There are 5 owner-reported powertrain & transmission complaints for the 2024 Cadillac Escaladein NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Component/System Involved: Engine / Powertrain and Vehicle Electronic Control Systems, including Serial Data Gateway Module Description of Failure: While driving at highway speed (approximately 60 mph), the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion without warning. Engine power was lost while traveling on an interstate, forcing me to pull onto the shoulder without propulsion. The loss-of-power event occurred more than once during the same trip. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Cadillac dealership for inspection. Dealer diagnosis confirmed internal mechanical engine failure, including metal debris present in the engine oil, requiring full engine replacement. During diagnostic procedures, the dealership also identified electrical communication faults involving the serial data gateway module, including voltage fluctuation and wiring chafing within the vehicle harness. These faults caused loss-of-communication conditions between control modules and required repair. Safety Risk: The loss of propulsion occurred at highway speed with passengers present in the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. Sudden power loss on an interstate increased the risk of collision due to the inability to maintain speed or maneuver safely in traffic. Confirmation / Inspection: The failure was confirmed by an authorized Cadillac dealership. The engine was removed and replaced due to internal damage. Electrical communication faults related to the serial data gateway module were also confirmed and repaired. Warning Indicators: No warning lamps or alerts were displayed prior to the loss of propulsion. Communication faults were identified during post-failure diagnostics. Current Status: The vehicle has undergone engine replacement and electronic repairs and is currently under post-repair monitoring due to the severity and safety implications of the failure. Availability for Inspection: The vehicle and repair documentation should be available through dealership
The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Escalade. The contact accidentally spilled coffee on the center console and the cupholder. The service transmission and shift message were displayed. The lights illuminated on the gear shifter. The display was flashing on and off. The contact stated that while driving, the message to slow-down to shift gear was displayed. The contact tested the vehicle in reverse(R), drive(D), and park(P). The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly slowed down to 10 MPH and slammed into park(P). The vehicle failed to move. While the vehicle was idling, the vehicle started to roll. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined there was no coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
While driving on a major highway and traveling at 80 mph or so, the vehicle flashed a warning light saying “Press Start Again.” I noticed the gas pedal was no longer responding and the RPM gauge dropped to zero. The vehicle shifted itself into neutral and I was forced to steer the truck to a shoulder and scraped the underside of the front ground effect trim. The vehicle then shifted into park and would not start. When a tow operator arrived, the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral to be towed and the electric parking brake kept activating by itself while trying to load and unload the vehicle from the flatbed. The vehicle is now completely immobile and I’m waiting for information from the dealership.
The car started with a rough idle and a check engine light. It was also louder than normal. Driving down the main road approaching a light on the brakes. the light turned green and when I went to hit the gas the car died in the middle of the road. Car would not restart. OBD code P0016 The car is currently at Cadillac service
Complete engine failure while driving. Vehicle is brand new with only 6,700 miles
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026