2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/20/2020· POWER TRAIN

  REPAIR PLEASE

• 12/20/2019· SERVICE BRAKES

  AT LOW SPEEDS THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES VERY SLUGS IF PRESSED QUICKLY FOR SUDDEN STOP, WILE THE TRUCK CONTINUES TO TRAVEL FOR A SHORT DISTANCE.

• 12/18/2024· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  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 contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

• 12/13/2023· SERVICE BRAKES

  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.

• 12/12/2024· ENGINE

  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.

• 12/02/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  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.

• 12/01/2025· SERVICE BRAKES

  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.

• 11/28/2025· SERVICE BRAKES

  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)

• 11/20/2024· ENGINE

  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.

• 11/19/2020· POWER TRAIN

  *SAFETY ISSUE* ESCALADE WILL SHIFT VIOLENTLY INTO GEAR IN EITHER FORWARD OR REVERSE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY LURCH. CONDITION IS ESPECIALLY PRESENT WHEN STOPPING AT INTERSECTION ON AN INCLINE. FROM A STOP OR ROLLING STOP, THE VEHICLE WILL BE UNRESPONSIVE TO GENTLE ACCELERATION FOR A SECOND OR TWO, THEN BOLT INTO GEAR SCREECHING THE TIRES AND LAUNCHING VEHICLE VIOLENTLY FORWARD. LIKEWISE, FROM ROLLING STOP THEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE TO PARK, SAME LAG WITH SUDDEN BURST OF POWER. THE EFFECT IS VERY SIMILAR TO SOMEONE WHO IS LEARNING TO DRIVE A MANUAL TRANNY IN A MUSCLE CAR. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO DIFFERENCE WITH TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE, THE INTENSITY OF THE CONDITION SEEMS TO BE RANDOM, AND DIFFICULT TO INTENTIONALLY RECREATE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP TWICE, RECEIVED THE 18-NA-355 BULLETIN SERVICE, AND PROBLEM PERSISTS. DEALER INDICATES THAT TRANSMISSION IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. ADDITIONALLY, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARSHLY BOTH UP AND DOWN THROUGH GEARS 1-3 WHEN GENTLY ACCELERATING OR BRAKING. AGAIN, SIMILAR TO SOMEONE WHO IS LEARNING TO DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I DONT CONSIDER THIS CONDITION A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT AN ANNOYANCE AND MAY WELL BE RELATED TO THE "LURCHING" CONDITION.

• 11/08/2022· SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

  •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 acceleration by braking. I finally realized the seriousness of the issue after I very close to being in an accident today as a result of the delayed acceleration. I was stopped at a red light and pressed the gas once it turned green, another driver happened to change lanes as soon as we crossed the intersection, moving to the front of my vehicle, probably closer than they should have but more than able for me to react under normal circumstances if needed. However, it occurred at the same time my vehicle randomly had a burst of acceleration and I had to swerve into the next lane to avoid hitting the car, because I wasn’t expecting to speed forward and did not have time to correct by braking. It happens about 40% of the time when going over 15-20mph (estimate) after I come to a complete stop and then press the gas to begin moving again. For example it won’t do it if I’m letting off the break to movie forward at a stop sign or lines, etc. It only happens when I accelerate with the intention of being able to reach the posted speed limit before I’d need to make another stop. Stop lights are the primary issue, as well as when exiting somewhere to get back onto the road, for example the gas station.

• 11/08/2020· POWER TRAIN

  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.

• 11/02/2025· ENGINE

  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.

• 11/01/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the touch screen monitor started jumping up and down and sporadically going in and out while the contact was attempting to use the GPS. Additionally, the hands free and answer screen was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the monitor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out of pocket expense since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. The VIN was unavailable.

• 10/28/2025· STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 10/27/2021· SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  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.

• 10/17/2017· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SHUDDERING AND VIBRATION FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEARS PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DALE EARNHARDT JR. BUICK/GMC (1850 CAPITAL CIR NE, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32308, (850) 270-1453) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE OF THE FOUR TIRES WERE ALSO REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE VIBRATION AND SHUDDERING PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. *JS

• 10/15/2019· SERVICE BRAKES

  MY CAR WAS THE SUBJECT OF A BRAKE RECALL N192268490, I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER IN FLEMINGTON GM TWICE, THE LAST TIME APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS AGO. MY CAR WAS KEPT FOR NEARLY 10 DAYS AND I STILL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES, SPECIFICALLY HARD BRAKING AND PROLONGED BRAKING DISTANCE. TODAY AT 1045 AM I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AT CADILLAC GM AND THEY WERE COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL TELLING ME TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN. I NEED THIS FIXED IN A COMPETENT FASHION

• 10/12/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The side view mirrors will randomly tilt to the sky or ground. Whatever it tilts to also becomes the saved position. The dealership has replaced the seat memory module, battery cables, fuse block and driver mirror. The dealership was unable to correct the issue and says there is nothing else they can do. The problem seems to occur wen the vehicle has been driving for 2 or more hours then goes away if the vehicle has sat for a few days.

