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2017 Cadillac Escalade: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade has two recalls on file, one for brake assist and one for front air bags[1][2]. Owners filed 89 complaints with NHTSA, led by the engine, power train and brakes[3][4][5][6].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 89 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Escalade[3]. Six mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 6 mention injuries, and no deaths are reported[3]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name several parts, so the groups below overlap.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine[4] | 32 | 0 | 46,225 |
| Power train[5] | 21 | 2 | 26,500 |
| Brakes[6] | 20 | 3 | 17,000 |
| Electrical system[10] | 13 | 0 | 19,500 |
Smaller groups are unknown or other with 10 complaints[11], structure with 5[12], speed control with 4[13] and suspension with 4[14].
We also read a small sample of complaint texts in each of the top groups. It is too small to say what is typical, but it shows what owners describe.
- Brakes. Brake complaints have the most crashes of any group, 3, and the lowest median mileage, 17,000[6]. In 11 different brake texts we read, 7 describe a pedal that sank, felt sluggish or failed to respond, or brakes that were lost[6]. In 5 of them the dealer could not find, repeat or fully fix the problem[6]. One owner describes hard braking that continued after two dealer visits for the brake recall[6][1].
- Engine. Engine is the largest group, with 32 complaints and no crashes, fires or injuries[4]. In the 12 engine texts we read, 4 describe stalling or shutting off while driving, 4 describe shaking, vibration or surging, and 3 describe a misfire or valve or lifter damage[4].
- Power train. Owners filed 21 complaints, including 2 crashes[5]. In the 12 texts we read, 6 describe hard, clunky, late or failed gear shifts, 4 describe shudder or vibration, and 2 describe the vehicle rolling while parked[5].
- Electrical system. This group has 13 complaints and 1 fire[10]. In the 12 texts we read, 6 describe trouble with features such as the key fob, mirrors, touch screen or running boards, and 2 describe warning messages with a brief loss of control[10]. One describes a fire in a parked vehicle[10].
Recalls
NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year. Both cover many other GM vehicles too[1][2].
- Brake vacuum pump (19V645). Filed September 6, 2019[1]. The vacuum pump can make less vacuum over time. As it drops, brake assist fades, the pedal takes more effort and the car needs more distance to stop, which raises the risk of a crash[1]. Dealers update the software in the brake control module at no cost to the owner, and the recall began October 8, 2019[1]., and the recall began October 8, 2019[1]. It covers certain 2015 to 2017 Escalades and other GM trucks and SUVs, about 3,456,719 vehicles in all[1]. Cadillac customer service is 1-800-458-8006[1].
- Air bag software (16V651). Filed September 8, 2016[2]. In certain driving conditions, the air bag module software can start a diagnostic test. During that test the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners would not deploy in a crash, which raises the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger[2]. Dealers reflash the software, and replace the module if the air bags have deployed before, all free of charge[2]. The recall began October 13, 2016 and covers about 3,640,162 vehicles across many models, including the Escalade and Escalade ESV[2].
Fuel economy
EPA rates the rear-wheel drive 2WD Escalade with the 6.2L 8-cylinder engine and automatic 8-speed at 15 city, 22 highway and 17 combined MPG, on regular fuel[8]. The 4WD version is rated 15 city, 20 highway and 17 combined[15]. EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,950 for both, using its current fuel price assumptions rather than prices when the car was new[8][15].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2017 Escalade and Escalade ESV 4 stars overall, 5 stars in side crash tests and 3 stars for rollover[9][16][17][18].
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade, AWD[9] | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 21.9% |
| Escalade, RWD[16] | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 22.8% |
| Escalade ESV, AWD[17] | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 21.2% |
| Escalade ESV, RWD[18] | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 20.4% |
The ESV scores 5 stars in the frontal test and the regular Escalade scores 4[9][16][17][18].
Engine and size
EPA lists the 6.2L 8-cylinder engine at 425 hp[19]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2017 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 39 | 2 |
| 2000 | 71 | 1 |
| 2002 | 137 | 2 |
| 2003 | 108 | 5 |
| 2004 | 102 | 3 |
| 2005 | 62 | 2 |
| 2006 | 24 | 2 |
| 2007 | 285 | 5 |
| 2008 | 167 | 4 |
| 2009 | 85 | 5 |
| 2010 | 43 | 3 |
| 2011 | 65 | 6 |
| 2012 | 26 | 3 |
| 2013 | 22 | 4 |
| 2014 | 21 | 2 |
| 2015 | 106 | 9 |
| 2016 | 104 | 4 |
| 2017 | 89 | 2 |
| 2018 | 36 | 2 |
| 2019 | 59 | 1 |
| 2020 | 36 | 2 |
| 2021 | 169 | 12 |
| 2022 | 142 | 4 |
| 2023 | 233 | 4 |
| 2024 | 74 | 2 |
| 2025 | 39 | 1 |
| 2026 | 54 | 4 |
Among Escalade model years in NHTSA data, 2017 has 89 complaints and 2 recalls[7]. Ten model years have more complaints, led by 2007 with 285[7]. The 2015 model year has 106 complaints and 9 recalls, and 2016 has 104 and 4, so both are higher than 2017 on both counts[7]. The 2018 model year has 36 complaints and 2 recalls[7]. These counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2017 Escalade?
The 2017 Escalade has two recalls, and both have a free dealer fix[1][2]. Its complaint record is heaviest in the engine, power train and brakes[4][5][6]. Ask for service records that show both recalls were done, and have a mechanic check shifting, engine smoothness and braking before you buy. Fuel is a real cost at 17 combined MPG and an estimated $3,950 a year[8][15]. Our data has nothing on repair costs or reliability scores, so an inspection matters.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?
- Of 89 NHTSA complaints, 32 name the engine, 21 the power train and 20 the brakes[3][4][5][6]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
- Has the 2017 Cadillac Escalade been recalled?
- Yes, twice. Recall 19V645 covers a brake vacuum pump that can reduce brake assist[1]. Recall 16V651 covers air bag software that could stop the front air bags from deploying[2]. Both are fixed by dealers free of charge[1][2].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?
- EPA rates it at 17 MPG combined for both 2WD and 4WD, with 15 city and 22 highway for 2WD and 15 city and 20 highway for 4WD[8][15].
Facts and sources
- Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V651, filed September 8, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 89 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade (6 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 32 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,225). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Cadillac Escalade model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Escalade 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2017 Cadillac Escalade with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 425 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,840 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCALADE ESV: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 6,041 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov