2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE Complaints and Recall Information
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade has 14 complaints and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report engine issues such as loud ticking noises, lifter failures, and complete engine breakdowns. Some complaints mention power loss while driving, misfires, and costly engine repairs. There are also reports of safety concerns like unintended seat movement and fire incidents linked to seat belt modules.
- Engine ticking sounds. Several owners report abnormally loud ticking from the engine, often followed by deceleration and warning lights illuminating.
- Lifter failures and push rod damage. Engine lifters collapsing have caused bent push rods and engine repairs including cam shifters replacement.
- Loss of motive power. Reports include incidents where the vehicle lost power without warning lights and difficulties restarting.
- Fuel injector problems. One complaint details engine jerk and inability to accelerate, diagnosed as fuel injector failure.
- Engine rebuild necessity. Multiple owners describe engine failures requiring expensive rebuilds or replacements, with one repair costing $14,000.
- Seat movement malfunction. The driver’s seat has been reported to move unexpectedly during driving, including sliding backward and reclining, creating hazardous conditions.
- Fire risk from seat belt modules. A fire originating from a replaced seat belt retractor module caused extensive damage and locked vehicle doors, posing serious injury risks.
- Active fuel management system issues. Owners note the AFM system causing engine problems including lifter failure and being stranded, particularly in remote areas.
- Warning light activations. Check engine and traction control lights illuminate in conjunction with mechanical issues like ticking sounds or deceleration.
- Delayed or incomplete repairs. Some vehicles were returned after initial repair for recurring misfires or failures that were not fully addressed.
There are 4 recalls for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade affecting brake systems, seat belts, and air bag modules. These recalls involve critical safety components and software updates to ensure proper functioning.
- Brake vacuum pump recall. NHTSA campaign 19V645000 affects 3,456,719 vehicles. Vacuum levels in the brake assist system may decrease, increasing the effort needed to stop and the risk of crashes. GM will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module free of charge. No "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" advisory was issued.
- Seat belt pretensioner defect. NHTSA campaign 16V651000 affects 3,640,162 vehicles. Certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module software to disable frontal air bags and pretensioners, increasing injury risk in a crash. Dealers will reflash the software or replace the module if air bags deployed. Repairs are free and no driving restrictions apply.
- Air bag sensor/control module software. Same campaign 16V651000 covers inactive frontal air bag sensors. An onboard diagnostic test might prevent air bag and pretensioner deployment during a crash, raising injury risk. GM will perform software updates or module replacements free of charge without warnings against vehicle operation.
- Frontal air bag malfunction. Also included under campaign 16V651000, this recall addresses the failure of frontal air bags or pretensioners to deploy due to software issues. Dealers will correct the software free of charge. There is no advisory against driving the vehicle.
Owners dealing with repeated engine failures, power loss, or fire hazards alongside unresolved recall repairs may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Assistance from legal or consumer protection professionals could help clarify options for addressing these ongoing issues.
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE Summary
2017
Model Year
14
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
7096881
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
3456719 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
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.
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
3640162 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Complaints
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2111948ENGINE
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
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2111484ENGINE
At 86,000 miles my 6.2 engine had to be rebuilt. Costing $14,000
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2110247FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
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 NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2107632ENGINE
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)
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2093597ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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, was most likely the cause for the fire and damage. The locking mechinisms were metled and unable to open either the driver door (where the fire had occured) or the front passenger door. The FD was only able to gain initial access to the vehicle by breaking out the driver window and the back passenger window. There were no warning signs of this happening. The vehicle is currently sitting with an auto body shop for an estimate of damage. Had the driver been in the seat they could have received severe burns, smoke inhalation or worse with the doors unable to open.
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2093596SEAT BELTS
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, was most likely the cause for the fire and damage. The locking mechinisms were metled and unable to open either the driver door (where the fire had occured) or the front passenger door. The FD was only able to gain initial access to the vehicle by breaking out the driver window and the back passenger window. There were no warning signs of this happening. The vehicle is currently sitting with an auto body shop for an estimate of damage. Had the driver been in the seat they could have received severe burns, smoke inhalation or worse with the doors unable to open.
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2090660SEATS
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 also making it difficult as I’m literally pushed against the steering wheel. All times when I go try to adjust the seat after these kind of incidents I have to keep messing with the side buttons because they don’t want to work right away. The most recent incident was on May 11, 2025 The driver seat moved back away from the steering wheel as well as the back part of the seat moved back into a reclining position all while driving.
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2086184ENGINE
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 determined that the rocker arm, crankcase, and the overhead valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2079011ENGINE
Engine making loud lifter tick
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2077390ENGINE
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 the dealer, who diagnosed that the lifters had collapsed and bent the push rods. The contact was informed that the cam shifter, push rods, and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who determined that the active fuel management port holes needed to be flushed with fuel additive. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure and offered to cover half the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was 65,000. The VIN was not available.
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2073897POWER TRAIN
Battery terminals going from battery to power distribution panel on top of battery, crimps bad/corroded causing intermittent connection and overcharging the battery by providing false voltages to alternator,
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2073896ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery terminals going from battery to power distribution panel on top of battery, crimps bad/corroded causing intermittent connection and overcharging the battery by providing false voltages to alternator,
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2068005TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud ticking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle decelerated. The check engine warning light and traction control light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The independent mechanic sent the contact a picture and diagnosed that a rod bearing was damaged. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, an abnormally loud ticking sound was coming from the engine. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE
ID: 2068004ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud ticking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle decelerated. The check engine warning light and traction control light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The independent mechanic sent the contact a picture and diagnosed that a rod bearing was damaged. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, an abnormally loud ticking sound was coming from the engine. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 95,000.