CarRecallDB

2003 Cadillac Escalade recalls and problems

4 recalls and 81 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade.

4
recalls
81
owner complaints
4
complaints mentioning a crash
4
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 recalls

Seat belts: rear/other

NHTSA campaign 05V163000 · reported April 22, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 1,359,824 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this position. Appropriate use of a child seat or booster seat, as recommended for small children, does improve the fit condition for this user group. In addition to instructions on proper infant and young child restraint (with child seats or boosters), special verbiage for restraining older child is included in the owner's manual. Also, the suggested seat belt fit/routing for adults, irrespective of seating position, is described in the owner's manual text.
The risk
A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can expose them to more risk of abdominal and internal organ injury.
The fix
Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on july 21, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

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.

Structure: body, door, hinge and attachments

NHTSA campaign 03V037000 · reported February 6, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 107 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles are built with four welds on the rear door upper hinge. On some of these vehicles, one or two of the welds may not be to specification.
The risk
As a result, the door strength may be degraded during a side impact vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the welds on the left rear door upper hinge. If a weld is found out-of-specification, a bolt will be installed to secure the hinge. Owner notification began february 17, 2003. 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 cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery, cables

NHTSA campaign 02V224000 · reported August 12, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 649 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain all-wheel drive sport utility vehicles were built without a power steering bracket to secure the positive battery cable, allowing the cable to come in contact with the steering shaft.
The risk
This contact could cause a wear-through of the cable insulation, exposing the wire core and result in intermittent electrical shorting. If enough current is discharged at the point of contact, an engine compartment fire could occur.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the positive battery cable routing and re-route, if necessary. No owner notification will take place since all vehicles were captured at the dealers.

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.

Feb 4, 2024 · Power train

All of a sudden 3rd and 4th gears became useless causing a rapid deacceleration of the vehicle and posing the possibility of being rear ended with end result of massive damage to vehicle and serious injury to occupants

Apr 22, 2023 · Visibility

The sunroof on my vehicle flew off on the highway while it was in the "closed" position. There was NO personal injury nor damage to any persons or vehicles. I returned to the area where the glass flew off only to find it shattered all over the shoulder of the road, completely destroyed. I've uploading a pic of the…

Jun 23, 2021 · Air bags · 178,531 miles

The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The contact stated that the air bag light was illuminated. The contact contacted an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the air bag needed replacement but did not diagnose the failure cause. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of…

Jun 16, 2021 · Air bags

Air bag light is on .want go off..its Cadillac (EST TRUCK )NOT THE SUV

Apr 25, 2021 · Service brakes · 200,000 miles

COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO BRAKE LINE LEAK DUE TO INFERIOR BRAKE LINES

Escalade model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 17193
2001 0301
2002 1115127
2003 48144
2004 269106
2005 24331
2006 21910

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

Questions

Does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade, the most recent reported on April 22, 2005 (Seat belts: rear/other). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade?
Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (23 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (11).
How many 2003 Cadillac Escalade complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 81 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 4, 2024.