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EnginePart report

2009 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
16%of 58 total for the year
Median mileage
169,194miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade, 16% of the 58 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 169,194 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The truck was stationary and oil and power stering fluids was on my carport. I have checked for problems on the internet and more than a few is having the same problems with the same SUV.”

NHTSA complaint #11307946, filed 2020-02, 120,000 miles

“Lifter failure resulting in a bent pushrod, camshaft, and piston damage. The engine was very dirty like the oil changes were neglected. I always changed the oil in 5,000 mile increments or less depending on driving conditions. The owners manual and oil filler specifies Mobil 1 5W30 oil. When I was working I always had the shop next door change the oil with Mobil 1. After I retired in 2019, I had the nearby GM dealer change the oil. I was unaware that they were substituting DEXOS oil which is not what the owners manual or fill cap specifies for this vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11638601, filed 2025-01

“After driving car all day off and on, it suddenly went into limp mode. Multiple misfires. Service traction t control and service stabilitrak warnings. Engine light flashing. Car had oil. Replaced oil pressure sensor. Replaced spark plugs. Wires. And coils. Will not clear misfire and won’t go out of limp mode. $7500 fix. This is ridiculous. I have heard of 15 others with the same issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11605346, filed 2024-07

“The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the battery was drained. The contact called AAA, who had installed the battery incorrectly. The battery was replaced. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started to shake. The vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the system needed to be reset, and the vehicle was working as designed. The failure persisted. …”

NHTSA complaint #11696026, filed 2025-10, 180,000 miles

“For approx. the past 6 months, the radio has been cutting out several times during my daily commute. On occasion, a message would appear saying Stabilitrack is off. Saturday, it cut out and stayed off for more than 30 minutes and did it several more times. …”

NHTSA complaint #11453580, filed 2022-02

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20263695%
20251260%
20243669%
202311077%
20226879%
20214659%
2020643%
20191768%
20181045%
20172243%
20163135%
20152728%
2014315%
2013316%
2012315%
201038%
2009916%
20081310%
20073314%
2006316%
2005512%
200434%
200345%
200233%

Other parts of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade

Air bags
24 complaints
Electrical system
14 complaints
Exterior lighting
4 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology