NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Cadillac Escalade Safety Ratings
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 69 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2022 Cadillac Escalade, a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 places it in the Strong band. This assessment is based on a full complement of standard crash-avoidance technology and solid crash-test results. Buyers should, however, verify resolution of the four recalls issued for this model year before purchase.
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade received a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-impact rating, according to NHTSA crash-test and recall 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 ranks 95 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 | 80 / 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 | 69 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 95 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Cadillac Escalade?
The 2022 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Escalade in MotorCaliber's safety scoring. The Safety Index rose to 80/100, a six-point gain over the 2021 model's 74/100 Average-band score, moving the vehicle into the Strong band. That improvement is driven partly by a perfect 10/10 avoidance technology score, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. Crash protection contributed 57 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star side-impact result but tempered by the 3-star rollover score and its 21 percent rollover risk figure. The defect record sub-score of 12.75/20 reflects the four active recall campaigns, the most consequential being the seat belt critical fastener recall and the internal engine hard-parts recall, both of which span multiple GM platform-mates. The lighting module recall offered an over-the-air remedy, which may already be completed on many units. Taken together, this year's data portrait is one of strong passive and active safety credentials offset by a recall record that used-market shoppers must treat as unfinished business until confirmed resolved.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Cadillac Escalade perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD achieved a 5 out of 5 star rating in side-impact crash tests, a strong point in its overall NHTSA assessment. This model earned 4 out of 5 stars overall, with its frontal crash rating also at 4 stars. The rollover assessment was notably weaker, at 3 out of 5 stars, reflecting a 21 percent rollover risk. Dynamic testing, however, did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16281
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Cadillac Escalade 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 fault addressed via an over-the-air fix, and seat belt critical fasteners. The seat belt fastener recall is a structural safety issue that warrants priority VIN verification. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is documented in the provided data.
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?
Sixty-nine owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2022 Escalade, including alleged 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components in those reports are the Engine, Power Train, and Engine And Engine Cooling systems.
69 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade?
Four recall campaigns, including one addressing seat belt fasteners and another for internal engine components, may remain open on individual units of the 2022 Escalade. Shoppers considering this model year should verify recall remedy completion through the VIN on NHTSA's lookup tool, or by contacting a GM service center.
- The 2022 Escalade's Safety Index of 80/100 represents a six-point year-over-year increase from the 2021 model's 74/100, moving it from the Average band into the Strong band.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars with a 21 percent rollover risk is the weakest crash-test result for this model year and is specific to the 2WD SUV configuration tested by NHTSA.
- A seat belt critical fastener recall and a separate internal engine hard-parts recall are among the four campaigns covering this model year, and used-market buyers must verify both are resolved by VIN.
- Sixty-nine unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year include alleged Engine and Power Train issues as the top reported categories, with the most recent allegation filed in mid-2026.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Cadillac Escalade places
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Cadillac Escalade safety questions
Was the 2022 Cadillac Escalade crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Cadillac Escalade, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Cadillac Escalade 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Cadillac Escalade?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 69 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Escalade 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 16281), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Cadillac Escalade 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 95 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.