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2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis

Complaint Summary

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 57 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and fuel/propulsion system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.0/ 10

Based on 57 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

29 50.9%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 10.5%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 8.8%

POWER TRAIN

5 8.8%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 5.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 50.9% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 12 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 57 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 51% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV are ENGINE (29), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 42 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2021 Escalade ESV complaints2023 Escalade ESV complaints2020 Escalade ESV complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 12 of 12 systems

ENGINE

29 Reports51% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

2/17/2023

While driving, I noticed a very distinct knocking sound, that changed frequency and tone depending on how fast the engine was spinning or how warm it was. This noise I only noticed while walking outside the car or with the windows down. As a mechanical engineer, I knew something was terribly wrong with the internal parts of the engine (lifters, cam, main bearings, etc) as this type of sound I am familiar with in pre-emptive engine failure. I made an appointment with my local dealer (Massey Cadillac South - Orlando). I took it in. Within an hour of it being there, they asked me to leave and took me to a Hertz to get a loaner. I called a week later asking where my car is, they said they are waiting on a complete engine. I was shocked as the vehicle has under 47,000 miles on it. I am still without the vehicle 6 weeks later. Doing searches I noticed there are thousands of others with the same issue as mine and GM is well aware of this engine failure issue with their bulletins that they send to dealers. I am happy to have made it to the dealer without incident, however if it was my wife driving the vehicle, she would not have noticed the noise. She thought the noise it made was normal. Again, I am experienced to notice noises like this. GM should have recalled these vehicles MANY years ago.

1/20/2025

27 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Vehicle is burning oil with low engine oil light flashing months before the oil change is required. Vehicle does not always have full power and may slingshot forward at time of acceleration as opposed to a smooth acceleration.

5/15/2025

I am reporting persistent safety issues with my 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV, with ~87k miles. Despite a completed recall for an engine seizure, the vehicle continues to fail dangerously, eroding confidence in its safety and reliability.Early in ownership, the computer and dashboard were replaced due to malfunction. Later, the engine seized while driving at 70 mph on a highway, a recall-related issue requiring a three-month repair. The vehicle has spent significant time in the shop, impacting usability.On May 20, 2025, my wife experienced a sudden shutdown at a busy intersection while merging onto a high-speed road. The vehicle lost power without warning, stranding her in a hazardous position. She exited to direct traffic, risking a collision. After ~5 minutes, she restarted it, and the system prompted her to reset the front windows’ limits, suggesting a computer issue. This post-recall failure indicates unresolved defects.These incidents—computer replacement, engine seizure, and shutdown—show a pattern of unreliability. With 87,000 miles, lemon law eligibility may be limited, but GM should have offered a buyback earlier given the history. These failures pose serious safety risks.I urge NHTSA to investigate potential defects in the 2022 Escalade ESV’s engine and electronics. I also seek guidance on whether GM should repurchase this vehicle to ensure safety. Please confirm receipt and advise on next steps. I can provide service records.

5/21/2025

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 outside even if the door is unlocked when the power is off. I think it's because the Escalade is not a mechanical door handle. They had to be broken. The car window was opened from the inside, and I was thinking that if I passed out in the collision that day and the car caught fire again, it would not be a simple matter even if someone passed by and wanted to save me. Their engineers went to verify the experience and ideas I encountered, which may save many lives. Of course, the Escalade is my dream car, and I will buy it again it save me and my daughter.

5/5/2023

See attached document for complaint

8/13/2024

3 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

5 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I was driving up a hill passing a semi at 60 MPH. The engine suddenly stopped running without warning. No warning lights, only a restart engine notice. The vehicle rapidly slowed and I was able to pull over to the shoulder without being hit by the semi. Unfortunately the vehicle came to rest at the crest of a large hill, at the end of a merge lane. It was a very dangerous place to stop. Onstar Called the Missouri Highway Patrol, the officer arrived and agreed it was in a very dangerous location and called a local towing company to remove the vehicle as quickly as possible. The vehicle could not be restarted or pushed as the transmission was also locked when we came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the next day I was told the engine had seized and would need to be replaced. The Escallade only had 25,000 miles on the odometer and I had purchased it new 2021. The service manager stated the failed engine would be sent back to GM, but this was a common problem with that model engine (6.2L) and that it may take a while to find a new replacement engine

6/24/2024

See attached document for complaint

8/13/2024

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I have had multiple issues with my forward collision system on my 2022 Escalade. The system randomly fails, alerts of vehicles in front of me without vehicles there, and has even slammed on the brakes while in cruise control on the highway. There was no one in front of me; however, there were people behind me when the brakes slammed. This could easily have caused an accident. I requested the vehicle be fixed and multiple sensors were replaced. The vehicle still alerted that the system was inoperative AFTER getting it "fixed." The dealer came to the house, drove the vehicle, and then turned off the automatic braking system to prevent an accident or further problems.

