2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade. This model year has 84 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
Model-Year Complaints
84 owner reports
Recall Campaigns
2 NHTSA campaigns
Top Failure Area
Engine Problems
Worst 2017 Cadillac Escalade Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Transmission / Drivetrain
AI Interpretation — 2017 Cadillac Escalade
Low ConfidenceBased on 84 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade, issues appear concentrated in the engine, brake system, and transmission/drivetrain. There are 2 recalls and 6 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints (30).
- Brake System complaints total 21, the second most reported component.
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues are noted in 19 complaints.
- Electrical Faults are reported in 12 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Brake System
- Transmission/Drivetrain
- Inspect the engine for reported issues such as stalling or performance loss.
- Check brake system for unusual noises, vibrations, or warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 30 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 12 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Engine misfire, AFM lifter collapse, defective AFM/DOD lifter technology. The three diagnosis I have had done to check for multiple opinions have all come back the same with a collapsed AFM lifter causing camshaft damage, overall failure of an AFM/DOD deactiviating lifter in the …
My 2017 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced AFM (Active Fuel Management) valve lifter failure. While driving on the freeway the vehicle began stuttering and shaking violently, and it felt as though I had lost control of the vehicle. The check engine light illumi…
The 6.2 L engine on my 2017 Cadillac Escalade failed at around 97,000 miles. I took it to Heritage Cadillac dealership for a diagnostic check and had it repaired. The engine had a broken engine rod and lifters damage to the engine. I had the engine repaired at the dealership but …
Lifters went out in January 2024 Paid thousands and thousands to repair and now having more issues again. Same issues the recalled 2021-2025 gym 6.2L have
System that failed/malfunctioned: power steering (EPS) system How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Power steering went out while driving. Steering wheel immediately became stiff and made it extremely to turn the wheel in either direction. Has the problem be…
Incident date: 2025-11-22 Location: I-70 (while taking an exit) Dealership: Jim Coleman Cadillac (vehicle purchased and routinely serviced here) I am reporting a sudden and severe brake system failure that created an immediate risk to vehicle occupants. On 2025-11-22 my wife wa…
2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Jim Coleman Cadillac, Bethesda, MD I am reporting a brake safety failure involving severe and abnormal brake component wear that created an immediate safety risk with breaks completely failing while driving at high speed on the …
With only 78k miles on my 2017 Escalade the same issue happened with the lifters like in the 2021-2025 models. We had to pay out 14k to replace the motor. GM has known about this problem for almost a decade and it’s not fair that we had to pay out this much money to replace an en…
I am the owner of a 2017 Cadillac Escalade affected by Special Coverage Adjustment 17016 (Program ID N162058750). The issue involves the chrome trim on the steering wheel separating, creating a sharp edge that poses a safety hazard to the driver. I contacted Cadillac to request …
I am writing to formally report an unresolved issue involving a 2015 Cadillac Escalade that I purchased from a Toyota dealership less than one year ago. The vehicle has experienced a complete engine failure, and I am currently left with a non-drivable vehicle and a loan balance o…
At 86,000 miles my 6.2 engine had to be rebuilt. Costing $14,000
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle briefly jerked and was unable to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with th…
Widely known problem with the 2017 Escalade motor with the active fuel management system. Driving in a very remote part of Wisconsin when engine light went on, indicating a lifter failure due to the afv shutting down cylinders. This is an extremly common problem with this engine/…
on 5/15/25 at approx. 11am the vehicle was seen with smoke rolling out of the doors and windows, which were all closed. The vehicle had been parked since approx. 8am that day. Once the FD had the fire knocked down, they found that a seat belt retractor module, replaced in 1/2025,…
The driver seat has randomly started moving while driving most recently moving further back away from the steering wheel making it difficult to reach the break and gas. Which is severely dangerous since I was on a busy roadway. Sometimes the seat also goes completely forward als…
The engine is a 8 cylinder 6.2 liter. It starts out using 8 cylinders and progressively drops to 4 at highway speeds. The lifter failed, seized and gouged and ruined the block and camshaft. This preventable repair necessitated an entirely new engine. This happens to thousands of…
Engine is stalling as if its choking and whole car is shaking. Vehicle has been up to date in maintenance with 26000. Miles. Now Check engine light is on along with traction control light .
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determi…
Engine making loud lifter tick
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact continued driving the vehicle to the residence at 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to th…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade.
Recalls for 2017 Cadillac Escalade
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2017 Cadillac Escalade — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2017 Cadillac Escalade reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2017 Cadillac Escalade has 84 NHTSA owner complaints, 6 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (30 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?▾
#1: Engine Problems (30 complaints). #2: Brake System (21 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (19 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?▾
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade has 6 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 84 total NHTSA complaints. 6 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?▾
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The largest issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2017 Cadillac Escalade?▾
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Escalade reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
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Check Your Specific 2017 Cadillac Escalade
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).