• 10/12/2017· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  WHY ARE THE HEADLIGHTS ON NEW CADILLACS, ESPECIALLY ESCALADES, SO BLINDING? IT'S LIKE THESE VEHICLES HAVE THEIR HEADLAMPS PERMANENTLY ON BRIGHT.

• 10/10/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  EVERY TIME THAT I AXELARATE, THERE'S A FUNNY NOISE THAT I'M HEARING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE THAT BATTERED MY EARS AND THE NOISE KEPT ON GOING LOUDER AS I AXELARATE. EVEN MORE NOISE ON THE HIGHWAYS

• 10/09/2018· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  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 TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE BRAKES, BUT THE REPAIR SPECIFICS WERE NOT DISCLOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000. *TT 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB

• 10/08/2020· POWER TRAIN

  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.

• 10/08/2020· SERVICE BRAKES

  THE SERVICE ABS BRAKE PLEASE SEE DEALER MESSAGE HAS COME UP ON MY DASH 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 5 WEEKS. EACH TIME THE MESSAGE APPEARED THE VEHICLE OPERATED VERY STRANGELY WHEN BRAKING, THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHOOK AND MADE WEIRD NOISES SO I IMMEDIATELY TURNED AROUND WENT HOME AND GRABBED OUR OTHER VEHICLE. I THEN CALLED CADILLAC AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT JAKE SWEENEY CADILLAC IN LEBANON OHIO FOR SERVICE. THE FIRST TWO TIMES THEY SAID THEY FIXED THIS ISSUE THE MOST RECENT TIME THEY SAID THEY FOUND NO CODES AND WERE UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHY THIS MESSAGE APPEARED ON MY DASH

• 10/08/2020· POWER TRAIN

  THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS EXTREMELY HARSHLY FROM 1-2 AND FROM 3-2-1 INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS ROUGH SOMETIMES ITS ROUGH AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AT ALL. I AM SURE THAT THIS IS DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION AND ONE DAY THE TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL AT AN INOPPORTUNE TIME AND CAUSE A POTENTIALLY SEVERE ACCIDENT.

• 10/08/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

  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.

• 09/29/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHILE STATIONARY THE HATCHBACK WILL AUTO CLOSE RANDOMLY WHILE A PERSON IS LOADING OR UNLOADING AND DOES NOT STOP OR SENSE A PERSON IS THERE. IT OCCURS AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH. IT HAPPENS WHETHER YOU HAVE THE FOB ON YOUR BODY AND WHEN IT'S NOT. THE HATCHBACK WILL WITHOUT WARNING BEGIN TO CLOSE WHILE YOUR HEAD OR BODY PARTS ARE IN THE WAY.

• 09/20/2019· POWER TRAIN,WHEELS,ENGINE

  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

• 09/17/2023· SERVICE BRAKES

  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.

• 09/11/2021· POWER TRAINCrash

  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..

• 09/11/2019· SERVICE BRAKES

  THE FIRST TIME I PUSHED MY BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES DID NOT EMPLOY GOT A FEW SECONDS. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED LAFONTAINE CADILLAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO TOW THE CAR. THE CAR DASH DISPLAYED A POWER ASSIST PROBLEM. THEY PICKED UP THE CAR AND REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP WHICH FIXED THE PROBLEM. ABOUT 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. THE BRAKES WERE PUSHED AND THE CAR BRAKES DID NOT DEPLOY FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT WAS LIKE THE CAR WAS SKIDDING ON ICE WHEN NO ICE EXISTED ON THE ROADS. IT WAS WARM OUTSIDE. THE CAR AGAIN DISPLAYED BRAKE ASSIST ISSUE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO LAFONTAINR CADILLAC, AND THEY REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP AGAIN. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE BRAKES WERE PUSHED AGAIN IN A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR WAS GOING MAYBE 3 MPH OR LESS. THE BRAKES DID NOT DEPLOY FOR A SECOND OR SO AND THE CAR APPEARED TO BE SLIDING. THIS HAPPENED ALSO IN THE SUMMER. THE CAR AGAIN IS AT LAFOBTAINE CADILLAC, HIGHLAND MICHIGAN. MY CAR IS A 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV

• 09/02/2023· AIR BAGSCrash

  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.

• 08/02/2018· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  ENGINE CEASED RUNNING AT 55 MPH. CHAIN OF FAILURES- ENGINE VALVE STEM FRACTURED (CYLINDER # 2), VALVE DROPPED INTO CYLINDER, PISTON STRUCK VALVE, VALVE DEFORMED TO CYLINDER HEAD, ENGINE CEASED PROPERLY DETONATE FUEL COMPLETELY, MULTIPLE CODES, ENGINE SHUT OFF. NO ADVANCED SIGNAL GIVEN TO DRIVER, NO ALARMS WHEN ENGINE SHUT OFF. POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES CEASED TO WORK WHILE DRIVING IN 55 MPH ZONE, ON A TURN COMING TO A RED LIGHT. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR 5 OCCUPANTS. FAILURE AS SHOWN IN PICTURES BELOW OF THE VALVE COMPONENT ARE RELATED TO A MATERIAL IMPERFECTION. THE NATURAL OF THIS FAILURE DURING THE METAL FORMING PROCESS WAS NOT DETECTED FOR THIS COMPONENT AND WILL EXIST WITHIN OTHER COMPONENTS WITHIN MY VEHICLE OR OTHER VEHICLES. ONCE THE PROBLEM IS IDENTIFIED AND CORRECTED, ENGINES OF THE EFFECTED VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO AVOID THIS SAFETY ISSUE, AS IT LEADS TO POTENTIAL DEATH.

