general problems of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade - part 1

95 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade based on all problems reported for the 2022 Escalade.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2026

Motor damaged. Needs new motor. Crank shaft, seals, bottom end all damaged.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2026

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.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2026

Engine started knocking and past half a mile completely lost power and stoped, towed to dealer, will wait till Monday for any info.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2026

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.

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/26/2026

After the recall work was performed, the vehicle began consuming engine oil at an abnormal and excessive rate between oil changes. Most concerning, during a recent check, the engine oil level was found to be extremely low, with no oil registering on the dipstick. This condition presents a significant risk of engine damage or failure and raises serious safety concerns. Prior to the recall service, the vehicle did not exhibit any abnormal oil consumption. The issue has only occurred after the recall was completed, which strongly suggests a direct connection to the repair.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/23/2026

On [03/23/2026], while traveling at 79 mph in high-speed highway traffic, my 2022 Cadillac Escalade suffered a sudden, total engine seizure and complete loss of propulsion. This catastrophic failure occurred without any prior warning lamps or symptoms. The loss of motive power at highway speeds created an immediate life-threatening situation, forcing me to navigate through traffic to the shoulder with no engine power. This vehicle is currently at [parks Chevrolet charlotte] awaiting a full teardown and is available for inspection. Critical safety concern: this engine seizure occurred after recall 25v-274 was marked "completed" on June 18, 2025. This incident represents a direct failure of the recall remedy and is a documented escalation of the issues being investigated under NHTSA recall query rq26001. I am reporting this to provide evidence that the current remedy is insufficient to prevent high-speed engine seizures and loss of propulsion.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/19/2026

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.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/19/2026

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.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 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.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 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.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/14/2026

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.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2026

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),.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2026

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.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2026

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.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/21/2026

On February 21, 2026, my 2022 Cadillac Escalade esv experienced a sudden and complete engine seizure at highway speed at 57,825 miles just 8,613 miles after passing gm's picoscope inspection under safety recall n252494000 (NHTSA campaign 25v274). After fueling, I entered a highway on-ramp and accelerated to approximately 70 mph. Within 30 seconds, the engine lost power completely with no prior warning lights, no diagnostic trouble codes, and no audible warning. The only dashboard notification was a prompt to press the start button. The vehicle behaved as if shifted into neutral, decelerating rapidly from 70 mph to 40 mph while I was navigating an exit merge ramp. I reached the right shoulder safely. Under normal weekday traffic, this failure on an active merge ramp could have caused a serious collision. The engine would not restart. The vehicle would not shift out of park. Onstar could not remotely start the vehicle. A tow truck was dispatched; the operator could not shift the vehicle to neutral and required a dolly. The dealership confirmed the engine had seized and the engine would not crank. A complete engine replacement was performed under the recall warranty (ro 606490). The recall remedy was performed August 20, 2025 at 49,212 miles. Gm records confirm the picoscope result: "engine passed. " the engine seized 8,613 miles later with no warning. This is consistent with 30-plus NHTSA complaints reporting loss of propulsion after the prior remedy, and demonstrates the inspection-based remedy is insufficient to identify engines at imminent risk of seizure.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/18/2026

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.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2026

My car die by itself when I was driving on a highway; screen shows oil pressure low. It has been haven electric problem many times.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/06/2026

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

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/29/2026

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.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2026

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.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/12/2026

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.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/09/2026

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.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2025

My 2022 Cadillac Escalade is in the repair shop central houston Cadillac [xxx] my engine recall is out and stop working ! the 150,000 mile warranty is not getting upheld by genral motors ! I am being told that my case is denied ! general motors give me a case number xxx [xxx] ! general motors is scamming the recall refusing too drive replace the engine problems they knew was happening! big star Cadillac dealership stated my engine repairs was fix with oil replacement service ! that was not true and is false statement! right now I can not drive my vehicle! I need my new engine now ! thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2025

My 2022 Cadillac Escalade diesel (3. 0 lm2) is experiencing a failure of the engine coolant control valve, a known defect addressed by gm under special coverage bulletin n252508341. The failure causes: •intermittent reduced engine power •high-speed radiator cooling fans running continuously •check engine light •emissions system malfunction as a result of this condition, the vehicle fails emissions/smog testing and cannot be registered or legally operated in my state when the fault is active. The reduced power condition occurs unpredictably during normal driving, creating a drivability and safety concern, especially during merging, highway driving, and traffic conditions. Gm has acknowledged the defect through a special coverage program but has denied repair coverage due to salvage title branding, leaving the vehicle with an unresolved emissions-related defect that affects safe operation and compliance. This issue is unrelated to any prior damage and occurs during normal vehicle operation.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/29/2025

Traveling at 70mph the car had some hesitation, then the dash displayed "vehicle is in neutral ", then displayed "shutting down systems to save battery ", then "vehicle is in transport mode". Pulled onto the shoulder of the highway and vehicle would not turn over or start. Called Cadillac roadside and had vehicle picked up and transported to fitzgerald Cadillac in annapolis maryland.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/24/2025

It happened on a family road trip to big bear, CA for thanksgiving. Driving up a mountain road with my wife, 3 children and 3 dogs on a 2 lane highway. Engine gave out and completely seized. No warning, no lights, just a sudden loss of all power followed by a complete shutdown. I pulled over as far as I could but were still sticking out on the 2 lane highway and put our entire family in danger as well as other drivers that could not adequately see us on the blind turn. Fearing being hit, I had my family exit the vehicle and stand to the side awaiting help in a somewhat safer area. . The side of the mountain was a sheer cliff, but we didn’t want to be struck. Had a good friend drive up the hill to rescue the family and dogs while I wait for a tow truck. The vehicle completely locked up and would not shift into neutral. Tow truck drivers could not/would not tow the vehicle because of the placement and the fact it was locked. After about 4 hours waiting, the day turned to night and the battery completely drained so I no longer had hazards, which made it even more dangerous. Finally got a tow that had the right equipment to complete the task and had it towed to a local dealership which confirmed a seized engine. (you don’t even want to know how they got it off the tow truck). The dealership had the vehicle for approx 35 days and I just received it back. It currently has the check engine light on and the electronics do not function so it’s going back this week. My wife is scared to drive it, and we don’t know exactly how to proceed from this point. Contacted an attorney, so we’ll see what happens next. It was an absolute nightmare situation.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/14/2025

At approximately 6:45pm on Friday November 14, 2025, while driving among tractor trailers in the passing lane at highway speed on westbound rt 30 near mile marker 191 (lancaster, PA), my 2022 Cadillac Escalade esv sport platinum experienced a complete loss of propulsion. This catastrophic and sudden engine shutdown came with no warning lights, no symptoms prior to a complete loss of power. The vehicle had previously been inspected as part of the recall service by fred beans Cadillac in doylestown months prior and customer was informed it had passed the recall inspection and was given the recommended corrective action - (new oil [0w40], oil filler cap and new oil filter). Customer had absolutely no reason to suspect this engine had issues, because it "passed" gm's recall. . . This vehicle's unexpected & compete loss of power gravely endangered the lives of the vehicle's four occupants who were absolutely terrified during this experience ! I put the vehicle's hazard lights on and guided it to a stop on the right shoulder of rt 30 at the mile marker 191 westbound. I contacted my insurance provider's roadside assistance for a flatbed tow off the highway. Vehicle was eventually flatbed to kelly Cadillac for engine diagnosis. [will give much more details in subsequent communications as the characters here are limited] we are awaiting Cadillac dealer's diagnosis of the cause of this catastrophic engine failure with complete loss of propulsion at highway speed (after the recall was performed and vehicle was cleared). I have added photos of the confirmation from the insurance company's dispatch of a flatbed to my location on rt 30 as well as a screenshot of us on the right shoulder of rt 30. I have attached text messages received from gm of the engine issue that were received after the vehicle was stopped on the shoulder of highway. My family - and others on the highway that evening - could have been gravely injured or even killed by this Cadillac's complete malfunction !.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2025

