NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv Safety Ratings
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 51 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, landing it in the Strong safety band. This represents a meaningful nine-point improvement over the 2021 model year. While four recalls temper its overall safety picture, strong crash protection ratings and a full score for avoidance technology contribute to its solid standing.
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv ranks 78 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.2% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 51 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 78 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV achieves a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. This reflects standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all trims. This strong performance in active safety systems contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, a nine-point increase from its predecessor's 74. The vehicle's crash protection sub-score stands at 57 out of 70. However, the 3-star rollover rating and 21 percent rollover risk represent its weakest crash-test result for the model year. This outcome is consistent with the physical characteristics of a large, high-ride-height SUV. Its defect record sub-score of 15.5 out of 20 is impacted by four active recall campaigns. These address powertrain software, internal engine components, lighting software, and seat belt fasteners. The recall concerning seat belt fasteners is particularly significant, as it involves a safety-critical restraint component. Furthermore, 51 owner complaints have been registered, with the majority pertaining to engine and powertrain issues, aligning with two of the active recall campaigns.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Escalade ESV SUV 2WD presents a 21 percent rollover risk, earning 3 out of 5 stars in that category from NHTSA. This is the weakest crash-test result for the vehicle, despite dynamic tip testing concluding without a tip. Side-impact protection is a notable strength, with a 5-star rating. Frontal protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, contributing to an overall 4-star safety rating for the vehicle.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16284
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved are the automatic transmission control module software, internal engine hard parts, a lighting control module software issue addressed by an over-the-air fix, and a seat belt critical fasteners concern. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status for all four campaigns by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE26V085000
Risk: 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
Reported 2026-02-13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V274000
Risk: 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, Chevro
Reported 2025-04-24
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V903000
Risk: 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
Reported 2022-12-08
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS22V617000
Risk: 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
Reported 2022-08-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
Fifty-one unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the engine, powertrain, fuel and propulsion system, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. One crash and two injuries are alleged among those reports. All are unverified allegations, not established facts.
51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
Shoppers considering this four-year-old vehicle must verify that all four recall campaigns have been remedied by running the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. A selling dealer or independent shop can confirm that no open recall work remains outstanding on the specific unit being evaluated.
- The Safety Index rose nine points to 83/100 for this specific model year, crossing from the Average band into the Strong band compared with the 2021 Escalade ESV.
- A seat belt critical fasteners recall issued in 2022 affects this model year and involves a direct occupant-restraint safety component, making remedy verification especially important.
- The 3-star rollover rating with a 21 percent rollover risk is the lowest individual crash-test score this year and is a meaningful consideration for buyers who regularly carry multiple passengers.
- Fifty-one unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year cluster heavily around the engine and powertrain categories, which overlap with two of the four active recall campaigns covering internal engine parts and transmission software.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv places
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv safety questions
Was the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 51 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Esv. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Escalade Esv years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16284), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac Escalade Esv 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 78 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.