2017 Cadillac Escalade Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 24%of 51 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade, 24% of the 51 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“When I am driving on smooth surface streets sometime there a feel of intermittent juttery ride which feels like you are riding over very small speed bumps very close together. I was told by two (2) mechanics that there is a problem with the transmission that is causing this. I started about two (2) months ago and continue daily.”
NHTSA complaint #11189745, filed 2019-03, 29,000 miles“*safety issue* Escalade will shift violently into gear in either forward or reverse, causing vehicle to suddenly lurch. Condition is especially present when stopping at intersection on an incline. From a stop or rolling stop, the vehicle will be unresponsive to gentle acceleration for a second or two, then bolt into gear screeching the tires and launching vehicle violently forward. Likewise, from rolling stop then shifting to reverse to park, same lag with sudden burst of power. The effect is very similar to someone who is learning to drive a manual tranny in a muscle car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11375332, filed 2020-11, 38,725 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“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 2023-03“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”
NHTSA complaint #11749846, filed 2026-07Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011436Oct 10, 2024This Preliminary information communicates for Technicians installing a Service Replacement Transmission Assembly to contact Technical Assistance to make sure unit is not suspect…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 10% |
| 2025 | 2 | 10% |
| 2024 | 9 | 17% |
| 2023 | 21 | 15% |
| 2022 | 16 | 19% |
| 2021 | 10 | 13% |
| 2020 | 3 | 21% |
| 2019 | 1 | 4% |
| 2018 | 3 | 14% |
| 2017 | 12 | 24% |
| 2016 | 17 | 19% |
| 2015 | 28 | 29% |
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 | 5 | 26% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 2 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 14 | 6% |
| 2005 | 7 | 16% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 9% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 3 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade
22 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 31, 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