Squeaks and Creaks
The last thing you’d expect from a brand-new luxury car is creaks and squeaks, but General Motors has noticed customer complaints about the Cadillac Escalade IQ and IQL. In a recent service bulletin, GM is reportedly investigating the unexpected noise on these luxury SUVs. The company has since launched an investigation into the matter, but with no clear repair protocol yet.
Preliminary Service Bulletin PIT6558 identifies that the rear upper control arm bushings of the Cadillac Escalade IQ and IQL are the possible source of the noise. The year models that were covered in the bulletin are the 2025 to 2026 model years of the Escalade IQ and 2026 Escalade IQL. Furthermore, it appears that even the 2024 to 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV are also included.
Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog
Electric Models
It may look like there is a correlation between the full-size electric SUVs and pickups at GM’s manufacturing plant, or it may just be a questionable batch of parts. In any case, these concerns involve electric GM vehicles, and the automaker has already noted customer complaints regarding the issue.
According to the report from GM Authority, “owners may hear the noise from the rear when driving over bumps or turning.” The other weird bit of info is that GM, themselves, have noted that technicians might be hard-pressed to pinpoint the exact location of the sound. It’s undetectable enough that GM even recommended using chassis ears or a PicoScope on or near the upper control arm bushing to rule the part out.
However, even if the noise is coming from the upper control arm bushing, GM technicians are advised not to replace it. Instead, GM Engineering is working on an update that will roll out soon once the corrected component(s) are available.
GM
Safe to Drive
For now, GM states that the vehicles are safe to drive. It’s not as bad as a cracking subframe or a cabin leak, but it’s definitely annoying. At this point in time, it doesn’t appear like it’s going to be a court case, nor has the NHTSA deemed it dangerous enough to warrant an official recall yet.
GM’s warranty should cover the squeaks in due time, and the company has also advised owners not to repair or modify the suspension themselves. Owners who notice the sound can contact their nearest GM service center to determine whether the sound is coming from the upper control arm bushing.
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About the author
Earl Lee
News Editor