2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Only 22 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 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 22 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 15 |
| 2004 | 11 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 14 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
10 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The brake line fractured in the driveway while he was driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-18
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-07
Engine
3 of 22 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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..
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-24
Tires
2 of 22 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
I have had four goodyear tires that have split and/or come completely apart while driving. They were wrangler hp tires, P265/70R17.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-10
Electrical system
2 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Structure
1 of 22 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
While consumer was opening the tailgate and the cables broke. The consumers son sustained minor injuries .
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-31
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2004-09-18Structure04V129000 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…
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…
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I
2005-04-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-13 Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V129000 · Structure
FAQ
- Is the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 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 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 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.