2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 15 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 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
7 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
4 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT. Was parked at 10:30 December 23. 2006 in my driveway, about 9-9:15 on December 24, 2006 the truck ignited itself on fire. The truck is severely burned as well as my wife's 2006 mercedes benz as well as my property.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-01-30
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump.
Steering
2 of 15 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
Power train
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveline.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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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…
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V045000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 04V129000 · Structure
FAQ
- Is the 2003 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 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.