NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation: Loss of Motive Power Due to Engine Failure in Cadillac Escalade (PE25-001)

PE25-001 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Cadillac Escalade?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM's full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine.

These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine's bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure.

If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.

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

GM's recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure.

To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure.

GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs.

ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274.

Based on GM's recall, ODI will close this PE.

NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007).

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

What is a preliminary evaluation?

Preliminary Evaluation is the first stage of a federal defect investigation. NHTSA reviews complaints, crash reports and manufacturer data to decide whether a safety defect may exist. It can close with no action, be upgraded to an engineering analysis, or end with a recall.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall 25V274000 as the result of this investigation: 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade Engine Recall (25V274).

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Cadillac Escalade owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 7,749 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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