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2017 Cadillac Escalade Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.7 complaints per year on the road — ranking 6 of 15 Cadillac Escalade years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2017 Cadillac Escalade, cited in 31 of 87 filed complaints (36%).
Power Train is next (20 complaints, 23%), followed by Service Brakes (20), Electrical System (13), Structure (5).
Across all complaints, 6 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 6 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 1 crash, 3 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 87.
Engine 31
“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11754689, 2026
“Engine misfire, AFM lifter collapse, defective AFM/DOD lifter technology. The three diagnosis I have had done to check for multiple opinions have all come back the same with a collapsed AFM lifter causing camshaft damage, overall failure of an AFM/DOD deactiviating lifter in the 6.2L L86 engine leading to engine damage. It is available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by multiple independent service providers and confirmed to be an issue in ongoing litigation against GM. It was initially diagnosed by a mobile mechanic and then taken to a independent service mechanic who confirm…”
NHTSA complaint #11733767, 2026
“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 by a Cadillac dealership to have collapsed AFM lifters on the right side, a faulty valve lifter oil manifold (VLOM), and a broken exhaust bolt requiring extraction. The engine was also showing slightly…”
NHTSA complaint #11724347, 2026
Power Train 20 2 crash
“I parked my 2017 Cadillac in a parking spot put the car in park shut it off and put the brake on went in side the pharmacyand my daughter was in the passenger seat with the windows downwind the car went Forward and hit a pole then rolled back and wrecked in the two cars with the car shut off in park a man tryed to stop it and the brake pedal was hard as a rock and the car was still in park . I got in to move the car and it was still in park .. I had the keys in my pocket in side the pharmacy..”
NHTSA complaint #11432598, 2021 · crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED OPERABLE. HOVE NISSAN (1405 N KINZIE AVE, BOURBONNAIS, IL) WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11065721, 2018 · crash
“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 by a Cadillac dealership to have collapsed AFM lifters on the right side, a faulty valve lifter oil manifold (VLOM), and a broken exhaust bolt requiring extraction. The engine was also showing slightly…”
NHTSA complaint #11724347, 2026
Service Brakes 20 3 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, BUT NOT TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CITY CADILLAC (866-865-5420, LOCATED AT 43-60 NORTHERN BLVD, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED FUEL AND DAMAGED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TECHNIC…”
NHTSA complaint #11139240, 2018 · crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED OPERABLE. HOVE NISSAN (1405 N KINZIE AVE, BOURBONNAIS, IL) WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11065721, 2018 · crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A POLICE OFFICER ABRUPTLY MADE A LEFT TURN CAUSING A CHAIN REACTION CRASH OF FOUR VEHICLES. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT TRAVELED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE PRESENT AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING AND THE DEALER MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”
NHTSA complaint #10979234, 2017 · crash
Electrical System 13 1 fire
“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 wer…”
NHTSA complaint #11662455, 2025 · fire
“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11754689, 2026
“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,”
NHTSA complaint #11648599, 2025
Unknown Or Other 9 1 crash 2 injury
“I HAVE HAD ONSTAR FOR MANY YEARS BECAUSE OF THEIR ADVERTISEMENTS CONCERNING ACCIDENTS THAT INVOLVE GOING OFF THE ROAD AND NOT BEING FOUND FOR DAYS. I WAS TRAVELING ON I-81 AND WENT INTO A RAVINE HIT MULTIPLE TREES AND ACCORDING TO SEVERAL WITNESSES FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES. ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BEFORE THIS HAPPENED . MY ONSTAR DID NOT ACTIVATE. FORTUNATELY AS I STATED THERE WERE WITNESSES THAT CALLED 911 AND LOCATED MY VEHICLE NOT ONSTAR . WHEN I CALLED TO CANCEL MY SUBSCRIPTION THEY WANTED TO KNOW WHY SINCE THEY HAD NO IDEA THAT MY VEHICLE WAS DEMOLISHED BEYOND RECOGNITION. JAWS OF LIFE WAS BR…”
NHTSA complaint #11230449, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11696025, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)
“The vehicle has experienced premature factory paint and clear coat delamination across the main roof panel structure. This is not cosmetic weathering; it is a latent factory application defect where the clear coat chemically failed to bond to the substrate. The resulting delamination has left raw structural metal exposed, leading to rapid substrate oxidation and structural degradation of the roof panel sheet metal. The advanced delamination and corrosion have directly compromised the sealing integrity of the roof-mounted GPS/emergency communication antenna and the structural integrity of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11739170, 2026
Structure 5 1 injury
“I WAS RETRIEVING SOMETHING OUT OF THE TRUCK AND THE LIFTGATE FELL ON ME. I NEVER FELT SUCH EXCRUCIATING PAIN. I HAD TO LIFT THE LIFTGATE OFF OF ME. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR ANYTHING THAT GAVE ME THE INDICATION THE LIFTGATE WAS MALFUNCTIONING. WHEN I OPENED THE TRUNK OF THE SUV THERE WAS NO INDICATION SOMETHING LET THIS WOULD HAPPEN BECAUSE IT OPENED JUST FINE. THIS LIFTGATE HIT ME SO HARD THAT IT CAUSED MAJOR BRUISES ON MY BACK AND HIPS. I HURT MY SHOULDER BECAUSE I HAD TO LIFT THE LIFTGATE OFF OF ME. TO SAY THE LEAST I ENDED UP IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM. ME AND MY HUSBAND STARTED SEEING IS THIS…”
NHTSA complaint #11404462, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)
“I have a 2017 Cadillac Escalade that is all black. This vehicle is now sitting a 140,000 miles now. but before the 140,000 miles I was experiencing horrible peeling, and discoloration of the black paint on the hood, and roof of my vehicle. This particular issue should not be happening in such a highly luxury vehicle. I have driven Lexus, Nissan, and other vehicles, that are way older, im still possession of those vehicle, and still have not experienced such issues, with the paint or coating. This paint peeling and discoloration began well before the 140,000 miles. I want to say at about 90,00…”
NHTSA complaint #11603433, 2022
“I REMOTE STARTED MY VEHICLE TO TAKE MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND WHEN I WENT OUT TO GET INTO MY VEHICLE THE RUNNING BOARD EXTENDED AND I STEPPED ON TO RUNNING BOARD, RUNNING BOARD IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO RETRACT INTO VEHICLE ALMOST TRAPPING MY FOOT. I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO RECREATE THE ISSUE. ON 10/7/2020 WHEN I WENT TO PICKUP MY CAR THE LOT TECHNICIAN BROUGHT THE VEHICLE AROUND TO THE FRONT FOR ME TO GET IT AND WHEN HE OPENED THE DOOR THE RUNNING BOARDS FOLDED OUT AND THEN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO RETRACT IT COULD HAVE TRAPPED HIS FOOT BETWEEN T…”
NHTSA complaint #11363410, 2020
Suspension 4 1 injury
“I WAS RETRIEVING SOMETHING OUT OF THE TRUCK AND THE LIFTGATE FELL ON ME. I NEVER FELT SUCH EXCRUCIATING PAIN. I HAD TO LIFT THE LIFTGATE OFF OF ME. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR ANYTHING THAT GAVE ME THE INDICATION THE LIFTGATE WAS MALFUNCTIONING. WHEN I OPENED THE TRUNK OF THE SUV THERE WAS NO INDICATION SOMETHING LET THIS WOULD HAPPEN BECAUSE IT OPENED JUST FINE. THIS LIFTGATE HIT ME SO HARD THAT IT CAUSED MAJOR BRUISES ON MY BACK AND HIPS. I HURT MY SHOULDER BECAUSE I HAD TO LIFT THE LIFTGATE OFF OF ME. TO SAY THE LEAST I ENDED UP IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM. ME AND MY HUSBAND STARTED SEEING IS THIS…”
NHTSA complaint #11404462, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)
“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 .”
