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KLUNK
KLUNK

2022 Cadillac Escalade

The Verdict

81 Smooth Ride

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade has 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (63 complaints) and electrical (4 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 81/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Cadillac Escalade, consider the 2001 model year which has 95% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2001 has 95% fewer complaints

View the 2001 Cadillac Escalade dashboard →

81

Klunk Score: Smooth Ride

This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

26V085000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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 Transmi...

Risk

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...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000301115225
200111010
20024654201712
2003342827194
20041822411210
200561020178
200645681
2007587156548
2008230120186
20099134122
2010722932
20111424512
2012741041
201360614
2014401140
2015295143321
2016314173118
20171515113113
2018234102
2019502161
202011182
20211236503
2022204632
20238331005
2024231313
202501481

By Category

Engine
63
Electrical
4
Body
2
Transmission
2

By Severity

1
40
2
26
4
5

Worst Problems

Complaints

Transmission 1

I have a 2022 Escalade with 98,000 miles at 70,000 miles I complained about engine and transmission issues On June 14 I lost my transmission I brought it to the dealer and they diagnosed it as a valve body failure Valve number 6 stuck and binding Unfortunately I inquired about the special coverage and my vin is not in the special Recall This problem extends beyond what gm is saying

14d ago
Body 2

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 damage that appears to be substantially more extensive than what was disclosed at the time of sale. I have also obtained documentation supporting these findings. The vehicle has been inspected by independent repair facilities. Additional inspections by the manufacturer or other parties can be made if requested. Prior to discovering the extent of the previous damage, there were no warning lights that clearly identified the underlying safety concerns. The issues became apparent after a detailed inspection of the vehicle and review of the condition of the repaired areas rather than through dashboard warning messages. I am filing this complaint because I believe a vehicle with potentially significant structural and safety-related prior damage was sold without adequate disclosure of the extent of that damage.

16d ago
Engine 1

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The Engine seized up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine shut off on its own will. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes GM has confirmed the engine needs to be replaced under the 6.2L engine claim. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? GM has inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning at all on the vehicle.

19d ago
Engine 1

My vehicle, a 2022 Cadillac Escalade with a 6.2L L87 engine, had the L87 recall completed withing the past year. The remedy was that it passed the inspection and engine oil was replaced with 10W-40 weight oil. Just yesterday 6/25/26, my engine quit working while driving on Interstate 265 in Louisville, Ky. Luckily, I was able to coast to the side of the highway where I stopped and was unable to restart the vehicle. After subsequent towing to the local Cadillac dealership, today 6/26/26, I was contacted by the service department that stated my engine needed to be replaced and would be covered under the L87 recall and under warranty.

22d ago
Engine 2

The vehicle experienced a total engine failure on 03/16/2026 while traveling in the Houston/Friendswood, TX area going home from our vacation in Galveston, TX. The vehicle remained out of service at Big Star Cadillac in Friendswood until 04/27/2026. This failure is directly related to GM Safety Recall N252494000, involving defective internal engine components. Prior Ownership History (01/22/2024): The vehicle experienced an engine failure at 18,424 miles while under previous ownership. The engine was replaced by an authorized Cadillac dealership prior to my purchase. This material repair history was not disclosed at the time of sale. Second Failure (03/16/2026): At 47,503 miles, the replacement engine (N1240062M69X0196) failed catastrophically while in my possession during a return trip from vacation with my family of five. The failure occurred on Interstate 45, a heavily traveled highway, and we were barely able to exit the freeway. The new engine is part of the N126086N44X0534 series.

2mo ago
Engine 1

2022 Cadillac Escalade. Had the 6.2 liter engine recall done about 6K miles ago in which the engine was replaced. Now it’s back at the dealer again and needs another 6.2 liter engine. Been at the dealer for a month and GM has given them no update on when they can get another engine for it. This is insane. How am I ever supposed to be able to take my family around in this vehicle if the engines keep failing. Unfortunately I just bought this from the a dealer 6 months ago so I’m stuck with a vehicle that I do not trust… a $111,000 vehicle.

2mo ago
Engine 1

I purchased Used in Jan 2026 When starting the lifters were loud and I thought was normal engine operation. Since 2/17/2026 the engine vibrated or ran rough when idling. The auto/Stop Start feature failed randomly as the engine stalled when trying to start. The car passed the recall for the 6.2 Gm L85 engine issue, but is still having issues. The dealership Val Ward Ft Myers has the car now, and is replacing the lifters. My concern is that the Lower Engine issue was not properly diagnosed.

2mo ago
Engine 2

Hey, Just wanted to let you know that I took my car in for the recall service on the 6.2L engine issues, They determined my engine was fine and changed the oil to the different one. Within 6 months the engine blow while I was driving, they covered it under the recall however it is clear that the oil change is not an appropriate fix for this issue. thanks

2mo ago
Engine 2

Purchased the vehicle 1 year ago and immediately it had oil consumption problems. Got low oil alarm after 2000 miles from the dealers oil change. Dealer told us it was within “specs”. 6 months ago we were told the 6.2 engine had a recall and a different type oil will be used. 1 month ago the engine locked up and it is now at the dealer waiting for an engine. Asked another car dealership about trading it in and they would not accept it as a trade-in because it currently has a stop sale issued. This means the vehicle is now worth nothing! Well, I have to hire Attorney to get anything for this vehicle? We paid 75,000 for it a year ago

3mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and failed to respond as needed, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on several occasions, and the contact lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to operate. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact expressed concerns that the vehicle posed a safety hazard and was unsafe to continue driving. The approximate failure mileage was 60,645.

