CarRecallDB

2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls and problems

2 recalls and 11 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT.

2
recalls
11
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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.

2004 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.

Aug 10, 2015 · Service brakes · 142,270 miles

THE BRAKE "LINES FROM THE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO MODULATOR, LINES FROM MASTER CYL TO PROPORTIONING VALVE" HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE QUOTED DESCRIPTION IS FROM THE DEALERS SERVICE INVOICE. ONE OR MORE OF THESE LINES CORRODED THRU AND FAILED WHILE I WAS (LUCKILY) IN MY DRIVEWAY. I HAD FILED A COMPLAINT IN 2012 REGARDING…

Dec 18, 2014 · Electrical system · 55,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Jan 8, 2014 · Electrical system

I HAVE A 2004 ESCALADE EXT AND APPROX. 1 YEAR AGO THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. I CONTACTED CADILLAC AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MY PROBLEM AS THE WARRANTY WAS UP. I JUST READ IN A CAR MAGAZINE THAT MY YEAR OF ESCALADE IS LISTED AS A BAD VEHICLE TO PURCHASE DUE TO SPEEDOMETER BREAKDOWNS. CADILLAC WANTS OVER $500 TO REPAIR…

Aug 7, 2013 · Service brakes · 119,200 miles

THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT BRAKE LINE CORRODED THRU. THIS IS A LITTLE OVER A YEAR SINCE THE REAR BRAKE LINE CORRODED THRU.

Apr 2, 2013 · Engine · 107,000 miles

I DISCOVERED BROKEN/MISSING EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS AT 107K MILES ALTHOUGH I SUSPECT THEY HAVE BEEN MISSING FOR QUITE SOME TIME. I WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BY OTHER CADILLAC, CHEVY, AND GMC OWNERS WITH THE 6.0L ENGINE. UPON HEARING ABOUT THIS ISSUE I INSPECTED MY VEHICLE TO FIND THAT I HAVE MISSING/BROKEN EXHAUST…

Escalade EXT model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 12210
2003 21512
2004 21110
2005 1510
2006 1000
2007 51602

All Cadillac Escalade EXT years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (5 complaints), followed by service brakes (3).
How many 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 11 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 August 10, 2015.