2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: April 15, 2026 · Filed: September 11, 2026

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.

Incident: July 10, 2026 · Filed: August 4, 2026

P0306 misfire. Flashing check engine light. Ive replaced all spark plugs. Ive replaced the ignition coil. Still has not fixed problem. While doing research on how to replace fuel injectors came across an article stating special coverage N102291660 for fuel injectors extending the warranty to 10 years, 150,000 miles but this is not showing for my VIN. My vehicle has the 6.2L engine so Im not sure what this is covered for some but not others when this is a known problem. I bought this vehicle a year ago because my wife and I took in custody of our 3 nieces all under age 2 thinking this would be a reliable vehicle. Id like to understand why my vehicle os not covered for this known issue, but others Cadillac ESVs are.

Incident: January 24, 2024 · Filed: February 3, 2026

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

Incident: November 22, 2025 · Filed: December 1, 2025

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 and the vehicle would not slow down as expected. The vehicle had been driving normally beforehand; we had made a couple of stops earlier that day. She was able to reduce speed and bring the vehicle to a stop without colliding with another vehicle, but this was only because there was no traffic immediately ahead. A tow was called; the vehicle was first towed to a nearby Cadillac dealer for initial diagnostics and then to Jim Coleman Cadillac where the vehicle was purchased and where all prior services and repairs have been completed. The most recent service/inspection at Jim Coleman had been completed a few weeks prior and no brake concerns or repair recommendations were noted at that time. The last documented brake service prior to this incident was in 2022 at the same dealership. After the incident, when inspected, the dealership service manager reported his findings: "The bolt on the top left front brake caliper walked out, the caliper swung rearward pivoting on the still secured lower bolt and the top piston was expelled from the caliper resulting in rapid loss of brake fluid and a failure of the hydraulic brakes. The reason the bolt came off could have been due to improper machine of the bolt or the caliper bracket that it was screwed into." This failure occurred without warning and represents an extreme safety hazard that could have caused a serious crash. I request that NHTSA review this incident as a potential safety defect, and that it be added to any investigation regarding similar complaints for this model/year.

Incident: November 22, 2025 · Filed: November 28, 2025

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 pad friction material was completely gone, resulting in metal-on-metal contact with the rotor. The rotor showed deep scoring and unsafe wear consistent with a possible stuck caliper piston, seized caliper slide pins, or other component malfunction. This failure occurred without warning. The vehicle had been at the dealership for a customary inspection shortly before this issue, and the dealership did not report any brake wear concerns at that time. All brake services and major repairs on this vehicle have always been performed by the same Cadillac dealership. The last documented brake service with chanigng of the breaks involved was completed by the dealership in 2022. This is a critical safety issue that ]caused total brake failure. I am requesting that NHTSA review this defect, as premature brake destruction of this nature may indicate a systemic issue with the brake system, caliper operation, or inspection protocol on this model. The dealership was not sure of the reason why this happened that I was adviced that the bolt was missing and could have come off with vibration which is again a critical safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: June 1, 2025 · Filed: November 2, 2025

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.

Incident: August 21, 2025 · Filed: October 28, 2025

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 the program, well before exceeding 120,000 miles. However, Cadillac has refused to provide any repair or assistance, stating that the coverage has expired today. I understand that this is not a legally mandated recall, but the defect is clearly safety-related, with potential to cause cuts or injury while driving. I have documented my communications with Cadillac, including my requests for a goodwill repair exception due to the safety risk, but they have declined to help. As a consumer, I feel unprotected and at risk. I am submitting this report to NHTSA to request that the agency review this safety concern and ensure that Cadillac addresses it appropriately. I seek guidance on what actions can be taken when a manufacturer refuses to remediate a known safety issue that manifested during the coverage period. I am concerned not only for myself but for other owners who may encounter the same hazard. I respectfully ask that NHTSA consider this complaint seriously and advise on how this safety defect can be resolved.

Incident: March 7, 2025 · Filed: May 9, 2025

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 and refused to adress it

Incident: May 2, 2025 · Filed: May 3, 2025

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 .

Incident: January 6, 2025 · Filed: January 20, 2025

I have 2017 Escalade ESV, that has exactly same issue that the "GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS5461" describes, such as, transmission oil temperature sensor malfunction, rough and loud shifts, hesitated acceleration. There were a numerous event that hesitation (Not catching the gear) almost caused accidents. Check engine was on and it is at dealership at the date of 15th. (It did not ended up with an accident. just scared because I drive this vehicle with my 3 young kids.) My car may, may not have engine and Trans built in the 2016, I was wondering if there are vehicles out there that has same problems, that are also similar year, maybe it could be more potential safety concerns on the road. This DCS5461 investigation also noted as "urgent - distribute immediately" so making sure getting all affected vehicle correctly may save some lives. This is my first concern reporting here. If it is a wrong place, please forgive me and kindly let me know where this issue should be addressed at. The link is below. [XXX] I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Thank you for your hard work to make American road safer every day! Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)