2023 Cadillac Escalade recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights — software update
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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."
What could happen: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 1-80…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2023 ESCALADE.
- This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-888-988-7267.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Summary: 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."
Consequence: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
2. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
What could happen: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2023 ESCALADE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V642000 (manufacturer code N232415910).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
3. Brakes — software update
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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."
What could happen: 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.
The 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 custom…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2023 ESCALADE.
- This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-462-8782.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
4. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. 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.
What could happen: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The 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 J…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2023 ESCALADE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 25V274000 (manufacturer code N252494000).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-333-4223.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (121), Transmission / drivetrain (21), Electrical system (16), Fuel system (14), Unknown Or Other (10).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/15/2026 · Engine
Vehicle passed the L87 V8 recall inspection, but subsequently suffered sudden engine failure/knocking.
10/06/2026 · Engine
Around May 2025; we noticed a ticking/knocking noise coming from our engine. We popped the hood, confirmed the noise was coming from somewhere in the engine. Shut the vehicle off, noticed that the drive belt was significantly damaged/frayed. Brought it to the dealership - they we were informed that our engine had failed related to the GM 2025 recall. Engine…
10/02/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
The engine stalled in the middle of an intersection ([XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
09/30/2026 · Engine
I received a recall notice for catastrophic engine failure on my 2023 Cadillac Escalade sport platinum. I took it into Cable Dahmer Caddy Sales. They ran a test and added a thicker oil. My check engine light turns on roughly every 40 to 60 days and I take it to get service and it usually comes back with no error but why is the check engine light keep poppin…
09/29/2026 · Engine
Driving down freeway and engine started making engine clicking noise, lights for engine, Stabil- Trak and numerous others came on. Gas pedal made even louder noise and shaking as i pulled over as i could not keep driving as it sounded like engine was going to blow up. limped off the road and took it to dealer. of course, they are saying it's a lifter failur…
09/26/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum, VIN [XXX], equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8. The vehicle has a recurring vibration/shudder during steady, light-throttle driving, particularly in the low 30 mph range and again around 53 mph. At approximately 53 mph, the vibration can remain sustained while speed and throttle are held steady and generally stops or improv…
09/23/2026 · Unknown Or Other
Repeated Check engine light due to emissions systems Problem cannot be fixed even after several repairs with GM TAC case help
09/15/2026 · Engine
Prior to purchasing my 2023 Cadillac Escalade, I was informed the vehicle had been subject to an engine recall. The dealership told me the corrective action was changing the oil from 0W-20 to 0W-40, replacing the filter, and updating the oil cap. I was assured this resolved the issue and that I should not experience future problems. Based on those assurance…