2003 Cadillac Escalade problems
The 2003 Cadillac Escalade has 111 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (23%) concerns electrical system. After that come brakes (20%) and stability control (8%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 111 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 23% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 6
- Injuries and deaths
- 5 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 75,000 miles 81 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 14 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 8 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 13 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 7 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 9 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 13 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 4 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 4 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 4 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 81 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 75,000 miles. For electrical system specifically, the median reported mileage is about 104,000 miles (21 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 5 complaints mention a crash; 6 complaints mention a fire; 5 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2003 ranks 10th most-complained-about out of 26 model years of the Cadillac Escalade with enough data (47 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 4 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Dt: the consumer stated the steering locked and the vehicle would not stop. The power steering pump assembly had to be replaced more than once. This was done when the vehicle was purchased used. This seemed to fix the problem. Approximately 10 days ago consumer noticed brakes would shook on uneven pavement while road work was done. This caused a crash, vehicle ran into a tree. Consumer sustained a broken hand and nose. Consumer's husband sustained broken ribs and had a knot on head, and tore ligaments in his arm.
Dt: consumer complained about a brake problem. Intermittently, while driving at 35 MPH or above and if needed to come to an immediate stop it won't stop like it should. Took vehicle to dealer, and they said brake pads were fine, and they did need not take apart the ABS system. Also, they checked a diagnostic machine, but it did not show any codes. Consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle due to brake failure. Noticed this around august 1, 2005.
Chrome lining of wheels has been peeling for years. When first appeared factory rep from cadillac/gm inspected car and stated only cosmetic (car was still under warranty). My concern was that it would eventually go into the interface of the tire and wheel. I have complained to GM several occasions. It has. Been brought back to dealer numerous times where it has been acknowledged to be a problem and that they had a fix. This fix was performed numerous times at dealer and other tire dealers, mr tire and goodyear.
I was on I 75 passing under miller rd in flint, mi when traffic started to back up and slow down. I applied the brakes and the car stated to slow down, the brake peddle then went to the floor and I had no brakes. I was able to down shift to 1st gear and get to the side of the road. The car slowed down to where I could get it into reverse to stop it. We where so lucky! I got it to a cadillac dealer in dearborn, mi and found out that the main brake line had rusted through. I had all the brake line replace.