I'm currently experiencing similiar problems with HPE branded cards (562SFP+).
Log entries show the following:
2018-03-02T11:15:56.116Z cpu12:66212)i40en: i40en_HandleMddEvent:6969: Malicious Driver Detection event 0x02 on TX queue 0 PF number 0x00 VF number 0x00
2018-03-02T11:15:56.116Z cpu12:66212)i40en: i40en_HandleMddEvent:6995: TX driver issue detected, PF reset issued
Driver/firmware versions tested so far:
driver 1.4.3 and firmware 5.60
driver 1.5.6 and firmware 5.60
driver 1.5.6 and firmware 6.01
Driver 1.5.6 is HPE version 2018.02.12
Firmware 6.01 is HPE version 10.2.5
There is a new driver version 1.5.8 listed on the HCL but the recommended version from HPE is 1.5.6.
Support request with VMware is open but no solution so far...
HPE firmware: https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/swd/public/detail?swItemId=MTX_87c83853cb5a4bc5949e9b0dd5#tab5
HPE driver : Drivers & Software - HPE Support Center.