Does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, the most recent reported on February 4, 2004 (Service brakes, hydraulic). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (2 complaints), followed by electrical system (2).

How many 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 12 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls and problems

1 recall and 12 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA campaign 04V045000 · reported February 4, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 68,875 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
The risk: Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
The fix: 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 hummer at 1-866-486-6376.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags2
Electrical system2
Engine2
Service brakes2
Fuel system, gasoline1
Service brakes, hydraulic1
Steering1
Tires1
Wheels1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 18, 2016 · Engine
BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ON ENGINE FOUND AT UNDER 100K MILES. CREATES SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD.

Dec 14, 2015 · Electrical system · 140,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, ALL THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SUDDENLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD FAILED BUT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNKNOWN. THE…

Sep 21, 2015 · Service brakes · 120,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE. THE ABS AND TRACTION ACTIVITY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE…

Aug 19, 2014 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 86,000 miles · crash reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE IN REVERSE AND ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINES…

Oct 1, 2012 · Engine · 139,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC REVEALED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS HAD…

Escalade ESV model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2003	1	12	1	0
2004	1	22	3	1
2005	1	14	0	1
2006	1	5	1	0

Across all years, the 2023 Escalade ESV has the most complaints (91). All Cadillac Escalade ESV years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, the most recent reported on February 4, 2004 (Service brakes, hydraulic). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV?: Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (2 complaints), followed by electrical system (2).
How many 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 12 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 18, 2016.