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 PER YEAR
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.
3 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes.
3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow 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. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20070130
2 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT METAL BRAKE LINE PROBLEM. I NOTICED A LEAK AND I TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO BE CHECKED OUT. THE SERVICE TECH ADVISED THAT THE METAL BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I QUESTIONED HOW CAN THAT HAPPEN?
NHTSA ODI report, 20120830
2 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 V
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 HUM
Campaign 04V045000 — check if this car was fixed
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 FR
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
Campaign 04V129000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V129000 (structure) has been completed.
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 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.