2017 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 43%of 51 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,116miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade, 43% of the 51 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,116 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brake and gas pedals moved on their own without being commanded. Happened several times, vehicle not moving at the time. Took to the dealer and they observed it. Could not find the problem, sent me away. Happened again and dealer ordered a sensor to be installed when it comes in.”
NHTSA complaint #10940317, filed 2017-01, 845 miles“Engine ceased running at 55 MPH. Chain of failures- engine valve stem fractured (cylinder # 2), valve dropped into cylinder, piston struck valve, valve deformed to cylinder head, engine ceased properly detonate fuel completely, multiple codes, engine shut off. No advanced signal given to driver, no alarms when engine shut off. Power steering and power brakes ceased to work while driving in 55 MPH zone, on a turn coming to a red light. Extremely dangerous for 5 occupants. Failure as shown in pictures below of the valve component are related to a material imperfection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11115279, filed 2018-08, 16,233 miles“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/feature. I was left stranded with my family and a costly repair. (5k)”
NHTSA complaint #11672163, filed 2025-07“Cylinder 6 always presents as a misfired. Between my fiancé and I, we have 3 Escalades. After several diagnostic checks and repair bills, the lifters damaged the Cam shaft. According to the certified Cadillac mechanics, this is an ongoing problem based on the motor’s design. This is a pretty costly repair x3 vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11563281, filed 2024-01“While driving on Highway 360 in Arlington, TX, the engine appeared to not change gears. It was between 3:30 to 4:00 PM, moderate traffic. I left HWY 360 and used the side lane. Later, the engine light came on. I checked the fluid levels and all were fine. This vehicle was last serviced in December 2022. The problem is unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11510461, filed 2023-03Related 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 | 36 | 95% |
| 2025 | 12 | 60% |
| 2024 | 36 | 69% |
| 2023 | 110 | 77% |
| 2022 | 68 | 79% |
| 2021 | 46 | 59% |
| 2020 | 6 | 43% |
| 2019 | 17 | 68% |
| 2018 | 10 | 45% |
| 2017 | 22 | 43% |
| 2016 | 31 | 35% |
| 2015 | 27 | 28% |
| 2014 | 3 | 15% |
| 2013 | 3 | 16% |
| 2012 | 3 | 15% |
| 2010 | 3 | 8% |
| 2009 | 9 | 16% |
| 2008 | 13 | 10% |
| 2007 | 33 | 14% |
| 2006 | 3 | 16% |
| 2005 | 5 | 12% |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% |
| 2003 | 4 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade
12 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade
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