8/3/2023

I was driving with my children in tow. My "reduced acceleration light" came on as well as my check engine light. Within minutes of these turning on, my car went into Limp mode (shifted in neutral) and would not accelerate and steering felt locked up. I quickly got off to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. When I restarted, the vehicle would not go into reverse or any gear other than park. This was terrifying. Thankfully, the road I was on had a speed limit of 40; however, had I been on the GA 400 or I-285, my family could have been easily involved in an accident. I had the vehicle towed to the local Cadillac dealership. After a week, I am told it is a faulty Control Valve Body and that there is no ETA on when this part with be available. The tow truck driver stated I was the 3rd Escalade driver in the last two weeks that the same issue had occurred. I will be reaching out to a lemon law attorney as well. This vehicle is still under warranty.

3/17/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 outside even if the door is unlocked when the power is off. I think it's because the Escalade is not a mechanical door handle. They had to be broken. The car window was opened from the inside, and I was thinking that if I passed out in the collision that day and the car caught fire again, it would not be a simple matter even if someone passed by and wanted to save me. Their engineers went to verify the experience and ideas I encountered, which may save many lives. Of course, the Escalade is my dream car, and I will buy it again it save me and my daughter.

5/5/2023

- Engine seized at highway speeds - Vehicle had lose of power while in the middle of the highway. Fortunately I was able to coast to the side of the road without impact. - The vehicle components went through inspection by the Cadillac dealer it was delivered to. - There were no messages or other symptoms that alerted me prior to the problem occured.

2/2/2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

6/17/2025

The vehicle acts like it wants to cut off, and when the lane driving assistance option is activated, it will jump lanes and almost cause an accident.

6/28/2025

STEERING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I heard a weird noise from the steering wheel and when I took it to the dealership, they inspected it and found out that the steering gear mead to be replaced after only 2 months from purchasing the vehicle ( it has only 1200 miles on it ) . They said they can’t offer me another vehicle until they fix this problem which per them will take about 2 weeks to replace it and they had me to pick up the vehicle in the mean time . I don’t know what to do ?? I don’t feel safe driving it even after they fix this issue because for me, that means that they didn’t do the required inspection before releasing the vehicle from the manufacture

9/3/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I have had multiple issues with my forward collision system on my 2022 Escalade. The system randomly fails, alerts of vehicles in front of me without vehicles there, and has even slammed on the brakes while in cruise control on the highway. There was no one in front of me; however, there were people behind me when the brakes slammed. This could easily have caused an accident. I requested the vehicle be fixed and multiple sensors were replaced. The vehicle still alerted that the system was inoperative AFTER getting it "fixed." The dealer came to the house, drove the vehicle, and then turned off the automatic braking system to prevent an accident or further problems.

8/3/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I have had multiple issues with my forward collision system on my 2022 Escalade. The system randomly fails, alerts of vehicles in front of me without vehicles there, and has even slammed on the brakes while in cruise control on the highway. There was no one in front of me; however, there were people behind me when the brakes slammed. This could easily have caused an accident. I requested the vehicle be fixed and multiple sensors were replaced. The vehicle still alerted that the system was inoperative AFTER getting it "fixed." The dealer came to the house, drove the vehicle, and then turned off the automatic braking system to prevent an accident or further problems.

8/3/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while his son was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at slow speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

1/29/2025

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The vehicle acts like it wants to cut off, and when the lane driving assistance option is activated, it will jump lanes and almost cause an accident.

6/28/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

The most reported complaint category for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV is ENGINE, with 29 owner reports. That is about 51% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 42 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV severe?

42 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Cadillac Escalade ESV: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
57
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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