2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv Safety Report
2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (83) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 8 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Cadillac Escalade Esv with 16 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Cadillac Escalade Esv before buying across this generation. |
Cadillac Escalade Esv Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Cadillac Escalade Esv years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Cadillac Escalade Esv | 32 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Cadillac Escalade Esv | 99 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Cadillac Escalade Esv | 27 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Cadillac Escalade Esv | 101 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Cadillac Escalade Esv | 16 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv | 74 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Cadillac onlyService Brakes
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Cadillac onlyPower Train
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Cadillac onlyUnknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Cadillac onlyPower Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine issues Cadillac onlyPower Train,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Cadillac onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv
Reliability Score
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Valve Lifter Failure The 6.2L V8 engine has experienced frequent valve lifter failures, leading to engine seizure and costly repairs. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brake Failure Service brake failures have been reported, posing a risk to safety, especially on highways. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Recall Certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 are subject to a recall for air bag issues. |
Low | Rare | N/A miles |
| Power Steering System Failure Power steering system failures have been reported, potentially leading to loss of control. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv:
Valve lifter failures are a common issue in the 6.2L V8 engine.
Service brake failures have been reported, posing a risk to safety.
Power steering system failures have been reported, potentially leading to loss of control.
Recall Details for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv by NHTSA:
Summary: 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...
Consequence: 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 cust...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 b...
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 d...
Lifters went out in January 2024 Paid thousands and thousands to repair and now having more issues again. Same issues the recalled 2021-2025 gym 6.2L have
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 servi...
Incident date: 2025-11-22 Location: I-70 (while taking an exit) Dealership: Jim Coleman Cadillac (vehicle purchased and routinely serviced here) I am reporting a sudden and severe brake system failure that created an immediate risk to vehicle occupants. On 2025-11-22 my wife was driving our Escalade with our two children when, while taking an exit on I-70, she felt the brakes go completely limp ...
2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Jim Coleman Cadillac, Bethesda, MD I am reporting a brake safety failure involving severe and abnormal brake component wear that created an immediate safety risk with breaks completely failing while driving at high speed on the highway. During normal driving, I discovered that the right front brake assembly had worn down to bare metal. The brake...
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 don...
I am the owner of a 2017 Cadillac Escalade affected by Special Coverage Adjustment 17016 (Program ID N162058750). The issue involves the chrome trim on the steering wheel separating, creating a sharp edge that poses a safety hazard to the driver. I contacted Cadillac to request a repair under this Special Coverage program. My vehicle developed this defect while still under the mileage limit of th...
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, o...
At 86,000 miles my 6.2 engine had to be rebuilt. Costing $14,000
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 Spec...
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)
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 dri...
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 aft...
The engine is a 8 cylinder 6.2 liter. It starts out using 8 cylinders and progressively drops to 4 at highway speeds. The lifter failed, seized and gouged and ruined the block and camshaft. This preventable repair necessitated an entirely new engine. This happens to thousands of GM vehicles of a similar year, but GM only acknowledges years 2021-2024. They made a defective product, knew about it a...
Engine is stalling as if its choking and whole car is shaking. Vehicle has been up to date in maintenance with 26000. Miles. Now Check engine light is on along with traction control light .
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...
Engine making loud lifter tick
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 shi...
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,
Showing 20 of 83 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv
Has the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV have?
The 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV has 83 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 6 involved crashes. 6 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?
The 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 3/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV involve engine (16 complaints), service brakes (11 complaints), power train (10 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, power train,vehicle speed control,engine, power train,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV have?
There are 6 crash reports associated with the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV out of 83 total complaints (7.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV out of 83 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?
6 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV is acceptable with caveats. It has 83 complaints, 1 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV are: 1. ENGINE (16 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES (11 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (10 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE (3 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 16 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?
Be aware of potential engine and brake issues, and regularly inspect the power steering system. The 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV has 83 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?
The 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV receives a reliability score of 65/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 83 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 8 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Valve Lifter Failure and Service Brake Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV?
Known issues with the 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV include: Engine Valve Lifter Failure, Service Brake Failure, Air Bag Recall, Power Steering System Failure. These are based on patterns found across 83 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?
Common issues include engine valve lifter failures, service brake failures, and power steering system failures.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?
Yes, certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 are subject to a recall for air bag issues.
How can I prevent engine failures in my 2017 Cadillac Escalade?
Regular maintenance and monitoring of the engine can help prevent valve lifter failures.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential engine and brake issues, and regularly inspect the power steering system.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv. The data includes 83 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13