2017 Cadillac Escalade Esv Owner Complaints

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.

NHTSA ID

11754689

Incident

Jul 10, 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

NHTSA ID

11715410

Incident

Jan 24, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11702226

Incident

Nov 22, 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)

NHTSA ID

11701962

Incident

Nov 22, 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.

NHTSA ID

11697006

Incident

Jun 1, 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.

NHTSA ID

11696025

Incident

Aug 21, 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

NHTSA ID

11660043

Incident

Mar 7, 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 .

NHTSA ID

11658611

Incident

May 2, 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)

NHTSA ID

11637101

Incident

Jan 6, 2025

Vibration on exceleration, dealer states transmission is bad.

NHTSA ID

11634869

Incident

Dec 19, 2024

Subject: Engine Lifter Failure in 2017 Cadillac Escalade - Manufacturer-Acknowledged Defect Component/System Failure: My 2017 Cadillac Escalade has experienced a critical engine malfunction specifically related to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter system. The lifters are causing multiple engine misfires. This issue directly matches the manufacturer-acknowledged problem detailed in GM Service Bulletin 15-06-01-002M. Safety Risks: The lifter failure creates significant safety hazards, including: Potential sudden loss of engine power while driving Risk of unexpected vehicle stalling in traffic Compromised engine performance and vehicle control Potential complete engine failure The manufacturer's service bulletin recognizes these systemic issues across multiple vehicle models, including my Escalade. Problem Confirmation: General Motors has explicitly documented the problem in Service Bulletin 15-06-01-002M, which covers 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade models. This indicates a known, widespread manufacturing or design defect. Despite GM's explicit recognition of this critical engine defect, customers must pay for repairs out of pocket when the warranty expires. This places an undue financial burden on vehicle owners for a problem that is clearly a manufacturing defect.

NHTSA ID

11630322

Incident

Nov 4, 2024

Transmission failing. The transmission has had hard shifts and was serviced to try and fix this issue. No fix and now the transmission is slipping.

NHTSA ID

11626469

Incident

Sep 2, 2024

When driving at lower speeds the vehicle is hard to stop. I have to press the brakes down hard to get it to stop. A message will usually come up saying to service the brake assist but no maintenance lights show up. In looking online there is a recall with this exact issue that I’m having but it start at the 2018 model in which mine is a 2017. I feel the 2017 should also be part of the recall since I’m having the exact same issue.

NHTSA ID

11559889

Incident

Dec 13, 2023

I was exiting an off ramp and the brake pedal suddenly became hard as a rock and no matter how much I pushed on it the vehicle would BARELY slow down. I was really close to smashing into the back of a semi truck. There was no warning prior to it happening and my service advisor at the GM dealer said GM knew about the issue with the brakes and have not issued a recall in relation to the incident, ONLY a bulletin that it is to be covered if it breaks. However I could have died if I hit the semi considering I was going highway speeds. My vehicle is currently at the GM dealer and I have not heard back from them yet. As of now they have not inspected it and it is available for inspection if need be.

NHTSA ID

11545070

Incident

Sep 15, 2023

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 ID

11542217

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while the vehicle was idling and while making left or right turns. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle after waiting for several minutes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ID

11528383

Incident

Jun 22, 2023

Mileage

103,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. Additionally, while coming to a stop, the vehicle jerked and shook abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the motor mounts were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the fuel injectors however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the spark plugs and ignition wires. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11519029

Incident

Apr 15, 2020

Mileage

70,000 mi

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 this vehicle on Interstate highways...and it Texas that means 75 and 80 mph speed limits. I shudder to think what would have happened with a failing defected tire blowing at 80 mph!

NHTSA ID

11447789

Incident

Jan 16, 2022

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 still malfunctioning.The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. The brake assist light was coming on and off , sometimes but not all of the time and now that the car was serviced by the dealership the light is not coming on but their are still malfunctions. I do not feel safe driving this car.

NHTSA ID

11438331

Incident

Oct 19, 2021

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 ID

11432598

Incident

Sep 8, 2021

I was travelling down the highway and the brakes failed to respond. I was able to deliver the car to a Cadillac dealer in Holland Michigan. At highway speeds with no breaks I believe my families lives were in danger. We have brought the car into the dealership multiple times for electrical system issues and I believe these unresolved issues have culminated in the failure of the braking system at high speeds. The dealer has stated that it was a vacuum pump and it has now been replaced but found no other issues with the electrical system. There was a warning light for the brake assist feature during the drive prior to the brakes not functioning. We reported this to the dealer during the drive and they made an appointment for the following Thursday (this was on a Saturday). We were not notified at the time of the call that this issue could put our lives in danger or that we should stop driving the car.

NHTSA ID

11422626

Incident

Jun 26, 2021

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 AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE LIFTGATES AND IT IS. SO MANY COMPLAINTS, YET NO RECALLS. WHAT DOES IT TAKE? SOMEONE TO BE KILLED BY THIS? SO MANY PEOPLE ARE BEING HURT, BUT GM DOES NOT RECALL THIS? SO SAD. ITS TIME GM PUT PEOPLE OVER PROFITS!!! THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED!!!

NHTSA ID

11404462

Incident

Mar 19, 2021

Mileage

49,698 mi

WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS. IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEGUN FEELING CLUNKY AT TIMES. WHAT I MEAN IS THAT SOMETIMES THE SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND OR 2ND TO 3RD THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD WITH A CLUNK AS IT SHIFTS. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE YOU COULD SLIDE INTO TRAFFIC WHICH THANKFULLY HAS NOT HAPPENED AS OF YET. WE TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE ON THIS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS TYPICAL OF ESCALADES OF OUR YEAR AND EARLIER(2017). THEY(EDDY'S CADILLAC IN WICHITA KS) SAID CADILLAC NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THIS BUT THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. WE HAVE A FEW OTHER FRIENDS WHO HAD THE SAME YEAR OR EARLIER AND ALL EVENTUALLY DEVELOPED THE ISSUE. OURS STARTED WITH THE ISSUE ABOUT 20K MILEAGE MARK. CADILLAC NEEDS TO FIX THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND LEAVES ME LITTLE DOUBT THAT WITH SHIFTS THAT HARD IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT A FAILURE IS LOOMING IN THE NOT TO DISTANT FUTURE.

NHTSA ID

11373639

Incident

Nov 7, 2020

Mileage

26,500 mi

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 THE RUNNING BOARD AND CAR TOO. THE DEALERSHIP HAS THE VEHICLE AND IS TRYING TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE VIDEO EVIDENCE OF THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11363410

Incident

Oct 6, 2020

Mileage

31,768 mi

THE VEHICLE MAKES A LOT A WHINING NOISES WHEN DRIVING AND THEN LOUDER WHINING NOISES AND ODD NOISES THAT SOUNDS LIKE GRINDING WHEN YOU MAKE TURNS WHEN THEN TRANSFER CASE IS ON AUTO MODE. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO PUT CAR IN OFF MODE UNLESS THE ROADS ARE IN BAD SHAPE BUT THE OWNERS MANUAL DOES NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THAT. I THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11363405

Incident

Nov 12, 2019

Mileage

22,768 mi