2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv Safety Report

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved respectable crash test ratings from NHTSA, including 4 stars overall, 4 stars for frontal impact, and a perfect 5 stars for side impact, its rollover resistance is only 3 stars. The vehicle has accumulated 44 total complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash and 2 injuries, which is a notable number for a relatively new model year. A significant concern is the prevalence of engine-related issues, accounting for 22 of the complaints, with multiple reports detailing sudden and complete engine seizures at highway speeds, often without prior warning. This aligns with a major recall (NHTSA Campaign 25V274000) concerning potential connecting rod/crankshaft defects leading to engine failure. Beyond the engine, the vehicle has been subject to four recalls. These include issues with the automatic transmission control module software that could cause rear wheels to lock up, exterior lighting software affecting daytime running lights, and a critical fastener defect in third-row seat belts that could compromise occupant restraint. The high number of engine complaints, many describing dangerous loss of propulsion, suggests that despite the recalls, underlying reliability issues, particularly with the engine, persist and pose a significant safety risk. The crash test performance is generally good, but the real-world complaint data, especially regarding engine failures, indicates a potential disconnect between controlled test environments and actual vehicle operation. The pattern of engine failures, often occurring at highway speeds and leading to complete loss of propulsion, is particularly alarming given the potential for severe accidents. Several complaints explicitly mention the vehicle going into 'limp mode' or shutting down entirely, leaving occupants stranded in dangerous traffic situations. The recall for engine failure (25V274000) directly addresses this, but the continued complaints, some even after recall inspections, highlight ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of the remedy or the scope of the problem. Other recalls, while important, do not carry the same immediate life-threatening risk as a sudden engine seizure at 70 mph.

Our recommendation: Given the significant number of severe engine-related complaints and multiple recalls, potential buyers should exercise caution and ensure all recalls have been addressed, with particular scrutiny on the engine recall (25V274000) and its effectiveness.