Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 2 NHTSA variants

2022 Cadillac EscaladeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 146 owner complaints for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade. Most complaints involve engine (114) and power train (30). The EPA rates it 16–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
16–23mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Feb 2026
Owner complaints
146
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: software

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Feb 13, 2026NHTSA 26V085000

Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Apr 24, 2025NHTSA 25V274000

Exterior lighting: software

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

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."

Exterior lightingReported Dec 8, 2022NHTSA 22V903000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

146 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2022 – Nov 2026
  1. Engine114
  2. Power train30
  3. Electrical system16
  4. Fuel/propulsion system15
  5. Engine and engine cooling13
  6. Forward collision avoidance6
  7. Steering3
  8. Vehicle speed control3
  9. Suspension2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Escalade model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199944
200083
2002145
2003112
2004103
200562
200624
2007286
2008167
200961
201043
201165
201226
201319
201420
2015106
2016104
201789
201837
201959
202036
2021170
2022146
2023237
202475
202540
202656
20271
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

114 reports1 crash1 fire
“Vehicle towed in a flatbed truck to Blackstone Cadillac in Fresno, CA with little to no oil in the engine due to the 6.2L L87 engine defect. The dealer is actively refusing to inspect the vehicle or communicate regarding Safety Recall N252494001, leaving a defective vehicle grounded and the consumer stranded.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 3, 2026EngineODI 11775413

Power train

30 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the dealer had performed an unknown engine recall repair; however, the engine seized afterwards while driving. The failure had occurred after the engine was replaced. While driving 70 MPH, there was engine oil leaking from the rear main seal which sprayed underneath the vehicle and onto the roadway. There was smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant (4580 E Pickard St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858); and the rear main seal was replaced twice. The vehicle then experienced rough starts, rough idling, grinding sounds, rough transmission shifting, and hesitation while shifting gear. The vehicle was taken back to Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating normally. The failure mileage was 118,960.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Power trainODI 11775075

Electrical system

16 reports2 crashes
“Normal Routine Engine Maintenance - Suddenly the vehicle died with engine alerts of engine failure, transmission failure, low oil pressure, low 12V battery detected. Car stalled exiting highway normal driving conditions, would not start, electrical system malfunctioning warning signs and alert code immediately popped up in email, phone and onboard display for these issues, and I received an email from my OnStar system for code P0016 which seems is affiliated with the following from a major recall notice: P0016 is a critical code indicating a major internal engine defect covered by a safety recall (N252494000), often requiring engine replacementProduct Safety Recall L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion (Related field action: See Special Coverage N252494003) GM Program #: N252494000 NHTSA: 25V274 Date Issued: 2025-04-24”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 11, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11770386
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 6.2L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 10-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escalade 2WD
Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
212723$4,100442
Escalade 4WD
Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
202622$4,300462
Escalade 2WD
Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive
141916$4,850548
Escalade 2WD
Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive
141916$4,850547
Escalade 4WD
Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive
141916$4,850568
Escalade 4WD
Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive
141916$4,850555
  • Escalade 2WD
    Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    21 city · 27 hwy · $4,100/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Escalade 4WD
    Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    20 city · 26 hwy · $4,300/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Escalade 2WD
    Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,850/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Escalade 2WD
    Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,850/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Escalade 4WD
    Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,850/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Escalade 4WD
    Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,850/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.2%
Overall
4 / 5
Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.2%
Overall
4 / 5
Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 16281Vehicle 16243Vehicle 16284
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2022 Escalade questions

How many recalls does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2022 Cadillac Escalade problems?

Owners filed 146 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (114), power train (30), electrical system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade get?

The EPA rates the 2022 Cadillac Escalade at 16–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Cadillac Escalade 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026