2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic; the 2004 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Another vehicle ran stop sign, I had to step hard on brake pedal to avoid an accident. Shortly after I noticed the brake pedal getting closer to "bottoming out" each time I applied the brakes. Upon arriving home I found, on the left side undercarriage below the back seat, fluid dripping and approximately 24" of the frame and undercarriage saturated with brake fluid. When I crawled under the vehicle I traced the brake line from the master cylinder back and found the lines to be rusted. The line that is leaking must have rusted thru. Unfortunately, due to design I cannot see the break in the line nor, it appears, can I repair it myself due to accessibility.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2015
“The exhaust manifold bolts are broken and the muffler repair shop said this could lead to a major repair bill if the other bolts break taking the manifold off, it could lead to the egr pipe braking and this is a substantial repair bill just replacing each exhaust manifold bolt as is, then, the repair shop wants me to buy new exhaust manifolds so they can warranty their work. This should be a recall issue or new exhaust manifolds & gasket w/upgraded bolts. Please help your loyal customer. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade ext. The brake line fractured in the driveway while he was driving. The contact took the broken brake line to the dealer where the mechanic diagnosed that the brake line had deteriorated due to rust and the brake line system had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“I am another unhappy gm vehicle owner due to a very common safety issue on their engines, the bolts on my exhaust manifold have broken, 3 in just one week, and im sure the others will break too in just a matter of time.. I think gm should do a recall on this issue, bcus it will not only look good on them but keep their future costumers happy.. If I do not get a recall on this , I will never ever again own another gm vehicle... Dodge here I come... My wife's vehicle is a dodge and has 3 times the kms as mine and has never had any major issue ... Own up gm and makes us proud again to own a gm vehicle... *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade ext. The contact was driving 70 mph and applied the brakes however, the brake pedal was abnormally depressed into the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who noticed a design flaw with the inner brake pad, which was missing. The tripping sensor on the brake pad caused all of the fluids to leak. The mechanic had to replace the brake calipers. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2012
“While driving at 35 mph an emergency situation required a hard application of the brakes. The very next stop sign my brake pedal went all the way to the floor. The truck was leaking brake fluid at about a drop every second from one of the hard metal brake lines that are routed under the driver's seat along the frame. There are four brake lines that are routed together and could not tell which one was leaking. Each of them is heavily rusted. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade ext. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · May 2009
“Defective equipment. Ignition switch broke. Aaa sent locksmith. Locksmith said he has changed approx. 14 of these in last 1 and 1/2 weeks. Brass part and spring break off leaving ignition dead/unable to start or move vehicle. I was fortunate this happened in my driveway and not out on the road. $347.00 later and it can happen again at any time. Before locksmith showed up cadillac wanted to disconnect transmission and drop drive shaft place on flatbed to transport to dealership. What would that have cost me? Consumers should not be held hostage with this poor quality part. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the automatic stability control (asc) light illuminates. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership on multiple occasions where the asc sensor was replaced. Each time replacement has not remedied the problem. A manufacturer representative inspected the vehicle and determined no repairs are available at this time.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control · May 2006
“Ignition switch: the transmission may get stuck in third gear and the instrument panel may stop working due to failure of the ignition switch. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
How other years compare
Check your exact Escalade Ext 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 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments. 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.