2017 Cadillac Escalade engine problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2017 Cadillac Escalade — 44% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Engine misfire, AFM lifter collapse, defective AFM/DOD lifter technology. The three diagnosis I have had done to check for multiple opinions have all come back the same with a collapsed AFM lifter causing camshaft damage, overall failure of an AFM/DOD deactiviating lifter in the 6.2L L86 engine…”
filed Apr 25, 2026
“My 2017 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced AFM (Active Fuel Management) valve lifter failure. While driving on the freeway the vehicle began stuttering and shaking violently, and it felt as though I had lost control of the vehicle. The check engine light illuminated and…”
filed Mar 14, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Escalade years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Escalade | 30 | 70% |
| 2023 Escalade | 94 | 76% |
| 2022 Escalade | 55 | 76% |
| 2021 Escalade | 35 | 58% |
| 2019 Escalade | 17 | 68% |
| 2018 Escalade | 10 | 48% |
| 2016 Escalade | 31 | 35% |
| 2015 Escalade | 25 | 26% |
| 2014 Escalade | 3 | 15% |
| 2012 Escalade | 3 | 15% |
| 2010 Escalade | 3 | 8% |
| 2009 Escalade | 9 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Cadillac Escalade
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.