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2017 Cadillac Escalade problems

The most common problem on the 2017 Cadillac Escalade is engine and cooling, typically around 50,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Escalade model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
51
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
1,4461 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Crash rating
4/5
Fuel economy
17mpg

The worst 2017 Cadillac Escalade problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    22
  • Transmission
    12
  • Brakes
    9
  • Electrical
    9
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Driver assistance
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Steering
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Cadillac Escalade

Check engine light 9Misfire 6

Recalls 2

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported September 6, 2019 · 3,456,719 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

Recall number 19V645000 · Recall details

Seat belts: pretensionerReported September 8, 2016 · 3,640,162 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Recall number 16V651000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade

Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade 1,446

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,446 bulletins for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade

2017 Cadillac Escalade crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD4453
Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD4453

2017 Cadillac Escalade fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
6.2L 8‑cylRWD152217
6.2L 8‑cyl4WD152017

What 2017 Cadillac Escalade owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · AL

I am the owner of a 2017 Cadillac Escalade and am reporting premature and widespread deterioration of the factory exterior paint/clear coat. The condition is present over large areas of the roof and hood and is not limited to normal isolated scratches or rock chips. The finish has developed extensive hazing/cloudiness and a severe pattern of surface deterioration that is particularly visible in direct sunlight. I am concerned this may be related to the known paint/clear-coat problems reported on 2015–2020 Cadillac Escalade vehicles. I am requesting that this complaint be documented and that the vehicle be inspected by Cadillac/GM for a possible factory paint or paint-process defect. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident that would explain this condition. I have photographs and video documenting the condition. Please provide me with a case number and document this complaint in the vehicle’s service history.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The transmission gear make noise when the gear shift and the engine have loud noise tick tick inside the engine . I’m feel not safe to drive and feel very stressful of my car .i can’t sleep due to car not safe drive

Filed May 20, 2026 · NC

The vehicle has experienced premature factory paint and clear coat delamination across the main roof panel structure. This is not cosmetic weathering; it is a latent factory application defect where the clear coat chemically failed to bond to the substrate. The resulting delamination has left raw structural metal exposed, leading to rapid substrate oxidation and structural degradation of the roof panel sheet metal. The advanced delamination and corrosion have directly compromised the sealing integrity of the roof-mounted GPS/emergency communication antenna and the structural integrity of the roof rack mounting tracks. Water intrusion through the compromised factory finish risks shorting out emergency telematics, causing electrical fires in the headliner, or causing a structural failure of aftermarket cargo crossbars at highway speeds, creating a severe road hazard for vehicles traveling behind me. This is a known, widespread manufacturing flaw originating from the Arlington Assembly Plant affecting 2015-2020 GM full-sized platforms, requiring a total structural strip and repaint to resolve. General Motors has issued no recall or remedy for this latent safety and structural defect.

Filed Apr 25, 2026 · Engine · KS

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 6.2L L86 engine leading to engine damage. It is available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by multiple independent service providers and confirmed to be an issue in ongoing litigation against GM. It was initially diagnosed by a mobile mechanic and then taken to a independent service mechanic who confirmed the initial diagnosis. It was then confirmed again by a third party independent mechanic. The engine light did not appear until the noise started and what I now know as when the lifters failed, at which after my vehicle alerted me with the engine light. When the problem first occurred, I was driving around 35 MPH down a public road, I had to immediately slow down and pull over. I then limped the vehicle to a safe destination where the mobile mechanic was able to check it out. Luckily, I was not going high speeds and the public road I was driving on was not busy so I was able to pull over safely upon the issue the start of the warning lamp flashing. The engine component failure would have been a much higher safety risk for myself and others if I was driving on a busy road or highway. I have spoke with both GM and Cadillac, they are aware of this defect, yet refuse to provide relief. I have been quoted $13,000-$17,000 to begin repairs to the engine.

Filed Mar 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · UT

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 illuminated and diagnostic codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire) were found. The vehicle was confirmed by a Cadillac dealership to have collapsed AFM lifters on the right side, a faulty valve lifter oil manifold (VLOM), and a broken exhaust bolt requiring extraction. The engine was also showing slightly low compression at times and making noise on cylinder 4. This is a known defect in GM's AFM system across multiple model years. The failure poses a serious safety risk as the stuttering, shaking, and sudden loss of engine power occurred unexpectedly at freeway speeds, significantly reducing my ability to safely control the vehicle. The repair has been confirmed and quoted by an authorized Cadillac dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Engine · GA

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 a few weeks later I heard rattling noise coming from the engine. I took it back and told I would need a another engine due to complete engine failure. Prior to my engine failure around 55,000 miles, I reported to the same dealership service department that I noticed the engine would give me a rough idle occasionally and burn more gas whenever it happened. I was told it was nothing they could do because the check engine light wasn't on.

Filed Jan 11, 2026 · Steering · TX

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 been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem was confirmed at an independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Others. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were NO warning messages or other symptoms prior to failure.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Engine · FL

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 of approximately $30,000. Shortly after the engine failure, I took the vehicle to two different certified repair shops, one of which was a Cadillac service center. Both informed me that the engine is beyond repair and advised me to return the vehicle to the selling dealership due to the short time since purchase. I attempted to return to the Toyota dealership to seek a resolution or possibly trade in the vehicle. However, they informed me that the engine is now inoperable, and they declined to offer assistance. Despite repeated phone calls and emails requesting to speak with a manager, I have not received any response to date. I have also been informed that replacing the engine would cost approximately $17,000, while the current value of the vehicle is around $18,000. This puts me in an extremely difficult position—paying off a $30,000 loan on a vehicle that I cannot drive or repair affordably. The dealership arranged my financing and is fully aware of my financial obligations. I believe they should take some level of responsibility for selling me a vehicle that failed so quickly, especially given that I purchased it less than a year ago. I am seeking assistance from the DMV to help resolve this issue. I believe there may have been negligence or lack of proper disclosure at the time of sale, and I request a formal investigation into this matter. I am also open to mediation or any recommended steps to hold the dealership accountable and find a fair resolution. Please advise on the appropriate next steps or documentation you may need from me to proceed with this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U

Filed Jul 20, 2025 · Engine · MI

At 86,000 miles my 6.2 engine had to be rebuilt. Costing $14,000

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · IL

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 the fuel injectors. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage: N182198000. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2017 Cadillac Escalade

Is the 2017 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

Owners have filed 51 complaints about the 2017 Cadillac Escalade, close to a typical Escalade model year.

What is the 2017 Cadillac Escalade year score?

The 2017 Cadillac Escalade scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac Escalade: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?

Engine and cooling, with 22 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles. Next is transmission (12).

How many recalls does the 2017 Cadillac Escalade have?

2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and seat belts.

Is the 2017 Cadillac Escalade safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2017 Cadillac Escalade scored 4 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

What year does the Cadillac Escalade have bad engine?

The Cadillac Escalade model years with the most engine complaints are 2023 (123 complaints), 2022 (77 complaints) and 2021 (56 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2017 Cadillac Escalade get?

Official estimates for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade range from 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (6.2L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22 highway.

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