2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 22 |
| 2005 | 14 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 39 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 74 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
3 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-19
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Engine
2 of 12 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-01
Electrical system
2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-09-13
Air bags
2 of 12 total reports mention: air bags.
Wheels
1 of 12 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing rim.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-08
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2004-06-18Service brakes, hydraulic04V045000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V045000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.