VehicleVerdict

2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV carries two red flags at once: 79 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.2× the Escalade ESV norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy). It is one of the Escalade ESV years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 52% of all reports (41 of 79), far ahead of transmission at 11. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

79

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations · 2 open

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Escalade ESV years?

Escalade ESV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted107 complaints2003: 13 complaints2004: 28 complaints2005: 19 complaints2006: 5 complaints2007: 83 complaints2008: 19 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 18 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 3 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 13 complaints2016: 20 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 22 complaints2019: 49 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 88 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 107 complaints2024: 26 complaints2025: 16 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Escalade ESV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escalade ESV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4152%
Transmission1114%
Fuel System810%
Electrical System79%
Driver Assistance56%
Speed Control34%
Other34%
Steering11%

Does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V085000TransmissionFebruary 13, 2026 · 43,743 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.

Consequence

Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will install new transmission control module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252536750. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.

25V274000EngineApril 24, 2025 · 597,571 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Consequence

Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

22V903000LightingDecember 8, 2022 · 740,108 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.

22V617000Seat BeltsAugust 11, 2022 · 484,155 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.

Consequence

A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ26001

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 36 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V274. In each VOQ, the engine had the recall remedy completed prior to the reported failure incident. Recall 25V-274 addresses vehicles equipped with a L87 6.2L V8 gas engine that experienced engine damage or failure. Recall 25V-274’s remedy includes an engine inspection.  Based on the results of the inspection the vehicle will receive an oil change to a higher viscosity oil or an engine replacement.  The complaints received allege failures of both remedies. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy of the remedy for Recall 25V-274. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA25007

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274.  This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“- Engine seized at highway speeds - Vehicle had lose of power while in the middle of the highway. Fortunately I was able to coast to the side of the road without impact. - The vehicle components went through inspection by the Cadillac dealer it was delivered to. - There were no messages or other…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 9, 2024

“- Engine seized at highway speeds - Vehicle had lose of power while in the middle of the highway. Fortunately I was able to coast to the side of the road without impact. - The vehicle components went through inspection by the Cadillac dealer it was delivered to. - There were no messages or other…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 9, 2024

“Vehicle is burning oil with low engine oil light flashing months before the oil change is required. Vehicle does not always have full power and may slingshot forward at time of acceleration as opposed to a smooth acceleration. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 15, 2025

“4-12-2023 My 8-year-old daughter and I were driving a 2022 CADILLAC ESCALADE esv and were hit by an out-of-control Ford F150 at a speed of 60 miles. The airbag on the car was almost completely driven, and the insurance company told us the total loss. Fortunately, we were all only affected by it.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 12, 2023 · crash

“The vehicle acts like it wants to cut off, and when the lane driving assistance option is activated, it will jump lanes and almost cause an accident. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 14, 2024

2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV — common questions

Is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 79 complaints put the 2022 model at #4 of 24 Escalade ESV years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Escalade ESV years to avoid.

What are the most common 2022 Escalade ESV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (41 complaints), transmission (11 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints).

Does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — 2 investigations remain open (Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Cadillac Escalade ESV years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escalade ESV years to avoid are 2023, 2021, 2007, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2024, 2008, 2011, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Escalade ESV years belongs to 2006.

How safe is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.