The Lemon Index
201620184th generation
33 owner complaints, first 3 years 17 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2017 Lincoln Navigator2017 Volvo XC90 612017 Lincoln MKX 57
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 15,000 and 32,000 miles (24,000–51,000 km) (the middle half of the 29 complaints, of all 33 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 19V645000 (brakes) and 16V651000 (airbags) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 33 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 15K to 31K miles (24K to 51K km) on the car (29 of all 33 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
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.
2017 Cadillac Escalade owner · NHTSA complaint 11290424
More owner reports
Hard shifting, shaking, jerking, hesitating shuddering
NHTSA complaint 11221566
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
Recalls 2
- Brakes · recall issued 2019
The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
- Airbags · recall issued 2016
In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Cadillac Escalade recall, all years · All Cadillac recalls
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,550 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac Escalade year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2017 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-escalade/?y=2017" title="Cadillac Escalade reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="652" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-escalade/2017/">Lemon Index</a> (2017 Cadillac Escalade reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2017 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew somewhat fewer complaints than the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 82; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac Escalade year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2011.
What are the most common 2017 Cadillac Escalade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (33%), transmission & drivetrain (33%) and engine (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Cadillac Escalade have?
2 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Cadillac Escalade get?
17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Cadillac Escalade safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Cadillac Escalade problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 15,000 and 32,000 miles (24,000–51,000 km) (the middle half of the 29 complaints, of all 33 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2017 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2017 Cadillac Escalade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 33% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Cadillac Escalade cost in fuel a year?
About $3,550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Cadillac Escalade have?
6.2L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac Escalade year is better than the 2017?
Nearby, the 2018 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2011 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works