NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
This page covers 5 recalls, 51 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2022 Escalade ESV cluster heavily around the engine, which accounts for the majority of filed reports. Owners frequently describe sudden power loss, engine knocking, and in several cases complete engine failure requiring a tow. Recurring descriptions point to internal damage, lifters, camshaft wear, crankshaft and lower-end components, often with little or no warning before the failure occurs. Some owners note that dashboard alerts for stability control and rear axle systems appeared around the time power dropped, suggesting the drivetrain faults and engine issues can surface together. Powertrain complaints, a smaller but notable second group, include transmission trouble, with owners describing difficulty engaging reverse. The 6.2L V8 engine is the common thread across the engine complaints, and several owners report the failure happened while merging onto a highway or during acceleration.
51
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 5 recalls, the most serious involving engine and drivetrain defects that can cause sudden wheel lockup or complete engine failure, either of which can lead to a crash.
On the engine side, vehicles with the 6.2L V8 can develop internal damage to the connecting rod or crankshaft that causes the engine to fail without warning. Two separate drivetrain issues can also lock up the wheels: a transfer case defect on four-wheel and all-wheel drive models can cause front or rear wheels to seize, and a transmission control valve failure on vehicles with the 10-speed electronic transmission can lock up the rear wheels while driving. There is also a seatbelt concern on vehicles with third-row seats, where a poorly formed rivet in the buckle assembly can allow the buckle to fail in a crash, leaving a rear passenger unrestrained. Rounding out the list, a software issue in the lighting system can prevent the daytime running lights from turning off when the headlights are on, creating glare that reduces visibility for other drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control valve may fail, causing the rear wheels to lock up and stop rotating while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will install updated transmission control module software at no cost to restore normal transmission operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod and crankshaft in the 6.2L V8 engine may have manufacturing defects that cause engine damage and failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and repair or replace it if needed. Passing engines receive higher viscosity oil, new oil filter, and manual updates.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running lights stay on when the headlights are turned on, instead of turning off as required.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the body control module software, or the update will be sent remotely to your vehicle, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rivet holding the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right third-row seat belt buckle assembly may not have been formed properly, potentially affecting the buckle's retention.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.