Checked under vehicle for exhaust problems when got to destination, 30…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681499

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera parking grid lines absent or unavailable

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2023-08

“No Grid Lines on back up camera or forward camera views. The grid line option is grayed out and unavailable. A hourglass icon appears constantly as indicating an issue. This makes reversing into parking spaces very difficult”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496200
“THE CAMERA FRONT/REAR GUIDELINES/ ARE MISSING MAKING PARKING AND OTHER THINGS VERY DANGEROUS TO COMSUMERS AND PEDESTRIANS. PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS SINCE THESE VEHICLES ARE BEING SOLD LIKE THIS AND GM HAD KNOWLEDGE OF THIS YET THEY DO NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506713
“The rear park gridlines are not getting activated. Dealer mentioned that there is a bug in an infotainment system but its been open from last 6-9 months and not resolved. This really affecting my parking ability”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11531614

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Night vision camera lens cracking from road debris

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 NHTSA complaint · 2026-06 → 2026-06

“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742807

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air ride suspension leveling system malfunction

SUSPENSION, WHEELS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2026-06

“Now I have 22k miles on the truck and have had nothing but constant issues with the air ride suspension. I have taken it to two separate Cadillac dealerships and neither fixed the issue, they said they fixed the issue but I keep having the issue. Now, what the truck is doing…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636689
“Dimmitt Cadillac of Pinellas Park confirmed three tires on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV (VIN: [XXX]) at 3/32" tread depth with alignment wear damage — unsafe for highway travel at 41,796 miles. A fourth tire replaced via warranty at 20,586 miles is now at 7/32". All four tires…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742810

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 full synthetic on modern engines; Blackwing and supercharged V-Series run hotter and should not stretch the indicator. Northstar V8s: watch for consumption and leaks at the rear main and oil-pan perimeter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two. Staggered-fitment V-Series cars can't rotate front-to-rear; budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Brembo-equipped V-Series wear faster than the base cars; magnetic-ride models should also get a look at shock condition while it's on the lift.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM lists roughly 45,000 miles under severe service (which includes most city commuting) for the 6/8/10-speed automatics. Older 4T80-E units behind Northstars respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Turbo fours (ATS 2.0T, CT4, XT4): roughly every 60,000 miles. Naturally-aspirated V6s and V8s carry iridium plugs rated to 97,500–100,000 miles — check the manual for your engine.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at oil changes in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM recommends fluid replacement about every 45,000 miles or 3 years. Magnetic-ride and V-Series cars driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing. Supercharged V-Series engines have a second, dedicated blower belt — inspect both.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

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 2023 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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