2022 Cadillac Escalade recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2022 ESCALADE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 22V617000 (manufacturer code N222372380).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Summary: General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. 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.
Consequence: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
2. Lights — software update
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
What could happen: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-80…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2022 ESCALADE.
- This recall may be fixed by an over-the-air software update. Check the car's screen or app before booking a dealer visit.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-888-988-7267.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
3. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. 2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
What could happen: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed J…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2022 ESCALADE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 25V274000 (manufacturer code N252494000).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-333-4223.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
4. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
What could happen: Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2022 ESCALADE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V085000 (manufacturer code N252536750).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-888-988-7267.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Summary: 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 Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
Consequence: 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 were mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252536750. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2022 Cadillac Escalade owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (76), Transmission / drivetrain (15), Electrical system (8), Fuel system (7), Unknown Or Other (6).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/02/2026 · Electrical system
We bought my 2022 Cadillac Escalade brand new in mid July from a Cadillac dealership.. fast-forward early September ( I remember because my son was in a wedding at the end of September) and we were shopping for my son dress shoes. My son and I were tired after a long full day of shopping, and walked out to a dark parking lot only to find my brand new car wo…
09/28/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
While driving approximately 55 mph on a public road, the 6.2L V8 (RPO L87) engine failed catastrophically and the vehicle lost propulsion. The pistons in cylinders 1 and 2 exploded and were ejected through both sides of the engine block. The vehicle was towed to Walnut Creek Cadillac (RO 189443, 55,262 miles). The dealer replaced the complete long block, ra…
09/28/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
This is a POST-REMEDY FAILURE. Please associate with EA26005. The replacement engine installed in July 2025 under recall 25V-274 has now failed at approximately 16,000 miles. In August 2026 at 70,606 miles the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle ran roughly and felt like it would stall. The dealer performed GM campaign N252510321 (ECM software u…
09/09/2026 · Unknown Or Other
My issue is with the telematics module that no longer functions as it should. My GPS, Super-Cruise, OnStar, WiFi, MyCadillac App, and all other so called safety features touted by OnStar are non-functional. If this isn’t a legitimate concern, I apologize. Otherwise, please help with this widespread known issue.
09/09/2026 · Engine
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine neede…
08/31/2026 · Suspension
Currently receiving it's 4th engine (it has shut down on me while driving down the road, twice) onStar module has been replaced, radiator has been replaced (i think twice), sway bar has been replaced, front suspension problems multiple times (i don't remember all of them), coolant leak, for some reason eats up front tires in about 10K miles and nobody can e…
08/30/2026 · Engine
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade and serious concerns about how a safety-related engine issue and recall were handled. I purchased my Escalade new and have consistently maintained it at the Cadillac dealership, following all recommended oil-change and maintenance intervals. Over approximately two years, I had multiple service a…
08/28/2026 · Engine
This vehicle had the recall engine replacement and now hearing engine tick