Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 59/100 (MIXED)

2022 Cadillac Escalade Reliability Report

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade has mixed reliability, well below other 2022 SUVs, mainly because engines can shut down or seize at highway speed.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

110

Complaint Rate

27.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1007

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,500–$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity46/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity89/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Middle of the pack among Escalade years, with engine seizures at highway speed as the main complaint and eight recalls on record.

Top Issues to Watch

ENGINE (61)
POWER TRAIN (17)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (11)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2022 is year 2 of the Fifth generation (GMT1UL).

Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
A refresh arrives in 2025.
5th generation Escalade (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2021 (redesign year) vs 2022+ pricing and recalls.

2021: Fifth generation (GMT1UL) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2022: This Model Year

2022 is year 2 of the Fifth generation (GMT1UL).

2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2022 Cadillac Escalade?

Reliability is mixed, and this year sits well below average among 2022 SUVs. Within the Escalade's own run it lands in the middle of eight scored years. The 2021 and 2023 models are also mixed, so neither neighbor is a clear escape. Independent repair-cost data is the bright spot: about $1007 a year, against $1127 for the class. The federal crash-test rating is 4 of 5 stars.

The engine is the concern. Of 110 owner complaints, 61 involve the engine. Owners describe sudden shutdowns and seizures at highway speed, often near 70 mph, usually with no warning lights. Some cars cannot be shifted into neutral. Failures cluster between 34,000 and 45,000 miles, and several owners report a second failure after one engine replacement. Eight recalls cover the power train, engine and cooling, exterior lighting, and seat belts. In about half of the engine cooling complaints, owners say recall repair parts were unavailable.

Ask the seller for engine repair records, and whether the engine was ever replaced. Confirm with a dealer that every open recall has been completed on the specific car.

Compared to the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2021 Cadillac Escalade for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+$120 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury fullsize SUVs
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs

Cons

−Below-average reliability score
−Above-average recall count
−Above-average complaint rate for SUV
−ENGINE complaints dominate (55%)

Compare 2022 Cadillac Escalade With

2022 GMC Yukon

Reliability: 62/100

Good

2022 Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability: 65/100

Good

2022 Lincoln Navigator

Reliability: 61/100

Good

2022 Toyota Sequoia

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2022 Nissan Armada

Reliability: 75/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

8 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ENGINE (61)
POWER TRAIN (17)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade has 8 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

27.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 13.5

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2022 Cadillac Escalade Recall Details

8 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V0850002026-02-13

POWER TRAIN

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 are expected to be mailed March 30, 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.

25V2740002025-04-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

22V9030002022-12-08

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2022 Cadillac Escalade? Check its history first

Engine problems lead owner complaints about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade, and 8 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2022 Cadillac Escalade NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 21.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Front Center Air Bag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Cadillac EscaladeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$1007

vs $1127 avg for luxury fullsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

20%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Escalade

$1007

Category Avg

$1127

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Cadillac Escalade Resale Value

The Cadillac Escalade is estimated to retain about 57.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Cadillac Escalade model overall and is not specific to the 2022 model year.

Value Retained: 57.8%
Depreciation: 42.2%
Listings Analyzed: 142

Listings observed in May 2021. This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Cadillac Escalade depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

16–23 MPG

Running cost: $4,500–$5,300/yr

Fuel + repair

14–21 city / 19–27 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Escalade 2WD 3.0L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	21	27	23	$3,500
Escalade 4WD 3.0L 6-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	20	26	22	$3,700
Escalade 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	14	19	16	$4,300
Escalade 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	14	19	16	$4,300
Escalade 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	14	19	16	$4,300
Escalade 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic 10-spd	14	19	16	$4,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Cadillac Escalade.

Check the VIN in federal recall records and get dealer paperwork for any engine recall inspection or engine replacement.
Ask for service records showing engine replacements, low-oil warnings, or oil consumption tests.
With windows down, listen for knocking that changes with engine speed or temperature.
Check the oil level; a low reading soon after an oil change points to oil burning.
On a highway test drive, watch for hesitation, reduced-power messages, or the transmission slipping into neutral.
Drive with cruise control in traffic and watch for false collision alerts or sudden braking.
Test the backup camera, OnStar, and every door handle from inside and outside.
On diesel models, scan for check engine codes and ask for coolant control valve repair records.

2022 Cadillac Escalade Common Problems by Component

110 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ENGINE (61)POWER TRAIN (17)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (11)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)STEERING (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)Other (3)

ENGINE

61 complaintsSafety-related

Escalade engine problems across all model years

Sudden shutdowns and seizures at highway speed dominate these reports, often near 70 mph. Power cuts out with no warning lights, some cars cannot be shifted into neutral, and dealers find total engine failure that needs a replacement. Some owners first hear knocking or get low-oil warnings well before the next oil change. Failures cluster between 34,000 and 45,000 miles, and others appear from 85,000 to 94,000. Several owners report a second failure after one engine replacement. One complaint involves a crash with an injury.

61 complaints total1 crash1 injury

POWER TRAIN

17 complaintsSafety-related

Power cuts out at highway speed and the transmission drops into neutral. Usually there is no warning light, only a prompt to restart. Some cars cannot be shifted or pushed afterward and are left stranded in traffic lanes. Several owners say the failure came months after a recall inspection their engine had passed. One report describes a hole in the engine block, oil spilled on the road, and a fire under the hood. A diesel owner reports a failed engine coolant control valve causing reduced power and a check engine light.

17 complaints total1 fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

11 complaints

Escalade engine problems across all model years

Parts for a recall repair are unavailable in about half of these reports, and owners say the wait has gone on too long. The other reports describe hesitation and reduced power at 45 to 75 mph, stalls with no warning lights, and a dealer finding of engine failure that requires replacement. One owner reports hesitation, a whining sound, and the SUV pulling to one side after the recall inspection. Failure mileages range from about 37,600 to 80,000.

11 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 complaintsSafety-related

Most reports here describe the engine shutting down and the transmission shifting into neutral while driving, often on freeways. Separate problems include a failed OnStar module, a computer and dashboard replaced early in ownership, and a backup camera that works less often over time. Two crash reports raise other concerns: doors that could not be opened from inside or outside after an impact, and safety systems, airbags, and crash alerts that did not activate. Two people were injured.

10 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

The forward collision system gives false alerts and can brake hard on the highway with no vehicle ahead. In one case, replacing sensors did not fix it and the dealer turned off automatic braking. Other reports describe reduced power, a check engine light, and limp mode that left the car stuck in neutral, which a dealer traced to a faulty control valve body. Uneven acceleration and low-oil warnings months before an oil change also appear.

3 complaints total

STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Turning the wheel gets hard when the engine shuts off at speed, and on the highway that nearly led to a rear-end collision. The dealer found a seized engine. After the replacement, the owner reports a rough idle, low coolant, and the wrong oil put in by the dealer. In the other complaint, a noise from the steering wheel led to a steering gear replacement at only 1,200 miles.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaintsSafety-related

The moonroof shatters on its own with nothing hitting it, and the report says this nearly caused a crash with a large truck. The other complaint describes the car shutting down in the middle of the road, which the dealer blames on the engine. With only two reports, this category mostly repeats the engine shutdown problem seen in other sections.

2 complaints total1 crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

2025-09-05

I purchased a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum on 9/5/25. I asked the dealership if there were any recalls and they told me if there were any they were taken care of. It has not been taken care of, it is against CA and federal law to sell a car with an active recall that hasn’t been repaired. I would like to file a formal complaint against Mercedes Benz of Walnut Creek Ca. I do not have time to deal with this recall and I want them to take this vehicle back immediately. I do not want to risk the lives of my family or others on the road with an E87 Engine Propulsion Failure on our crowded highways here in the Bay Area.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

2024-12-10

At the end of 2024, the GPS, OnStar, and telematics system in my vehicle stopped working completely. This failure disabled critical features including navigation, emergency support (OnStar), and Super Cruise. I was living in California at the time and contacted local service providers, but was told the necessary mobile phone control module was unavailable. After relocating to Texas, I took the vehicle to Covert Cadillac in Austin. The dealership confirmed the issue and ordered the part, but after several months and multiple follow-ups, the part has still not arrived. As of June 2025, the vehicle remains unrepaired, and I continue to drive without GPS or emergency support. The dashboard displays a constant GPS error. This issue, now lasting over 6 months, puts my safety and the safety of my passengers at risk—especially during long-distance travel and unfamiliar routes. The dealership has acknowledged the problem but cannot resolve it due to ongoing parts unavailability and lack of response from the manufacturer. This is a serious and unresolved safety defect. I am requesting an immediate investigation into GM/Cadillac's failure to provide timely service, support, or resolution for a vehicle-dependent safety system.

SUSPENSION (1 complaints)

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2025-09-26

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.

When Do 2022 Cadillac Escalade Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

34,000–45,000 milesEngine seizure or shutdown

80,000–94,000 milesRepeat or late engine failure

Best & Worst Cadillac Escalade Years

Best Cadillac Escalade Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Cadillac Escalade Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Cadillac Escalade reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2019	66/100	Good
2020	66/100	Good
2021	54/100	Mixed
2022	59/100	Mixed
2023	56/100	Mixed
2024	65/100	Good
2025	72/100	Good
2026	68/100	Good

Cadillac Escalade Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	68/100	-4	Good	2	8
2025	72/100	+7	Good	0	10
2024	65/100	+9	Good	4	54
2023	56/100	-3	Mixed	8	166
2022(selected)	59/100	+5	Mixed	8	110
2021	54/100	-12	Mixed	12	68
2020	66/100	0	Good	4	29
2019	66/100	—	Good	1	51

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

Not especially. Its reliability is mixed, and it rates well below average against other 2022 SUVs. Among the eight scored Escalade years it sits in the middle. Owners filed 110 complaints, and most of the serious ones involve engines failing. Lower-than-class repair costs are the main point in its favor.

What are the most common problems with the 2022 Cadillac Escalade?

Engine trouble leads, with 61 complaints. Owners report shutdowns and seizures at highway speed, sometimes after knocking or low-oil warnings. Power train complaints describe power cutting out and the transmission dropping into neutral. Others cover engine cooling recall parts delays and electrical faults such as a failed OnStar module and a weakening backup camera.

Does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade have engine failure problems?

Yes, according to owner complaints. Failures cluster between 34,000 and 45,000 miles, with others from 85,000 to 94,000. Dealers often find total engine failure that needs a replacement. Several owners say a second failure followed the first replacement, so engine service history matters on any used example.

How many recalls does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade have?

Federal recall records list 8 recalls for this model year. They cover the power train, engine and engine cooling, exterior lighting, and seat belts. Owners also report waiting on parts for a recall repair, so check that the work was actually completed on the car you are considering.

Is the 2022 Escalade more reliable than the 2021 or 2023?

Not clearly. The 2021 and 2023 are both rated mixed as well. The 2021 has 68 complaints and 12 recalls. The 2023 has 166 complaints and 8 recalls. Complaint counts grow with time on the road, so they do not settle the comparison alone.

Don’t buy a 2022 Cadillac Escalade without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2022 Cadillac Escalade

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade does best on how many systems draw complaints (89/100) and worst on complaint severity (46/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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