2022 CADILLAC Escalade

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shows a concerning reliability profile due to multiple recalls affecting key components like seat belts and engine parts. Notably, the average failure mileage of around 40,423 suggests that issues could arise relatively early in ownership.

Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls

📋Why This Matters

The concerns surrounding the seat belt system could pose significant safety risks, particularly for passengers in third-row seating. Additionally, engine-related defects may lead to catastrophic failures if not addressed promptly. These issues not only jeopardize passenger safety but can also lead to costly repairs, diminishing the overall value and reliability expected from a luxury vehicle like the Escalade.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    📝
    Summary: Compared to its peers, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade's safety trend is less favorable due to its recall history. This model year has set off several alarms regarding critical systems that many might expect to be flawless in a premium SUV.

Safety & Reliability Score

69/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-2.5
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2022 CADILLAC Escalade

Model Year2022
MakeCADILLAC
ModelEscalade
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan22
NEWProduction
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug22
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct22
ISSUEFirst Report
Nov22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

18 complaints (36% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 50 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
5(10%)
🟡Medium
13(26%)
🟢Low
32(64%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

With peak failure ranges seen between 20k-40k miles, owners should be on alert as this is when many mechanical issues may surface. It's crucial for current owners to keep an eye on their vehicle's performance and address any odd signs before they escalate into bigger problems.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 13 of 50 complaints (26% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (8%)
20k-40k
7 reports (54%)
40k-60k
3 reports (23%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
2 reports (15%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SEAT BELTSEXTERIOR LIGHTINGENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seat Belts

Issue: Improperly formed buckle rivets could fail during use.

Contact your dealership immediately for a recall inspection and resolution.

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Thoroughly check for any open recalls or service records related to this issue before purchase.

2

Engine Components

Issue: Potential manufacturing defects leading to engine damage or failure.

Monitor engine performance closely; consult a mechanic if unusual noises or vibrations occur.

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Request documentation of any previous engine checks or repairs from the seller.

3

Exterior Lighting

Issue: 'Daytime running lights' failing to deactivate could cause visibility hazards.

'Inspect lighting functionality regularly; report any issues promptly.'

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'Ensure all exterior lights are fully operational and compliant with regulations.'

💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your CADILLAC dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (3)

Campaign: 22V617000

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

Campaign: 22V903000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

Campaign: 25V274000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2022 Escalade.

INV-2022-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Escalade performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 39,608

Consumer Complaints

50 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2022 Escalade.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning36%
Stall14%
Noise12%
Accident12%
Acceleration Issues8%
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the message "Low Engine Oil" was displayed prematurely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the oil consumption test. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine had failed the recall inspection and needed to be replaced. The contact was provided with vehicle rental assistance for approximately 4 days. The dealer later informed the contact that the engine was in good condition and did not need to be replaced. The contact was concerned that the dealer had misassessed the engine condition and was placing the contact and his family at risk. The manufacturer was contacted for buy-back assistance, and a case was filed. The manufacturer later informed the contact that the dealer had been unreachable and that the buy-back assistance would not be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The onstar module has failed and this seems to be an ongoing issue with a lot of gm’s. My car was recently in to fix the major gm engine recall and after that my onstar stopped working. I called and they said it’s not a connectivity issue it’s a part issue. So it will have to be taken to the dealership. I pay money to have onstar and unlimited WiFi. There should be a recall for this.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
SUSPENSION,ENGINE

1.) Loud engine ticking and clicking noise when car is in park position. 2.) Vibration in steering wheel after numerous alignment and wheel balancing services. Even purchased 4 new tires and vibration still continues.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

I was driving my 2022 Cadillac Escalade when suddenly the engine shut off. Lost the ability to drive forward and steering became hard. I was close to being rear-ended as I was on the highway. Towed it to the dealer who said engine seized. Installed new engine after a month of waiting and the vehicle doesn't run right. It has a rough idle. Dealer installed incorrect oil as replacement engines were supposed to retain original oil of 0W-20. Had to make numerous trips to the dealer due to low coolant, wrong oil on a new engine and rough idle. Dealer says its fine. $100K vehicle with a rough idle is a joke!

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

Took my car to the shop yesterday due to heating a ticking sound coming from the engine. This is the new engine that was replaced AFTER a catastrophic engine failure on May 16, 2025. The service department inspected my vehicle and found metal shards in the oil filter. They need to keep the vehicle because it will need another new engine. This will be the third new engine in a year since the recall on the 6.2L GM engines

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

My engine was replaced in January of 2025 before the actual recall. I have the serial [XXX] for my new engine . I need to know the build date of this engine so that I can know if my 2nd engine is a new engine with the corrected crankshaft or the remaufactured engine with the defective crankshaft.GM refuses to tell me the build date I have a right to know. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

After waiting months to get my vehicle checked for recall N252494000 NHTSA 25V274 I was told my vehicle passed inspection. When I asked to see the detailed results of the pico test I was told there are no detailed results and I was not shown anything proving my vehicle was tested and whether it passed or failed. My invoice states "Performed pico test test took multiple tries to complete having to unhook and reinstall pico to complete" which does not make me confident in the result. While talking to the service manager, he mentioned their original pico equipment was replaced by GMC after approximately 5 vehicles failed inspection. Since GMC sent the new equipment there have been no failed inspections. I can't find a way to express my concern to GMC or Cadillac online, that is what brought me here. This recall includes a safety risk serious enough to replace the vehicles engine, I want reassurance that the test was performed properly and my vehicle did not fail.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My engine all of a sudden went dead in the middle of an intersection. I was unable to put the vehicle in neutral and move it so it was stuck in the middle of an intersection until the tow truck arrived. In addition, it had to be dragged due to this issue - which I’m sure isn’t good for it.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

Vehicle Make: Cadillac Vehicle Model: Escalade Model Year: 2022 Component(s) Affected: Engine, Fuel System, Powertrain, Vehicle Stability Control Incident Date: [Insert Date of Incident] Mileage at Time of Incident: [Insert Approximate Mileage] Summary of Complaint: While driving my 2022 Cadillac Escalade at approximately 70 mph on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost all power and stability. This was due to an injector breaking off inside the engine, sending metal fragments into the camshaft, which subsequently locked the motor. This created an extremely dangerous situation as the vehicle became unresponsive and unstable at high speed. Just two days prior to this incident, the vehicle had been serviced by Quantrell Cadillac in Lexington, KY, where a recall repair involving the engine was performed. Despite that service, a catastrophic failure occurred almost immediately afterward. After the breakdown, Quantrell Cadillac attempted repairs over the course of three weeks. These repairs included replacing the injectors, camshaft, and other components, before eventually replacing the entire long block. However, upon picking up the vehicle, it is exhibiting the exact same failure symptoms again—making a popping noise, stalling the engine, and becoming unsafe to operate. This vehicle is clearly not safe to drive and poses a serious risk to myself, my passengers, and others on the road. There have already been multiple recalls related to this issue, indicating a broader systemic problem. We are requesting the NHTSA’s immediate assistance to investigate this safety issue and help us obtain a replacement vehicle that meets all applicable federal safety standards. This level of repeated engine failure & instability is completely unacceptable for any vehicle—especially one with such recent manufacturer service and recall repairs. When this stall occurs, the entire computer system & all safety features are shut down and collision avoidance is also disabled. Have viideo

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common issues with the 2022 Cadillac Escalade?'

'Owners have reported concerns primarily with seat belts and lighting control systems among other mechanical issues. It's crucial to stay updated on recalls that may affect these components.'

'How reliable is the engine in a 2022 Cadillac Escalade?'

'While many Cadillac engines have held strong reputations, recent recalls suggest potential internal problems that could impact long-term reliability. Regular maintenance and awareness of recall notifications are essential.'

📊Year-over-Year Context

📈Improving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2022 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2021 issues. Recall frequency decreased 67%.

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 3 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your CADILLAC dealer.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in CADILLAC's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.