Master Tech Says, “This $100K 2024 Cadillac Escalade Has 12K Miles and I Can Hear the 6.2L Engine Knocking, It’s Already Showing Signs of Catastrophic Failure”

Here is another Cadillac Escalade that is ready for a new engine. The $100,000 luxury vehicle has only 12,000 miles and is ready to go into the shop for an engine swap. What is GM doing about it? Here is a report that all GM buyers should be aware of. 

If you haven't heard, GM is facing a pressing issue with its 6.2-liter engines that demands your attention. 

Thomas, a master technician, shows in his TikTok video clip (@carsrme2) a 2024 Cadillac Escalade that exhibits signs of catastrophic engine failure. It's a common problem for many Escalade and other GM vehicle owners now. 

Thomas says, "These new GM trucks are so bad right now that I cannot recommend this generation of GM vehicles."

"GM announced a stop sale on all the 6.2-liter engines. Here is a 2024 Cadillac Escalade with only 12,058 miles, which is crazy. But I want you to listen to this engine." 

Thomas holds up the microphone close to the engine. "You can hear it knocking. This engine is already showing signs of catastrophic failure."

"When I say that you need to run from GM's 6.2-liter, I mean you need to run, run, run. Now, you should know that I am a huge fan of GM. I already own three Silverado pickups with this platform's new generation." 

There's More of an Issue Than the Engine

"However, I cannot recommend this generation of GM's vehicles. This Escalade has 12,000 miles, and it's not just the poor engine quality; take a look at the quality inside the vehicle. The interior is all plastic."

"There is cheap carpet, and look at this. GM used to use this carpet to line the bottom of a trunk. Now, it is used throughout the entire interior of the new Escalade. I can't believe it." This is in a $100,000 Cadillac."

"I guess the only good news is if you can afford one of these Escalades, even though you'll be out of a vehicle for a while once the engine dies, you'll have a better engine, hopefully."

"I'm worried because what engine is worth anything right now? It's the 6.2-liter blowing up, and there are issues with the 5.3-liter, the 2.7-liter, and GM's diesel Duramax."  

"I guess you'll have to go with the HD 2500 and get the 6.6-liter, but it still feels like you are playing with fire."

GM 6.2L Engine Failure Report

The GM 6.2-liter V8 engine (L87) has been the subject of widespread concern due to a significant number of reported failures, prompting a recall and multiple class-action lawsuits. This issue is not isolated; it's affecting a large number of vehicles from the 2021 to 2024 model years, including popular models such as the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL.

Key Issues and Symptoms:

• The core of the problem stems from manufacturing defects in the engine's internal components, specifically the connecting rods and crankshaft. These defects can include:
• Sediment on connecting rods and in crankshaft oil galleries: This can lead to rod-bearing damage.
• Out-of-specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish: These irregularities can cause excessive wear and eventual failure.

These issues often manifest as:

• Engine knocking, banging, or other unusual noises: This is a typical indicator of internal bearing or rod issues.
• Sudden loss of propulsion or power: Vehicles may stall or lose power, especially at highway speeds, posing a significant safety hazard.
• Illumination of the Check Engine Light.
• Engine seizure or a breach of the engine block by the connecting rod: These are catastrophic failures that render the engine inoperable.
• Oil pressure problems or oil leaks.
• Metal particles circulate through the engine.
• Vehicle fires: At least 42 fire-related incidents have been flagged in connection with these engine failures.

Active Fuel Management (AFM) / Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Issues:

• While the current recall focuses on the crankshaft and connecting rod issues, the 6.2L engine, like other GM V8s, has also faced long-standing problems with its Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems.
• These systems, designed to improve fuel economy by deactivating cylinders, are prone to lifter collapse and failure. This can lead to bent pushrods, ticking or knocking noises, and, ultimately, engine damage. Some owners have reported multiple lifter failures even after repairs.

GM's Response and Recall:

In early 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a preliminary investigation into failures of the 6.2L V8 engine following receipt of dozens of consumer complaints. This prompted GM to conduct an investigation, which identified a period from March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2024, during which there was an increased rate of engine failure claims.

In May 2025, GM issued Recall N252494000 (later updated to N252494001), affecting approximately 597,630 vehicles in the United States. The recall acknowledges the manufacturing defects in the crankshaft or connecting rods.

The initial proposed remedy for vehicles that passed inspection was to switch to a higher-viscosity 0W-40 Mobil 1 Supercar oil, rather than the initially specified 0W-20 oil, along with a new oil cap and an owner's manual insert. However, there have been reports that GM is abandoning the oil change remedy and may be preparing to replace engines outright for every affected vehicle. This is likely due to the nature of the internal defects that a mere oil change cannot fully resolve.

Challenges and Lawsuits:

Despite the recall, a permanent solution, such as readily available replacement engines, is not yet available. Dealerships have been directed to halt sales of affected models, but many owners are left with unsafe vehicles and no clear repair timeline.

This situation has led to multiple class-action lawsuits against General Motors. Plaintiffs allege that GM knowingly sold vehicles with defective engines and that the recall remedy is inadequate. These lawsuits seek compensation for engine repairs or replacements, lost vehicle value, and other damages. Some lawsuits also contend that using thicker oil as a "fix" leads to decreased fuel economy and increased fuel costs for consumers. The outcome of these lawsuits could significantly impact the resolution of this issue for affected owners.

Owner Experience:

Many GM owners have expressed significant frustration, reporting:

• Catastrophic engine failures at low mileage.
• Vehicles are often out of service for extended periods, awaiting diagnosis or parts.
• Concerns about the long-term reliability and resale value of their vehicles.
• Inconsistent messaging from GM and dealerships regarding the issue and potential solutions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the GM 6.2-liter engine has experienced significant and well-documented failures, primarily due to manufacturing defects in internal components, resulting in a major recall and numerous legal challenges. While GM is working to address the problem, a definitive and widely available solution for affected owners remains a critical need.

Here is another story of a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe owner with a 6.2-liter engine. She has had a new engine with 41,000 miles on the vehicle. 

Christi Eller (@medicmom494) and her husband own a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country with 41,000 miles, and it's had two new engines. She has had the family vehicle towed to the Chevrolet dealer twice after it left her stranded, and now she's afraid to drive the top-of-the-line SUV.  

She says in a TikTok clip, "It's now our second trip to the dealer. Our 2023 Chevy Tahoe was at the dealer for six weeks. They put in a new engine, and they still don't know if that's going to fix the issue."

How About You?

Do you own a Cadillac Escalade or another GM vehicle with a 6.2-liter engine?   If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe 6.2-liter engine story: I Replaced My First 2022 Chevy Tahoe Engine At 15K Miles. Now, 8 Days Later, the Replacement 6.2L Engine Blew Up Again With My Family In the Vehicle.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Thomas