NHTSA Engineering Analysis: Loss of Motive Power Due to Engine Failure Post Recall… (EA26-005)

EA26-005 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Cadillac Escalade?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

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 completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement.

General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024.

GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue.

GM's recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure.

ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy.

To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement.

Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274.

GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure.

ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure.

ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall.

To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What is an engineering analysis?

Engineering Analysis is the second, deeper stage of a federal defect investigation, opened when a preliminary evaluation finds enough evidence. NHTSA can test vehicles and demand detailed engineering data, and this stage often ends with a recall or a recall request.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Cadillac Escalade owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 8,495 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2025-2026 Cadillac Escalade Wheel Hub Recall (26V304)
• 2026 Cadillac Escalade Transfer Case Recall (26V289)
• 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner's Manual Recall (26V114)
• 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Transmission Valve Body Recall (26V085)
• 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Drivetrain Software Recall (26V083)
• 2025 GMC Yukon Latch and Anchor Recall (25V876)
• 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner's Manual Recall (25V815)
• 2021 Cadillac Escalade Fuel Tank Recall (25V619)
• 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade Engine Recall (25V274)
• 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Active Shutters and Grill Recall (25V060)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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