2003 Cadillac Escalade Esv: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, all the gauges and indicators on the instrument cluster suddenly failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster had failed but the part needed was unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. While driving 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to decelerate. The ABS and traction activity warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydro-boost failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v045000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. When the contact drove in reverse and attempted to apply the brakes, the vehicle made a loud noise. The contact's vehicle failed to stop and crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the brake lines fractured due to excessive corrosion. The contact stated that the failure was directly related to NHTSA campaign number: 04v045000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000. Updated 10/8/14*cn”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a ticking sound coming from the engine. The check engine light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where a diagnostic revealed that the exhaust manifold bolts had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was repaired. The failure mileage was 139,000 and the current mileage was 140,043.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2012
“Airbag light is on. Nothing was done prior to light coming on. I actually called gm to see if it was a recall and also to report the incident.... *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact noticed that the service air bag light illuminated. The dealer was contacted who informed the contact that the passenger side air bag inflater module was defective. The contact did not inform the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 97,000. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2009
“Bridegestone dueler tires bought on 6/07/08 at firestone in tulsa. On 9/02/08, less than 1500 miles later, had valve stem crack causing flat tire. On 11/02/08, another 1500 miles later, had a different tire go flat caused by cracked valve stem. Firestone insists that this is coincidental and that nobody else is making valve stem complaints. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2008
“Steering/cross bar/axel- been in for service 10 + times. Car steering goes out. Car makes crackling noises while turning. *nm”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 mph, lightning struck the exterior antenna for the on-star system disrupting the electrical system and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer. The manufacturer was notified.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2006
“Dt: the aluminum rims corroded, causing the tires to deflate. There was air leaking from around the valve stems. This happened at least 3-4 times. The most recent occurrence was on 8-8-05. The tires have not been changed, but they have been rotated. There were no other known problems with the vehicle. . The vehicle was leased. *ak”Owner report · Wheels · Aug 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Escalade Esv by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Cadillac Escalade Esv reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade Esv. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade Esv have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.