2003 Cadillac Escalade

Routine

Owners filed 81 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

54 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 72,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System11
030
Service Brakes8
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
000
Air Bags5
000
Unknown or Other3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip3
101
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System3
000
Engine3
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)3
000
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel3
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Wheels › Hub07E106000
Filed Dec 17, 2007130,000 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

Defect. CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Risk. WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Seat Belts › Rear/Other05V163000
Filed Apr 22, 20051,359,824 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

Risk. A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic04V045000
Filed Feb 4, 200468,875 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Risk. CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Remedy. DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments03V037000
Filed Feb 6, 2003107 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH FOUR WELDS ON THE REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, ONE OR TWO OF THE WELDS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION.

Risk. AS A RESULT, THE DOOR STRENGTH MAY BE DEGRADED DURING A SIDE IMPACT VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS ON THE LEFT REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. IF A WELD IS FOUND OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, A BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HINGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 17, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables02V224000
Filed Aug 12, 2002649 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITHOUT A POWER STEERING BRACKET TO SECURE THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE, ALLOWING THE CABLE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE STEERING SHAFT.

Risk. THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE A WEAR-THROUGH OF THE CABLE INSULATION, EXPOSING THE WIRE CORE AND RESULT IN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL SHORTING. IF ENOUGH CURRENT IS DISCHARGED AT THE POINT OF CONTACT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE ROUTING AND RE-ROUTE, IF NECESSARY. NO OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL TAKE PLACE SINCE ALL VEHICLES WERE CAPTURED AT THE DEALERS.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Feb 4, 2024TN

All of a sudden 3rd and 4th gears became useless causing a rapid deacceleration of the vehicle and posing the possibility of being rear ended with end result of massive damage to vehicle and serious injury to occupants

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Apr 22, 2023NC

The sunroof on my vehicle flew off on the highway while it was in the "closed" position. There was NO personal injury nor damage to any persons or vehicles. I returned to the area where the glass flew off only to find it shattered all over the shoulder of the road, completely destroyed. I've uploading a pic of the serial number sticker and my VIN sticker off my door panel.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 2021178,531 milesWI

The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The contact stated that the air bag light was illuminated. The contact contacted an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the air bag needed replacement but did not diagnose the failure cause. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was 178,531.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 16, 2021WI

Air bag light is on .want go off..its Cadillac (EST TRUCK )NOT THE SUV

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 2021200,000 milesMD

COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO BRAKE LINE LEAK DUE TO INFERIOR BRAKE LINES

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 9, 202093,375 milesMA

BREAKS WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAR WENT DOWN EMBANKMENT.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 20, 2020TX

SOME BODY TAKE MY TRUCK LIKE A ROBBERY. IM HAVE A POLICE REPORT BIT THEY DON'T FIND IT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 21, 2019MO

WHILE DRIVING I LOST ALL USE OF BRAKES IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON DRIVING 45MPH ON A CITY STREET. WHILE DRIVING THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR SHUT OFF 60MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. ON ANOTHER OCCASION STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP WHILE TURNING. T/C LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET AND IMMEDIATELY LOST RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDAL. DASH LIGHTING SYSTEM FLASHES DIFFERENT INDICATOR LIGHTS, DISPLAY RANDOMLY GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 15, 2019GA

CONTINOUSLY LIGHT COMES ON SERVICE AIRBAG, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVER SEAT IS MOVED AND WHEN HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages
Filed Jun 27, 2019NM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT, ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS SEIZED AND FAILED TO RELEASE WHEN NEEDED. THE FAILURE PRESENTED THE RISK OF A POTENTIAL CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 02V224000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); ALTHOUGH, THE FAILURES WERE SIMILAR TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGNS. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA11001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Mar 15, 2019100,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND IT FELT AS IF SHE WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT CERTAIN SPEEDS. ON OCCASION, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TIGHTENED AND LOOSENED ON ITS OWN. FURTHERMORE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE "REAR DOOR MAINTENANCE" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TAKEN TO KUNI CHEVROLET CADILLAC (2449 FULTON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825, (916) 538-7217). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE POWER STEERING AND SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR THE STEERING AND SEAT BELT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

