CarRecallDB

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls and problems

2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT.

2
recalls
15
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
2
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 EXT recalls

Structure: body, tailgate, hinge and attachments

NHTSA campaign 04V129000 · reported March 17, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 3,662,211 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
The risk
Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
The fix
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 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.

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.

What owners report

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

Dec 8, 2014 · Service brakes · 145,000 miles

BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR. DEALER DIAGNOSED RUSTED BRAKE LINES.

Jul 12, 2014 · Service brakes · 127,527 miles

I HAD JUST LEFT MY HOME AND AT THE FIRST STOP SIGN THE BRAKES FAILED, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. RETURNED HOME AND FOUND BRAKE FLUID COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT FRAME AREA UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER. PULLED WHEEL OFF AND THE STEEL BRAKE LINE HAD RUPTURED. ALL BRAKE LINES SEVERELY RUSTED…

Jul 8, 2014 · Unknown or other · 70,122 miles

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT APPEARS THE VEHICLE SPEED IS NOT RESPONDING TO THE ACCELERATOR. YOU PUSH DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR TO INCREASE SPEED WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND NOTHING HAPPENS. THIS HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 3 TIMES SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON JUNE 17 OF THIS YEAR. DEALER STATES THERE ARE NO CODES OR HISTORY OF…

Jul 19, 2013 · Service brakes · 190,000 miles

BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND SUBSEQUENTLY LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID. CAUSE WAS A CORRODED REAR, STEEL (HARD) BRAKE LINE ALONG THE FRAME.

Jan 3, 2013 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 124,371 miles

2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE IN VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED ON TWO OCCASIONS, HE EXPERIENCED BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WHICH WAS RELATED TO OXIDATION AND RUST DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE LINES (METAL TUBING) AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. THE FIRST TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED…

Escalade EXT model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 12210
2003 21512
2004 21110
2005 1510
2006 1000

All Cadillac Escalade EXT years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT, the most recent reported on March 17, 2004 (Structure: body, tailgate, hinge and attachments). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (4 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (4).
How many 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 15 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 8, 2014.