Problems · NHTSA complaints
2022 Cadillac Escalade problems
Owners filed 146 complaints about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade with NHTSA between Sep 2022 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (114).
Complaints
146
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine114
- Power train30
- Electrical system16
- Fuel/propulsion system15
- Engine and engine cooling13
- Forward collision avoidance6
- Steering3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Suspension2
- Back over prevention1
- Wheels1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Lane departure1
- Air bags1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
5
6
71
60
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 71 |
| 2026 | 60 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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.”
Power train
30 reports1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
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”
Fuel/propulsion system
15 reports
“On XXX, while driving out of my driveway, my Escalade stalled while backing out. I attempted to restart the vehicle, but it produced a cranking noise and indicated that I should start again. Additionally, the check engine light illuminated. Unfortunately, the vehicle failed to start. On XXX, while driving to pick up my children from school with a baby in the backseat and a [XXX] passenger, my Escalade stalled again in the middle of the road. I was stranded while other vehicles were driving back and forth. Nearby individuals assisted me by pushing me off the road to the side. The same issue occurred, and code P129F was sent to my phone from OnStar. I was forced to have my car towed, which posed a risk to my family’s safety as I attempted to get on the highway with four children under the age of [XXX] and being pregnant. I had to wait for my husband to pick us up from the roadside for two hours.”
Engine and engine cooling
13 reports1 related recall
“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.”
Forward collision avoidance
6 reports2 crashes
“I purchased a 2022 Cadillac Escalade from Carvana. The vehicle was represented as having only minor prior damage, but after taking possession I discovered evidence indicating that it had sustained significantly more extensive damage than was disclosed. Based on subsequent inspections, I believe the vehicle was not in a safe condition when it was sold to me. The primary components involved include the vehicle's structural/body integrity and suspension/alignment systems, as well as other components affected by the previous collision damage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because the vehicle does not drive or handle as a properly repaired vehicle should. I am concerned that previously damaged structural and safety-related components were not repaired to manufacturer specifications before the vehicle was sold. If critical components were improperly repaired or replaced, the vehicle may not protect occupants as intended during an emergency maneuver or subsequent collision. The issues have been inspected and confirmed by independent service personnel, who identified evidence of previous collision…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.