2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
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 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The brake "lines from the proportioning valve to modulator, lines from master cyl to proportioning valve" had to be replaced. The quoted description is from the dealers service invoice. One or more of these lines corroded thru and failed while I was (luckily) in my driveway. I had filed a complaint in 2012 regarding corrosion failure related to the rear brake lines and in 2013 for corrosion failure related to the front brake lines. Odi numbers are available.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade ext. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2014
“The driver side front brake line corroded thru. This is a little over a year since the rear brake line corroded thru. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2013
Show 6 more owner reports
“I have a 2004 escalade ext and approx. 1 year ago the speedometer stopped working. I contacted cadillac and was told it was my problem as the warranty was up. I just read in a car magazine that my year of escalade is listed as a bad vehicle to purchase due to speedometer breakdowns. Cadillac wants over $500 to repair this and it has been an issue they have known about for several years. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2013
“Left rear brake lines rusted through at the wheel area. Significant fluid leakage. Lines for both rear brakes had to be replaced. *js”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade ext. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 mph, the rear shocks snapped without warning. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear suspension system needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000 and the current mileage was 127,000. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2011
“Passlock security system failure - vehicle tries to start then stops firing. Passlock light comes on and cannot start vehicle for 10 - 20 minutes. This has occurred 7 times in 15 months beginning at 55k miles. I have read several complaints from owners having the same problem. Dealer repairs are not permanent. These repairs range from replacing ignition cylinders to security modules. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2010
“The horn does not always sound. There seems to be a bad connection in the horn pad at the steering wheel. If the horn is not used for a while, it will not sound when you need it. But after you get it to work, it will work every time until you don't use it again for a while.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2004
“The air bag light came on, the consumer went to the dealer. The ignition was turned on/off to see if it would go off. The vehicle was left at the dealers the next morning. The airbag light went on again the next week. There was a part ordered, and replaced. Consumer drove the vehicle for two days and the air bag light came on again. General motors stated that the airbag wiring harness would be replaced by them, however no parts are available. As of this date the vehicle is still at the dealers awaiting repair. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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 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 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have 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.