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Cadillac · NHTSA safety record

2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 56 safety complaints about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV with the US government. Of those, 1 describes a crash, 2 people were injured and no death is recorded. 4 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 43 complaints, 77% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 42,765 miles, the median across the 6 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers September 2022 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

56 complaints on file

56

Complaints

1

Describe a crash

0

Mention fire

2

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints fell 30% year on year: 19 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 27 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 2 defect investigations are open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 43 · 77%
POWER TRAIN 12 · 21%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8 · 14%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7 · 13%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 3 · 5%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 3 · 5%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3 · 5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3 · 5%
LANE DEPARTURE 1 · 2%
STEERING 1 · 2%
0 19 38

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 56.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 30.

32 24 16 8
22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2022 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2022 Cadillac ESCALADE ESV, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV 2WD SUV 4WD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 21.2% 21.9%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

4 on file

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

26V085000 · February 13, 2026

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

General Motors, LLC · up to 43,743 vehicles across all model years covered

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

25V274000 · April 24, 2025

The 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.
The risk
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 597,571 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

22V903000 · December 8, 2022

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

General Motors, LLC · up to 740,108 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

22V617000 · August 11, 2022

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

General Motors, LLC · up to 484,155 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

4 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

EA26005

Still open engineering analysis · opened August 20, 2026

the engine

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

RQ26001

Closed recall query · opened January 16, 2026 · closed August 20, 2026

the engine

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI will close this RQ and continue to investigate complaints of post-remedy engine failure for Recall 25V-274 as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26005). To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

EA25007

Still open engineering analysis · opened October 23, 2025

the engine, the engine and its cooling

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.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

PE25001

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened January 16, 2025 · closed October 23, 2025 · led to recall 25V274

the engine, the engine and its cooling

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.  GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s  recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 injured · crash · towed

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. Minor injuries but none of the car's doors were damaged at the time of the accident. My daughter couldn't open and unlock her doors by herself. I couldn't let my daughter climb into the cab and get out of the car with me from the cab. Then the police came and asked me. Can you open the door to make sure there is no one else inside? That's when I found out that the car can't be opened from the

NHTSA complaint 11520700, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 9,635 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he was unable to restart or move the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the driver’s side rear brake harness to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,635.

NHTSA complaint 11507759. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 41,530 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle shifted into neutral, and the Push to Start message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast off the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was bearing failure and that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 41,530.

NHTSA complaint 11651979. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
On XXX, at approximately 6:30 AM, I was driving my Cadillac Escalade ESV when the vehicle suddenly and completely lost engine power while I was traveling on the roadway. The engine stopped without any warning.There were no warning lights, warning messages, unusual noises, or other indications that an engine failure was about to occur. The loss of propulsion was sudden and unexpected.I was barely able to maneuver approximately half of the vehicle onto the shoulder. A significant portion of the vehicle remained in the roadway, creating a serious safety hazard to me and other motorists. I was forced to remain in this dangerous position for approximately two hours while waiting for a tow

NHTSA complaint 11764354, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
My wife's 2022 Cadillac Escalade was recalled for possible engine failure. The vehicle passed the recommended engine inspection procedure; new weight oil was installed, and I was assured that the Cadillac was safe to drive. Yesterday, while driving my family home from the children's playground, the engine failed as I was driving at the posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour. There was no warning of any kind, the engine just stopped working. I had to cross over the northbound lanes of traffic, with other vehicles, in theory, going the posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour, WITHOUT ENGINE POWER. While coasting the vehicle and my family to safety, I barely missing going down an embankment.

NHTSA complaint 11763876, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

131,000 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly loss power and was unable to exceed 30 MPH. The engine was knocking prior to the vehicle losing power. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with catastrophic engine failure. The dealer waiting for parts to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

NHTSA complaint 11761645. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Engine knocking on cold start up. Second time hearing this. Loud “rattling” noise emanating from exhaust tips on rear of vehicle. I experienced this once before and notified my dealer. Additionally, at that time, I had a loss of power while towing a very, very, light empty trailer. The vehicle was struggling to maintain normal driving speeds and required considerable throttle input to do so. The loss of power was so pronounced that I actually pulled over to the side of the road in a parking lot to check to see if the wheel bearings had locked up on the small trailer I was towing. Of course, the trailer was completely normal and the hub temperatures were completely normal. I later found out

NHTSA complaint 11759502, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

28,436 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, the vehicle loss automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact shifted to neutral and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,436.

NHTSA complaint 11751078. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
Subject: Safety Complaint – 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transmission Failure After Recall Repair To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. VIN: [XXX] My vehicle experienced a serious transmission malfunction where the vehicle would not properly engage in reverse. The “R” gear indicator blinked multiple times, and the vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to operate. Cadillac dealership diagnostics later confirmed issues related to the transmission valve body and/or transmission control components. After researching this issue, I discovered that GM and NHTSA issued Recall No. 26V085000 regarding transmission control valve body

NHTSA complaint 11737485, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Cadillac Escalade ESV

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 10 3 —
2025 13 1 —
2024 22 2 —
2023 88 4 —
2021 71 10 —
2020 22 2 —
2019 34 1 —
2018 15 1 —
2017 38 1 —
2016 15 3 —
2015 8 6 —
2011 13 5 —

Other 2022 Cadillac models

Escalade 84 XT6 15 CT5 11 XT5 10

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Cadillac on this site — 97 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst