CarBrief

Owners filed 142 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Escalade, and the engine is the component group named most often[1][2]. The model year also has four recalls, including one for possible engine failure on the 6.2L V8[3][4][5][6].

142owner complaints[1]
4recalls[7]
16–23MPG combined (EPA)[8]
4★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 142 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Five mention a crash, one a fire and five injuries. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.

The engine group stands out. 122 complaints name it, and the median mileage at failure is 39,500[2]. One crash, one fire and one injury are tied to those engine complaints[2]. In the engine complaint texts we read, 9 of 12 describe the engine shutting off, stalling or failing while the SUV was moving, often at highway speed and often with no warning light[2]. Several of those owners say a dealer found a seized engine or told them it needed replacing[2]. This is a small sample, so it shows what owners describe, not how often it happens.

Other groups are smaller:

The same incident can show up under more than one group, so the group counts do not add up to the 142 total[1]. Another 9 complaints fall under unknown or other[16].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year[3][4][5][6]. Each one covers other GM models too, so the unit counts are not just Escalades[3][4][5][6].

Some owners in the complaint samples say the engine recall inspection or repair took months, or that the engine still had problems after the inspection[11][12]. These are individual reports.

Fuel economy

The EPA lists two engines for this model year, and the gap in fuel cost is large. EPA annual fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the SUV was new.

Engine and drive City / Highway / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel, rear-wheel drive[8] 21 / 27 / 23 $4,150
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel, 4-wheel drive[17] 20 / 26 / 22 $4,350
6.2L 8-cyl, premium, rear-wheel drive[18][19] 14 / 19 / 16 $5,150
6.2L 8-cyl, premium, 4-wheel drive[20][21] 14 / 19 / 16 $5,150

All four are listed with a 10-speed automatic.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2022 Escalade and the Escalade ESV the same ratings: 4 stars overall, 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 3 stars for rollover[9][22][23][24]. NHTSA puts the rollover risk at 21.2% for the 2WD version and 21.9% for the 4WD version[9][22].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list rates the 3.0L 6-cylinder at 277 hp[25] and the 6.2L 8-cylinder at 425 hp[26].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. They come in two body lengths.

Body Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
ESV 227 in 81 in 76 in 134 in 5,869 to 6,111 lb
Regular 212 in 81 in 77 in 121 in 5,721 to 5,972 lb

The ESV figures come from[27][28][29]. The regular body figures come from[30][31][32].

How 2022 compares with other years

1999: 39 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 71 complaints, 1 recalls2002: 137 complaints, 2 recalls2003: 108 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 102 complaints, 3 recalls2005: 62 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 24 complaints, 2 recalls20062007: 285 complaints, 5 recalls2008: 167 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 85 complaints, 5 recalls20092010: 43 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 65 complaints, 6 recalls2012: 26 complaints, 3 recalls20122013: 22 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 21 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 106 complaints, 9 recalls20152016: 104 complaints, 4 recalls2017: 89 complaints, 2 recalls2018: 36 complaints, 2 recalls20182019: 59 complaints, 1 recalls2020: 36 complaints, 2 recalls2021: 169 complaints, 12 recalls20212022: 142 complaints, 4 recalls14220222023: 233 complaints, 4 recalls2024: 74 complaints, 2 recalls20242025: 39 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 54 complaints, 4 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Escalade model year. The 2022 is highlighted[7].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1999392
2000711
20021372
20031085
20041023
2005622
2006242
20072855
20081674
2009855
2010433
2011656
2012263
2013224
2014212
20151069
20161044
2017892
2018362
2019591
2020362
202116912
20221424
20232334
2024742
2025391
2026544

The 2022 model year has 142 complaints and 4 recalls[7]. Four model years have more complaints: 2007 with 285, 2023 with 233, 2021 with 169 and 2008 with 167[7]. That puts 2022 fifth highest by complaint count among the years listed.

Recall counts differ more. The 2021 model year has 12 recalls and 2015 has 9, against 4 for 2022[7]. The 2023 model year matches 2022 on recalls with 4 but has 233 complaints, and 2024 has 74 complaints and 2 recalls[7]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many SUVs were sold, so they show where owners spoke up, not a failure rate.

Should you buy a used 2022 Escalade?

Trim to 5 sentences, for example by dropping the crash-test sentence or changing it to 'NHTSA gives 4 stars overall and 3 stars for rollover[9].' Complaints about the engine are the largest group, and a recall covers possible engine failure on the 6.2L V8[2][4]. Before buying, ask for proof that the recall inspection or repair for 25V274 was done, and what was found. Also check that the transmission and seat belt recalls were completed[3][6]. The remedies for all four recalls are listed as free[3][4][5][6].

Fuel cost matters too. The EPA puts the 6.2L V8 at 16 MPG combined and $5,150 a year, while the diesel is rated 22 to 23 MPG combined[8][17][18]. Crash test ratings are 4 stars overall[9]. Our data does not cover towing, oil capacity or tire size, so check those with the seller or a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2022 Cadillac Escalade?
Engine complaints are the largest group, with 122 of the 142 NHTSA complaints naming it[1][2]. In the complaint texts we read, owners describe the engine shutting off or failing while driving[2].
Does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Yes, four: 26V085 for the transmission control valve, 25V274 for engine connecting rods and crankshaft, 22V903 for daytime running lights and 22V617 for third-row seat belt buckles[3][4][5][6].
How many MPG does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade get?
The EPA rates the 6.2L V8 at 16 MPG combined and the 3.0L diesel at 22 or 23 MPG combined, depending on drive[8][17][18][20].
What is the safety rating of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall, with 5 stars for side crashes and 3 stars for rollover[9][22].
Is the 2022 Escalade a good year compared with others?
It has 142 complaints[7], the fifth highest count among the model years listed, and 4 recalls[7]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 142 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade (5 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 122 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 26V085, filed February 13, 2026: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module › Software. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 25V274, filed April 24, 2025: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal / Mechanical. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 22V903, filed December 8, 2022: Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 22V617, filed August 11, 2022: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  7. Owner complaints and recalls for every Cadillac Escalade model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Escalade 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 28 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 16 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 14 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 6 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 3 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 3 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 9 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. EPA rating for Escalade 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Escalade 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Escalade 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2022 Cadillac Escalade with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 277 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2022 Cadillac Escalade with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 425 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE ESV LUXURY 4DR SUV: length 227 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 134 in, curb weight 5,869 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE ESV SPORT / PREMIUM LUXURY 4DR SUV: length 227 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 134 in, curb weight 5,992 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE ESV SPORT PLATINUM / PREMIUM LUXURY PLATFORM 4DR SUV: length 227 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 134 in, curb weight 6,111 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE LUXURY 4DR SUV: length 212 in, width 81 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 5,721 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE SPORT / PREMIUM LUXURY 4DR SUV: length 212 in, width 81 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 5,838 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE SPORT PLATINUM / PREMIUM LUXURY PLATFORM 4DR SUV: length 212 in, width 81 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 5,972 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.