2002 Cadillac Escalade
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 115
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 115 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 115 |
| 2003 | 81 |
| 2004 | 69 |
| 2005 | 43 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 230 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 58 |
| 2010 | 38 |
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 98 |
| 2016 | 89 |
| 2017 | 51 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 25 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 78 |
| 2022 | 86 |
| 2023 | 142 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 37 |
| 2027 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
39% · 45 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
The problem is in the anti-lock braking system. When the vehicle slows to under 15 mph. and you apply the brakes the brake pedal" kick back" occurs with loss of braking . Making the vehicle a hazard to drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-16
Electrical system
14% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that she dropped a penny into the cigarette lighter, which created a thermal failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-15
Vehicle cuts off when idling. On one occasion, the vehicle cut off after a two-hour drive when driver slowed down when approaching a stop sign. The problem is intermittent.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-12
Power train
9% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Suspension
7% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing wheel bearing.
Steering
6% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and electric power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
Power steering failed. As a result, vehicle crashed into a mailbox, and then into a ditch. No injuries reported.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-16
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002Complaint volume 115 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2002-08-01Engineering analysisClosed 2004-01-12 Throttle sticking closed
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R
2002-11-08Seats02V253000 On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints…
Remedy: Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points. Owner notification began November 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and…
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I
2005-04-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-13 Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
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R
2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 Certain federal-mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies with the brand names: national, carquest p/nos. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, and 515060, shipped between January 23, 2006…
Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2008. Owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.
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I
2011-01-05Engineering analysisClosed 2015-04-08 Brake line corrosion failure
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Cadillac Escalade — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 45 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V253000 · Seats
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Cadillac Escalade is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Cadillac Escalade?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade have?
- 3 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.