2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 26%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,725miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 26% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,725 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car is vibrating when you stop in traffic lights it fills very uncomfortable . I took the car to the dealership they didn't do anything and 2nd problem is steering wheel it gives metal knockin noise on the road bumps”
NHTSA complaint #11256794, filed 2019-09, 42,450 miles“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 engine with them knowing the problems. Had they told us years ago to change to a heavier oil or whatever we would have done so and maybe our factory engine would have lasted like so many previous year models up to 250k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11697006, filed 2025-11“Subject: Engine Lifter Failure in 2017 Cadillac Escalade - Manufacturer-Acknowledged Defect Component/System Failure: My 2017 Cadillac Escalade has experienced a critical engine malfunction specifically related to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter system. The lifters are causing multiple engine misfires. This issue directly matches the manufacturer-acknowledged problem detailed in GM Service Bulletin 15-06-01-002M. …”
NHTSA complaint #11630322, filed 2024-12“The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while the vehicle was idling and while making left or right turns. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle after waiting for several minutes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11528383, filed 2023-06, 103,000 miles“My 2017 Cadillac Escalade AFM lifter fail and cause complete engine failure while driving on the highway. It was terrifying to happen on the highway. This could have cause as a major accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11763751, filed 2026-09Related service bulletins
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 100% |
| 2025 | 8 | 57% |
| 2024 | 14 | 64% |
| 2023 | 64 | 70% |
| 2022 | 44 | 77% |
| 2021 | 54 | 73% |
| 2020 | 14 | 64% |
| 2019 | 20 | 59% |
| 2018 | 9 | 60% |
| 2017 | 10 | 26% |
| 2015 | 2 | 25% |
| 2009 | 2 | 33% |
| 2008 | 1 | 6% |
| 2007 | 8 | 21% |
| 2006 | 1 | 20% |
| 2005 | 1 | 7% |
| 2003 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology