2022 Cadillac Escalade Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 09/15/2022

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 would not start. It was about 9 PM, I do remember the exterior lights would come on, but the engine would not start. And then would not turn off. We waited until midnight (it was very scary)for roadside assistance to pick up my car tow it to the dealership. Then had to call an uber because my husband was out of town. Come to find out they diagnosed my vehicle, in a module had to be replaced.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 07/12/2025

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, radiator, oil cooler lines, intake manifold and catalytic converter under warranty, and the repair order records GM recall N252494000 / NHTSA 25V-274 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion) as completed and verified. The vehicle was out of service approximately one month. Loss of propulsion at highway speed created a serious crash risk.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 08/20/2026

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 update), found nothing further, charged $325 in diagnostics and returned the vehicle after a factory reset. The light returned within a week with additional faults. On the second visit (RO 198718, 71,355 miles) the dealer found codes P0300 and P0304, swapped coil, wire and plug to known-good cylinders with the misfire following cylinder 4, and measured 0 PSI compression. Diagnosis: lifter failure. Right-bank lifters, pushrods and oil valve solenoids were replaced. 15 days out of service. Days after pickup the vehicle developed a whining noise in reverse, then illuminated traction control, collision system and check engine warnings simultaneously during a short drive. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive. The dealer instructed me to drive it 35 miles to the dealership and declined both a tow and a loaner. Stalling in traffic and simultaneous loss of traction control and collision avoidance present a crash risk.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/01/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 03/10/2026

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 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the engine replacement, the low oil warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired for an oil consumption-related recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 08/20/2026

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 explain why (discount tire says they have never seen anything like it), flashes error codes on me constantly. this has all been going on since i bought the car in October of 2022. I keep taking it in and they "fix" it and then send me on my way only for me to end up right back where we started.

ENGINE — Filed 12/31/2001

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 appointments where I waited more than four hours for what I believed was simply an oil change. I now have documentation showing my vehicle had little to no oil in the engine while the vehicle still indicated more than 40% oil life remaining. Despite these repeated visits, I was not clearly informed of the seriousness of what was happening with my engine. I was eventually informed of the recall and that the condition of my engine was serious enough to require a complete engine replacement. I am extremely concerned that I was not made aware of this safety risk sooner. Since the replacement engine was installed, I have continued to experience a concerning metal-on-metal type sound when my vehicle stops. I have reported this to the Cadillac service department multiple times, but I still do not feel confident that the problem has been properly addressed. I have told the dealership that I do not feel safe driving this vehicle, especially with my children and grandchildren riding in it. I have even asked to be released from the vehicle because I no longer have confidence in its safety. I am asking NHTSA to investigate how this recall was handled, whether customers were adequately informed of the safety risks, and whether replacement engines and continuing reported symptoms are being properly addressed. I am concerned other Cadillac owners may be experiencing similar problems without understanding the seriousness of the issue. I have documentation of my service history and vehicle condition and can provide it if requested.

ENGINE — Filed 08/28/2026

This vehicle had the recall engine replacement and now hearing engine tick

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 08/03/2026

Engine failed while driving down the highway at speed. Just shut off. Very dangerous. No power had to pull over. Vehicle would not start agin. Said low oil pressure. Had it towed to the dealership. Complete engine failure and had to have the motor replaced. After replacement engine still does not feel right and transmission acts up as well. Complete piece of junk for how expensive these vehicles are. Scary, dangerous and do not trust this vehicle anymore. Stuck with an unsafe piece of junk that's unreliable. Please help. New motor is exactly the same as the other one so it's going to fail again. It stays at the dealership instead of my driveway. People are getting screwed. Some kind of compensation needs to be done for us with these issues. Completely unfair.

ENGINE — Filed 08/13/2026

Driving on a major interstate and the vehicle started knocking and losing acceleration, shaking terribly at a slow down/stop, lights on dash engaged, check engine, auto hold, service stabilitrak. Determination was a engine bearing went bad which contaminated the oil and other parts

ENGINE — Filed 03/08/2026

1.) When traveling down a (4) lane back road (without a median or adequite shoulder) the engine of the vehicle suddenly stalled. I pulled over to the side of the road and went to restart the vehilcle and that is when I noticed a burning electrical smell. After that the vehicle was not responsive to any request. 2.) Sudden uncontrol failure of drive train/ vehicle propultion. Unable to move car to safe location. Stuck on side of (4) lane back road. 3.) The vehicle was taken to service and it was confirmed that the engine had seized. 4.) The dealership inspected the engine and noted the mechanical failure. 5.)No there were not and when accessing my "cadillac app" it noted the the vehicle was in good condtion and there were no problems to report. Notes: Vehicle was purchased with 71,642 miles on 2/28/2026 and failed on 3/8/2026 with 71,975 miles.

STEERING,ENGINE — Filed 07/22/2026

I was driving and no check engine lights were on. I came to a stop sign and the car lost all power. I couldn't get it in park and neither could any of the 3 tow truck drivers. Therefore the car had to be skated onto the tow truck and then shimmied off, causing even more damage. They fixed the motor with the same engine , said there were metal shavings, which will end up doing the same thing and I do not feel safe driving a car i just bought for 72,000. The car only has 48,000 miles on it. I picked up the car after the repair and started to drive it home and when i got up to over 55 it started shaking and pulling to the right. It is not the same car I bought just a year ago and I am still waiting for them to return it back to me after a month of waiting for a power steering replacement. They do not know for sure if that's the problem now, but said they think that this will fix it. I do not feel safe if the mechanic doesn't even know what is wrong now.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/24/2026

While driving on a family road trip, our vehicle check engine light came in and put the vehicle in limp mode. This happened a couple of times but luckily we were close enough to our home we were able to make it home safely. The code received was indicative of a Coolant Control Valve Failure. In discussions with the dealer, there is currently a special coverage out for this component failing but that our VIN was not covered under this special coverage. After some research, we are not the only ones who are having this problem. I believe this issue is more wide spread than the dealer would like to admit. The special coverage is N252508341.

ENGINE — Filed 07/25/2026

My 2022 Cadillac Escalade received the remedy for Recall 25V-274 (L87 6.2L V8 loss of propulsion) on July 22nd at the dealer. The vehicle passed inspection and was given the higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil change remedy rather than an engine replacement. Since that service, the engine has begun stalling. It stalls when the vehicle is stopped. This symptom was not present before the recall service was performed. I consider this a loss-of-propulsion safety concern consistent with the defect the recall was meant to address, and I am concerned the oil-change remedy did not correct the underlying condition. The vehicle currently has approximately 144,969 miles. I am taking it to the dealer for diagnosis and am requesting a check for diagnostic trouble code P0016 and an oil filter inspection for metal debris.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/14/2026

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

BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/03/2026

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.

WHEELS,ENGINE — Filed 04/15/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 06/25/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 03/16/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 03/16/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 05/16/2025

I purchased the vehicle two weeks ago. As we were driving on the freeway the car would not accelerate and it started making a clanking noise and then the cab filled with smoke. We pulled over and exited the vehicle. My husband opened the hood and saw a fire. He quickly put out the fire with 3 stanley cups of water. My husband said that the failure caused a hole in the side of the block and the oil completely drained out of the vehicle and was all over the freeway.

ENGINE — Filed 03/26/2025

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE [XXX] IN DETROIT MI AND MY ENGINE LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY ENGINE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/11/2024

On [XXX], my wife and I were stopped in traffic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at approximately 7:35pm. Another vehicle failed to stop due to being distracted on his phone and rear ended my 2022 Cadillac Escalade. My wife and I were both injured. None of our airbags deployed and the On-Star system never came on and never detected the crash. By the airbags never deploying, this caused my wife to hit her head on the dashboard as well as on the speakers on the passenger seat. It happened in front of a fire station so they heard the crash and immediately ran out the fire station to help us. The vehicle just arrived at the collision center on 10/17/2024 and they will begin inspection for repairs. None of my emergency warning lamps or any other lights or messages came on in the vehicle. The vehicle just appeared normal like nothing happened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/16/2023

I was in accident on the interstate. None of the safety features activated. The truck was sliding instead of stopping. The emergency stop and braking never activated. The distance sensor failed. The airbag didn’t deploy and Onstar never called about a crash alert.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/14/2022

My moonroof spontaneously exploded almost causing me to have an accident with a 16 wheeler truck. NO external objects hit the moonroof.