Does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade, the most recent reported on September 17, 2002 (Seats: front assembly, head restraint). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Cadillac Escalade?

Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (28 complaints), followed by electrical system (16).

How many 2002 Cadillac Escalade complaints mention a crash or fire?

12 of 115 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Cadillac Escalade recalls and problems

1 recall and 115 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade.

recalls

115

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.

2002 Cadillac Escalade recalls

Seats: front assembly, head restraint

NHTSA campaign 02V253000 · reported September 17, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 558,904 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.
The risk: If a person were to insert their finger(s) into the pinch point when the head restraint folds, it could trap and pinch the finger(s) causing injury.
The fix: 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 not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

Most reported problems

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

Service brakes, hydraulic28
Electrical system16
Service brakes11
Power train10
Suspension8
Steering7
Structure7
Seat belts6
Seats6
Electronic stability control5

What owners report

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

Oct 6, 2025 · Wheels · 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced…

Jan 19, 2025 · Service brakes
Purchased this vehicle from a friend who was inherited from his father’s estate. He hadn’t driven the vehicle for sometime. When meeting up at the DMV to transfer ownership he noticed that the brakes were spongy. And purchased some brake fluid in case the fluid was low. Neither my friend or myself are mechanically…

Nov 16, 2024 · Service brakes
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. Now with repeated depression of the brake pedal the vehicle does stop. But, if you are approaching a stopped…

Aug 14, 2024 · Unknown or other
Driving carefully out of […] here in Walker Minnesota using the newly opened east side of the parking lot exit and 50 feet later as I accelerated the Heavy Full size spare tire fell from under the rear of the truck and my 2002 Cadillac EXT left the ground as the tire bounced back up against the truck!!! If we had been…

Jun 23, 2021 · Suspension
Service Ride control and stability control system lights have been flashing the instrument panel cluster on my dash will cut off and not illuminate once it's time to turn the head lights on there is a ticking /clicking noise when first cranked up and as the gas is pushed and when accelerated and when driving over 65…

Escalade model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	1	71	9	3
2001	0	3	0	1
2002	1	115	12	7
2003	4	81	4	4
2004	2	69	10	6
2005	2	43	3	1

Across all years, the 2007 Escalade has the most complaints (230). All Cadillac Escalade years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade, the most recent reported on September 17, 2002 (Seats: front assembly, head restraint). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Cadillac Escalade?: Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (28 complaints), followed by electrical system (16).
How many 2002 Cadillac Escalade complaints mention a crash or fire?: 12 of 115 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 6, 2025.