2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spaciousness, luxurious interior, and advanced technology. Available engine options include a 6.2L V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel producing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Escalade ESV’s comfortable ride, ample passenger and cargo space, and upscale features. Common complaints often center around the vehicle’s large size making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and reports of the infotainment system freezing/glitching.

Engine

6.2L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination. Often occurs at higher mileages. The AFM lifters collapse, leading to cylinder deactivation malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed AFM lifters, often requiring removal of the cylinder head. Some owners choose to replace all lifters with non-AFM lifters to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, poor fuel economy, black smoke from exhaust, check engine light.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ (per injector depending on location)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)

• Harsh or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable hard shifts, clunking sounds during gear changes, hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Could be caused by low transmission fluid, bad solenoids, or the valve body needing replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200+ for fluid change, $500-$1500+ for solenoids or valve body. Full transmission replacement would be more.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A vibrating or shuddering sensation, primarily felt at highway speeds under light acceleration.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush, or torque converter replacement if the shudder persists.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200+ for fluid flush. $1500 - $3000+ for torque converter replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Ride Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle is sagging on one side, suspension light on, rough ride.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the air suspension system. Common causes include leaks in the air springs, a faulty compressor, or a malfunctioning height sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per air spring, $800 - $1,200+ for compressor replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts unexpectedly. Intermittently, wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connections fail.
  • Solution: Performing a system reset, software update, or replacing the infotainment module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,200+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Blind Spot Monitoring System
  • Description/Symptoms: The blind spot monitoring system provides false alerts, fails to detect vehicles in the blind spot, or becomes disabled.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the system’s sensors and wiring. Replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (per sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Running Board Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Running boards get stuck in the up or down position, or fail to deploy automatically when the doors are opened.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the hinge points. Replacing the motor or the entire running board assembly if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (lubrication) - $800+ (motor replacement), $1500+ (full assembly replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof/Moonroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof gets stuck open or closed, makes excessive noise during operation, or leaks water.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the tracks, replacing the motor, or replacing the entire sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (lubrication) - $500+ (motor replacement), $1,000+ (full assembly replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV, while a luxurious and spacious SUV, can experience a range of issues. The most concerning are engine issues like AFM lifter failure (6.2L V8) and fuel injector failures (3.0L Duramax) potentially leading to expensive repairs. Transmission issues and electrical glitches can also be frustrating. Suspension and interior issues may occur as well, adding to the potential cost of ownership. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs varying accordingly. It is important for prospective buyers to be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchase decision.