NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 89 owner complaints for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade. Most complaints involve engine (32) and power train (21). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Escalade model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 44 |
| 2000 | 83 |
| 2002 | 145 |
| 2003 | 112 |
| 2004 | 103 |
| 2005 | 62 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 286 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2009 | 61 |
| 2010 | 43 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 106 |
| 2016 | 104 |
| 2017 | 89 |
| 2018 | 37 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2020 | 36 |
| 2021 | 170 |
| 2022 | 146 |
| 2023 | 237 |
| 2024 | 75 |
| 2025 | 40 |
| 2026 | 56 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“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.”
“The transmission gear make noise when the gear shift and the engine have loud noise tick tick inside the engine . I’m feel not safe to drive and feel very stressful of my car .i can’t sleep due to car not safe drive”
“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…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 2WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,650 | 512 |
| Escalade 4WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 533 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 89 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (32), power train (21), service brakes (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Cadillac Escalade at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Cadillac Escalade 4 out of 5 stars overall.