WheelsCrash
Filed May 10, 2018140 milesTN

I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK SATURDAY, 4/21/18 AND WHEN I GOT ON THE RAMP TO TAKE I-40 EAST IN KNOXVILLE, TN, MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO COME OFF, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED ME TO THE RIGHT. I STARTED TO DRIVE SLOW AND WHEN I PICKED UP SPEED TO SEE IF EVERYTHING WAS OK AND IT APPEARED TO BE. GET FURTHER DOWN THE BELTWAY, ALMOST HOME AND MY TIRE BRAKES OFF AT THE AXLE AND ROLLS ACROSS 3 LANES.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 14, 201753,000 milesMS

TAKA TA RECALL, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE HIT A SPEED BUMP AND MY AIRBAG IN MY STEERING WHEEL CAME OUT AND INFLATED AND MY STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT HAS BEEN A PROBLEUM. AT THIS TIME I DIDN'T NO WHAT TO DO, SO I CALLED ROADSIDE FOR A TOW TRUCK. MY SENSORS HAVE BEEN COMING ON EVERY SINCE.CAN SOMETHING BE DONE TO HELP WITH MY SITUATION.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 22, 2017170,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING AREA, SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITH HIS BABY. UPON FURTHER INSPECTING THE HOOD AREA, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED NEAR THE BATTERY AND POWER STEERING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE LOCATION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED, TOOK PICTURES, AND WAS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 06E043000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 02V224000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO FOLLOW UP TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 19, 2016136,760 milesGA

THE CAR ACCELERATES AS SOON AS YOU TURN IT ON AND IT JUST KEEPS ACCELERATING SO WE HAVE TO TURN IT OF BECAUSE IT DOES NOT STOP. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables
Filed Nov 30, 2015180,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Filed Sep 17, 2015187,869 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE LATCH FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V129000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE RECALL WAS ONLY PARTIALLY COMPLETED DUE TO PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR THE COMPLETE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,869.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 5, 2015118,507 milesMI

I WAS ON I 75 PASSING UNDER MILLER RD IN FLINT, MI WHEN TRAFFIC STARTED TO BACK UP AND SLOW DOWN. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR STATED TO SLOW DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDDLE THEN WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO DOWN SHIFT TO 1ST GEAR AND GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO WHERE I COULD GET IT INTO REVERSE TO STOP IT. WE WHERE SO LUCKY! I GOT IT TO A CADILLAC DEALER IN DEARBORN, MI AND FOUND OUT THAT THE MAIN BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. I HAD ALL THE BRAKE LINE REPLACE. I HAVE MAJOR CONCERNS THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF GM VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM STILL ON THE ROAD. I HAVE SINCE BEEN TOLD THAT GM HAD A BRAKE LINE MATERIAL PROBLEM DURING THE EARLY 2000 THAT LEAD TO RUSTING OUT OF THE LINES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. THE DEALER WAS LES STANFORD CADILLAC UPDATED 10/9/15 *LN

Electrical System
Filed Jul 31, 2015103,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE TO FIVE SECONDS BEFORE INDEPENDENTLY RESPONDING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 09/21/15*LJ *CN

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 30, 201570,000 milesMI

BRAKES HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY THREE TIMES BECAUSE OF FAILURE OF HYDRAULIC LINES/COMPONENTS. LAST TIME WHEN BRAKE FAILED I WAS ON A FREEWAY AND I HIT THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR TO TAKE AN EXIT AND LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR. THANKS GOD NO DAMAGE TOOK PLACE. I AM HAVING LOT OF RUST/CORROSION/CHROME FAILURE PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR.

20 of 81 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202631300Do not drive
202520100Routine
202447200Routine
2023135400Routine
202282410Routine
202171910Routine
202014210Routine
201925000Routine
201821110Routine
201751210Routine
201689430Do not drive
201597930Do not drive
201420210Routine
201318410Routine
201220300Routine
201149600Routine
201038300Routine
2009585110Fatalities reported
2008136450Routine
2007230470Above average
200619200Routine
200543410Routine
200469460Routine
2003 — this page81640Routine
2002115370Routine
20013110Routine
200071430Routine
199939510Routine

Compare every Escalade year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 17, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.