3mo ago
Engine 2

While driving my 2021 Cadillac Escalade on an interstate highway at approximately 70 mph with my family, including two minor children, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost propulsion, shut off, and shifted into neutral. This occurred in active traffic and created an immediate safety hazard. A warning message appeared instructing me to restart the vehicle. After several minutes navigating traffic, I was able to restart the vehicle briefly and exit the highway. Shortly thereafter, additional dashboard alerts appeared indicating critical engine and transmission failure. After exiting the highway, the vehicle shut down completely at a traffic signal and failed to restart. The vehicle was immobilized in an active roadway until police assistance arrived to prevent a rear‑end collision and a flatbed tow was arranged. The sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed placed vehicle occupants and surrounding motorists at serious risk. The vehicle is available for inspection and was diagnosed as having a seized engine on March 9, 2026, by Diamond Cadillac in [XXX] . This failure did not occur without warning. Prior to this incident, I repeatedly reported excessive oil consumption to the selling dealer, Otto Cadillac, from whom I purchased the vehicle in April 2025 as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. On two separate service visits, I reported oil consumption exceeding two quarts between recommended service intervals and requested that this be documented. I was advised that the consumption was “within tolerance” and was later informed—incorrectly—that this tolerance applied to my engine configuration. Otto Cadillac performed a recall-related inspection and implemented the manufacturer-directed remedy consisting of an oil cap replacement and a change in oil viscosity to SAE 40. No mechanical repair or deeper diagnostic action was taken. The subsequent engine seizure confirms that these mitigation measures did not resolve the underlying defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

3mo ago
Engine 1

On March 19, 2026 around 830AM EST, the vehicle turned off while I was driving around 40mph. I lost all power while on a busy street and I was unable to move the car to the side of the road. The car would not shift into drive or neutral, and therefore remained in the middle of the road until a tow truck had to flatbed it to the Cadillac dealership. The L87 recall on this vehicle was performed in August 2025, however the Cadillac dealership said there were no issues found with the L87 recall. The symptoms of today's issue - vehicle turning off while driving and does not start back up, is similar to other reports of this L87 recall and demonstrates that this recall was not accurately performed and/or remedied during the service.

4mo ago
Engine 1

There was a recall on my Cadillac Escalade regarding the engine. We had the vehicle inspected in the fall and were told that our engine was not affected and was safe to operate. However, on Sunday, March 8, the engine suddenly failed while I was driving on an exit ramp with children in the car. There were no warning lights or prior indications of a problem. I took the appropriate steps to have the vehicle evaluated under the recall, yet we were still placed in a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation due to the engine failure.

4mo ago
Engine 2

My 2022 Cadillac Escalade Sports Platinum has shut down several times while I'm driving, and recently it started shifting into neutral on its own. I have three kids, and my whole family was in the car when this happened. Once, it shut down and shifted to neutral as I was crossing a busy street at night. I was really scared that someone might hit us because it was hard to see. I will take the SUV to the dealer for an engine inspection because of a recall. This problem is very frightening and could put lives at risk.

4mo ago
Engine 2

My engine died 3 times so far. The first time it had 20,000 miles, I was driving on the freeway and my vehicle died. The dealer replaced the engine. The second time there was a recall for the engine, it had around 88,000 miles and the engine was replaced for a 2nd time. Note I’m at 94,000 miles and my car died on the freeway again. It has been at the dealer for more than a week and they haven’t even inspected it yet. This is definitely a safety concern, both times that it stopped I was on the freeway, things could have been much worse.

4mo ago
Engine 1

Engine stopped working. Dealer is replacing engine, starter and battery fuse box.

5mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH to the dealer, the vehicle experienced reduced engine power. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 37,600.

5mo ago
Engine 2

The engine suddenly stalled while I was driving on a public road, creating an immediate safety hazard. The check‑engine light came on, and the dashboard warned of zero oil pressure. I had no choice but to have the vehicle towed to a Cadillac dealership. After their inspection, I was informed that the engine had catastrophically failed and required full replacement. This failure occurred right after the recall work was completed, during which I was assured the engine was healthy and the new oil‑ viscosity procedure had been performed.

5mo ago
Engine 1

After receiving the recall notice, the car was taken to the dealership in Mid-November 2025 at 42,713 miles for the pico engine test. The engine passed the test and had the oil and oil filter changed to the 0-W40 oil and a new oil cap. On January 9, 2026 at approx. 43,700 miles, the engine seized while driving the freeway at approx. 70 mph. The car was towed to the same dealership who confirmed that the engine was destroyed and needed replacement. 2.5 weeks later, I received the car back where the service writer confirmed that the replacement engine was not a “ new” but instead a “re-manufactured” engine with the same 0-W40 oil. Subsequent to this, I contacted Cadillac and started the process of a repurchase. Cadillac has agreed to repurchase the car in the amount of $69,801 based on a mileage usage charge of $31,895 based on 42,713 miles. Depending on your state’s Lemon Law, I would encourage any other owner with this problem to force a repurchase of this car. There are many stories out there of these vehicles experiencing more than one engine replacement. This vehicle can not be trusted.

5mo ago
Engine 1

Complete Engine failure happened while driving at slow speed. Engine recall had been completed on September 3, 2025. No replacement recomended. Complete engine failure happened on January 12, 2026. Had towed to dealership. Dealership just confirmed to me that it will need to have engine replaced on January 19, 2026. There was no sign or symptoms right before the failure.

6mo ago

71 total

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