The Lemon Index
202120235th generation
86 owner complaints, first 3 years 16–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2022 Lincoln Navigator2022 Volvo XC90 612022 Audi Q7
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2022 Cadillac Escalade
- Engine failure56 complaintsmostly at 32,000–50,000 miles (51,000–80,000 km)
- Engine stalling23 complaintsmostly at 36,000–47,000 miles (58,000–76,000 km)
- Throttle body / loss of power11 complaints
Specific parts named in the 146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Only 13 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V085000 (transmission & drivetrain), 25V274000 (engine) and 22V903000 (lights) done? It has 4 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- NHTSA has an open investigation into loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Has this car had that problem?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1145 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This service bulletin provides information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 86 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 30K to 41K miles (49K to 67K km) on the car (13 of all 86 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
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.
2022 Cadillac Escalade owner · NHTSA complaint 11697017
More owner reports
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.
NHTSA complaint 11661215
Driving on the interstate, vehicle slowed down, pulled over and put the car in park. Shut car off, tried to restart and it would not start. Cadillac dealership says vehicle needs a new engine. Bought brand new in 2022
NHTSA complaint 11645513
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1145 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This service bulletin provides information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines
- This Preliminary information communicates an issue when remote start is used the engine may stall
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 4
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
- Engine · recall issued 2025 6.2L engines only
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- Lights · recall issued 2022
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
Show all 4 recalls
- Seat belts · recall issued 2022
The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Cadillac Escalade recall, all years · All Cadillac recalls
Government investigations
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4,000–$4,700 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac Escalade year. 2022 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2022 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-escalade/?y=2022" title="Cadillac Escalade reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="652" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-escalade/2022/">Lemon Index</a> (2022 Cadillac Escalade reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew about one and a half times the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 172; 100 is average, lower is better). 2022 is one of the weaker years of a model that usually draws about two-thirds as many complaints as the average car. The Cadillac Escalade year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2011.
What are the most common 2022 Cadillac Escalade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (76%), transmission & drivetrain (14%) and electrical (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade have?
4 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade get?
16 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade cost in fuel a year?
About $4,000 to $4,700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac Escalade year is better than the 2022?
Nearby, the 2021 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2011 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works