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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 115 |
| 2003 | 81 |
| 2004 | 69 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 229 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 58 |
| 2010 | 38 |
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2015 | 94 |
| 2016 | 86 |
| 2017 | 49 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 57 |
| 2022 | 71 |
| 2023 | 119 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
12% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20131015
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, 20200112
10% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file.
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, 20241116
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 9 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THROTTLE STICKING CLOSED
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 AR
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 DO
Campaign 02V253000 — check if this car was fixed
UNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATION
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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, AND
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.
Campaign 07E106000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake line corrosion failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Cadillac Escalade — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V253000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 electrical system, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade have?
3 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.