NHTSA complaint #11658611, 2025
“•available for inspection. Unknown exact system failure •issue regularly occurs •dealership service. Transmission had to be replaced at around 10k miles and covered by warranty. •no lights indicating any problems. Forward collision alert activated. Vehicle has a lag between the time pressure is applied to the gas pedal and it causes a delay in acceleration resulting in the vehicle sort of lunging forward unexpectedly. About 15-20 seconds after the gas pedal is pressed it will have a sudden burst of quick acceleration. It only lasts a few seconds and there’s no time to correct the sudden ac…”
NHTSA complaint #11492685, 2022
Vehicle Speed Control 4
“The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud clunking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle then decelerated to 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who recommended replacing the valve body. The part was on backorder, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was cont…”
NHTSA complaint #11631346, 2024
“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, 2023
“•available for inspection. Unknown exact system failure •issue regularly occurs •dealership service. Transmission had to be replaced at around 10k miles and covered by warranty. •no lights indicating any problems. Forward collision alert activated. Vehicle has a lag between the time pressure is applied to the gas pedal and it causes a delay in acceleration resulting in the vehicle sort of lunging forward unexpectedly. About 15-20 seconds after the gas pedal is pressed it will have a sudden burst of quick acceleration. It only lasts a few seconds and there’s no time to correct the sudden ac…”
NHTSA complaint #11492685, 2022
Steering 3 1 injury
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11696025, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)
“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 service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Others. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the prob…”
NHTSA complaint #11710220, 2025
“SPORADICALLY WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, TURNING THE WHEEL HARD LEFT OR RIGHT THE MESSAGE WILL FLASH "SERVICE STABILITRAK" WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION LOCKS, THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM IN THE CAR SHUTS OFF, AND NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE. THIS LASTS FOR APPROXIMATELY 1-2 SECONDS BEFORE THE STEERING UNLOCKS AND VEHICLE CONTROL IS RESTORED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE CENTER FOR OVER A WEEK NOW, AND THE DEALER IS TRYING TO RETURN THE CAR TO ME STATING "WE CANNOT RECREATE THE ISSUE SO WE HAVE NO FIX". WE HAVE PHOTO AND VIDEO OF THIS HAPPENING (AFTER I PULLED OVER…”
NHTSA complaint #11181516, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2
“SPORADICALLY WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, TURNING THE WHEEL HARD LEFT OR RIGHT THE MESSAGE WILL FLASH "SERVICE STABILITRAK" WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION LOCKS, THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM IN THE CAR SHUTS OFF, AND NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE. THIS LASTS FOR APPROXIMATELY 1-2 SECONDS BEFORE THE STEERING UNLOCKS AND VEHICLE CONTROL IS RESTORED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE CENTER FOR OVER A WEEK NOW, AND THE DEALER IS TRYING TO RETURN THE CAR TO ME STATING "WE CANNOT RECREATE THE ISSUE SO WE HAVE NO FIX". WE HAVE PHOTO AND VIDEO OF THIS HAPPENING (AFTER I PULLED OVER…”
NHTSA complaint #11181516, 2019
“IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES , WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH WHILE MAKING A TURN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, LOST STEERING AND BRAKES AND THE STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT CAME ON... THE ENGINE RESTARTED IN ABOUT 5 SECONDS... I CONTACTED CADILLAC MAIN OFFICE LAWANDA 855-880-1400 EX 5911833 AND SENT A EMAIL TO MARY BARRA CEO... THEY GAVE ME A CASE #[XXX] THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND RECALLED OVER ONE MILLION VEHICLE BUT MY VIN NUMBER HAS NOT BEEN ADDED YET.. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT TILL GM ADDS MY VIN TO THE NATIONAL RECALL #18289... I WAS TOLD OFF THE RECORD THAT MONEY TRUMPS CONSUMER SAFET…”
NHTSA complaint #11182490, 2018
Exterior Lighting 2
“THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE NEWER ESCALADES SEEM MUCH TOO BRIGHT. IT REALLY HURTS THE EYES OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC.”
NHTSA complaint #11076112, 2018
“WHY ARE THE HEADLIGHTS ON NEW CADILLACS, ESPECIALLY ESCALADES, SO BLINDING? IT'S LIKE THESE VEHICLES HAVE THEIR HEADLAMPS PERMANENTLY ON BRIGHT.”
NHTSA complaint #11033012, 2017
Seats 2 1 fire
“VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE APR 9TH BETWEEN 6PM AND 6:30 PM IN HOUSTON TEXAS DUE TO SECOND ROW PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTION. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A PUBLIC HIGHWAY FEEDER ROAD WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED DURING RUSH HOUR.VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 2000 MILES AND WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW LESS THAN 30 DAYS AGO FROM RON CARTER CADILLAC OF FRIENDSWOOD”
NHTSA complaint #11090388, 2018 · fire
“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 th…”
NHTSA complaint #11660354, 2025
Air Bags 1 1 crash 3 injury
“We were hit from the side, in the front part of the drivers door at between 35-45 mph, by someone who ran a red light as we were turning right. The force rammed us head on into a telephone pole. The impact of the pole was just shy of the middle of the front bumper. None of the airbags deployed.Emergency personnel were shocked they hadn’t given the severity of the case and the double impact.”
NHTSA complaint #11542217, 2023 · crash · 3 injury(ies)
Back Over Prevention 1
“Cadillac cue system malfunction. Cadillac Cue is inoperable and randomly scrolls through screens/selecting features erratically while driving vehicle. It does not switch into the camera view mode so all vehicle safety cameras are inaccessible. When the screen is not randomly scrolling/selecting features and options, the Cadillac Cue screen is stuck on warning screen. All vehicle features within the Cadillac Cue cannot be accessed. Unable to verify if traction control is on/off, vehicle driving mode, etc. Turns the ac/heater on and off at random, dvd system, navigation system, volume levels. U…”
NHTSA complaint #11518566, 2022
Forward Collision Avoidance 1
“The brake assist function has been very sketchy and coming on unexpectedly and the emergency braking when reversing is malfunctioning and coming on unexpectedly with no need in error in a very hard/ fast stop. Yes its available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This puts my saftey as well as others at risk because the brake system is malfunctioning and at times unpredictable, and making quick/hard stops when not expected or necessary. The car was just in the dealership for repair of the break assist and I am sending it back in again because it is sti…”
NHTSA complaint #11438331, 2021
Fuel System 1
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11674002, 2025
Fuel/Propulsion System 1
“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11754689, 2026
Seat Belts 1 1 fire
“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 wer…”
NHTSA complaint #11662455, 2025 · fire
Tires 1
“Purchased a new set of 4 in May of 2020 with 50,000 miles on the vehicle - just one year, 8 months ago and only 10k miles on the new set. Walked out yesterday morning and the RR tire was flat. Tried to add air and heard a rushing sound coming from the outside sidewall from a 3-4" broken, jagged slit. The car was driven yesterday and all was fine until it just blew. And no it was not cut by a ne'er do well overnight. The sidewall clearly failed as reported by so many with this Alenza tire. Many others were driving when the dangerous Alenza sidewall failed. I was lucky as we often drive th…”
NHTSA complaint #11447789, 2022
Traction Control System 1
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11644549, 2022
Visibility 1
“The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with a feature that once the vehicle was placed in reverse(R), both side view mirrors would adjust downward to assist with the driver's visibility. The contact stated that the vehicle would either fail to perform this function or would fail to readjust to its proper position once the vehicle was in drive(D). The contact also noted that the mirrors would also adjust upwards which obstructed the contact from using both side view mirrors while driving. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where he was…”
NHTSA complaint #11476272, 2022
Visibility/Wiper 1
“IT IS POSSIBLE TO ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE LOCK BOTTOM OF THE KEY FOB WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING AND CAUSE THE MIRRORS TO FOLD. THIS FEATURE SHOULD BE DISABLED AT THE VERY LEAST WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY I ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED THE KEYFOB WHILE IT WAS IN MY POCKET AND THE THE PRESS CAUSED THE MIRRORS TO FOLD IN WHILE I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE FREEWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11286284, 2019
Wheels 1
“CAR IS VIBRATING WHEN YOU STOP IN TRAFFIC LIGHTS IT FILLS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE . I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING AND 2ND PROBLEM IS STEERING WHEEL IT GIVES METAL KNOCKIN NOISE ON THE ROAD BUMPS”
NHTSA complaint #11256794, 2019
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2017 Cadillac Escalade draws about 8.7 complaints per year on the road, ranking 6 of 15 among the Cadillac Escalade model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.