• 07/29/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I DEVELOPED AN A/C LEAK FROM MY CONDENSOR. GMC, CHEVY AND CADILLAC ARE VERY AWARE OF HOW COMMON THIS PROBLEM IS AND THERE IS NO RECALL.

• 07/28/2022· VISIBILITY

  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 informed that a software update could be performed to correct the failure however, if the software update failed, the contact had to pay for the repair. The software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

• 07/23/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  SEVERE BUCKING AND OR SURGING WHEN SWITCHING GEARS. HAS ACTUALLY SURGED WHEN AT A FULL STOP.

• 07/21/2025· ENGINE

  I am writing to formally report an unresolved issue involving a 2015 Cadillac Escalade that I purchased from a Toyota dealership less than one year ago. The vehicle has experienced a complete engine failure, and I am currently left with a non-drivable vehicle and a loan balance of approximately $30,000. Shortly after the engine failure, I took the vehicle to two different certified repair shops, one of which was a Cadillac service center. Both informed me that the engine is beyond repair and advised me to return the vehicle to the selling dealership due to the short time since purchase. I attempted to return to the Toyota dealership to seek a resolution or possibly trade in the vehicle. However, they informed me that the engine is now inoperable, and they declined to offer assistance. Despite repeated phone calls and emails requesting to speak with a manager, I have not received any response to date. I have also been informed that replacing the engine would cost approximately $17,000, while the current value of the vehicle is around $18,000. This puts me in an extremely difficult position—paying off a $30,000 loan on a vehicle that I cannot drive or repair affordably. The dealership arranged my financing and is fully aware of my financial obligations. I believe they should take some level of responsibility for selling me a vehicle that failed so quickly, especially given that I purchased it less than a year ago. I am seeking assistance from the DMV to help resolve this issue. I believe there may have been negligence or lack of proper disclosure at the time of sale, and I request a formal investigation into this matter. I am also open to mediation or any recommended steps to hold the dealership accountable and find a fair resolution. Please advise on the appropriate next steps or documentation you may need from me to proceed with this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 07/20/2025· ENGINE

  At 86,000 miles my 6.2 engine had to be rebuilt. Costing $14,000

• 07/19/2024· STRUCTURE

  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 90,000 miles I observed issues with the paint located on the top of my hood, and roof. I have also done research on the class action law suit for such issues as well. So I have seen I’m not the only person experiencing the paint discoloration or peeling problem

• 07/16/2025· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  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.

• 07/16/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY STEERING AND BREAKS THE CAR JURKS

• 07/14/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  When applying the brakes at a slow speed (>20 mph), the brakes seem “spongy”. The brake pedal seems to require further travel to stop the vehicle. It feels as if air is trapped in the hydraulic system and this does not happen all the time, it is an intermittent problem.

• 07/12/2026· POWER TRAIN

  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

• 07/12/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Cadillac Cue system has stopped working. GM will not replace but is aware of the issues with the faulty system. Screen has been checked by the dealership. They indicate that they are aware of the issues with the system but no recall has been issued. Because this controls many functions of the vehicle, it's safety issue. Consumers should not have to pay the costs to have this issue resolved.

• 07/09/2025· ENGINE

  Widely known problem with the 2017 Escalade motor with the active fuel management system. Driving in a very remote part of Wisconsin when engine light went on, indicating a lifter failure due to the afv shutting down cylinders. This is an extremly common problem with this engine/feature. I was left stranded with my family and a costly repair. (5k)

• 07/09/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  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 BROUGHT IN TO EXTRACT ME AND IF NOT FOR THE BAD WEATHER LIFE LION TO GET ME TO HERSHEY TRAUMA CENTER . I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AS I PAID FOR THIS SERVICE AND THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THANK YOU FOR CHECKING INTO THIS AS I WOULD NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE!

• 06/28/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  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.

• 06/22/2023· ENGINE

  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.

• 06/22/2022· SUSPENSION

  frame rotted where the control arm conects to the frame causing the control arm to break away from the frome. i lost steering fortunetly iwas coming to a stop. The dealer Colonial Cadillac Woburn Ma. confirmed the damage. it was inspected by a tecnition at the dealership. No there was no warning, i bought an etended warenty when the origanel one ran out. ty are not covering this? there resaning the say is because of rust. a 5 year old car should not rot out this bad.

• 06/20/2019· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  HARD SHIFTING, SHAKING, JERKING, HESITATING SHUDDERING