Took my car to the shop yesterday due to heating a ticking sound coming from the engine. This is the new engine that was replaced after a catastrophic engine failure on may 16, 2025. The service department inspected my vehicle and found metal shards in the oil filter. They need to keep the vehicle because it will need another new engine. This will be the third new engine in a year since the recall on the 6. 2l gm engines.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2025

After waiting months to get my vehicle checked for recall n252494000 NHTSA 25v274 I was told my vehicle passed inspection. When I asked to see the detailed results of the pico test I was told there are no detailed results and I was not shown anything proving my vehicle was tested and whether it passed or failed. My invoice states "performed pico test test took multiple tries to complete having to unhook and reinstall pico to complete" which does not make me confident in the result. While talking to the service manager, he mentioned their original pico equipment was replaced by GMC after approximately 5 vehicles failed inspection. Since GMC sent the new equipment there have been no failed inspections. I can't find a way to express my concern to GMC or Cadillac online, that is what brought me here. This recall includes a safety risk serious enough to replace the vehicles engine, I want reassurance that the test was performed properly and my vehicle did not fail.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/26/2025

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.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2025

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report an ongoing safety issue regarding my 2022 Cadillac Escalade related to an engine recall. On September 19, 2025, I took my vehicle to the dealership for inspection, but they chose to pass the recall inspection despite the fact that the engine continues to experience serious issues. The problems include: •engine propulsion failure and loss of acceleration at highway speeds, creating a hazardous situation. •rumbling noise from the engine when releasing the accelerator pedal. •erratic rpm fluctuations, with the engine surging significantly up and down. •frequent engine misfires, which increase the risk of stalling. •on several occasions, the accelerator dropped speed on the freeway unexpectedly, endangering me, my passengers, and others on the road. These symptoms are ongoing and pose a serious safety hazard. I believe the inspection should not have been passed, as the engine clearly remains defective. I strongly urge that the engine be replaced to address these issues. Please advise on the next steps, as I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my passengers. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2025

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling) in August of 2025. However, soon after the recall inspection, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before responding. The vehicle also hesitated when started and shifted into drive(d) when depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal whining sound, and the vehicle was pulling to the left or the right while driving and had to compensate by returning the steering wheel to the center. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer that performed the recall service. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer informed the contact that there were no performance issues with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/22/2025

My engine all of a sudden went dead in the middle of an intersection. I was unable to put the vehicle in neutral and move it so it was stuck in the middle of an intersection until the tow truck arrived. In addition, it had to be dragged due to this issue - which I’m sure isn’t good for it.

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/21/2025

I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade that is subject to NHTSA id number: 25v274000 / gm recall n252494003 for a potential connecting rod/crankshaft defect in the 6. 2l l87 engine. I have contacted my authorized Cadillac dealership (Cadillac pensacola), pensacola, florida five times by phone (dates:1 July 2025 - 15 August 2025) requesting an appointment for the recall inspection and repair. The dealership has failed to schedule an appointment or return my calls. This defect poses a serious safety risk due to possible sudden engine failure and loss of motive power while driving. Gm’s recall remedy involves inspecting the engine and, if necessary, replacing it. The delay in repair scheduling is preventing me from having the federally mandated safety remedy performed. I am concerned that gm and its dealer network are failing to provide a timely remedy as required by the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act. I request NHTSA to investigate this delay and require gm to ensure an immediate repair or alternate remedy (loaner, buyback, or replacement).

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/19/2025

The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the message "low engine oil" was displayed prematurely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the oil consumption test. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine had failed the recall inspection and needed to be replaced. The contact was provided with vehicle rental assistance for approximately 4 days. The dealer later informed the contact that the engine was in good condition and did not need to be replaced. The contact was concerned that the dealer had misassessed the engine condition and was placing the contact and his family at risk. The manufacturer was contacted for buy-back assistance, and a case was filed. The manufacturer later informed the contact that the dealer had been unreachable and that the buy-back assistance would not be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.


Other Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade


Escalade Service Bulletins
Escalade Safety Recalls
Escalade Defect Investigations