2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls and problems

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT has 1 safety recall and 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
22
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls

Recall 04V-129: Structure

Reported Mar 17, 2004 · 3,662,211 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

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.

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.

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Service Brakes4
Engine3
Tires2
Electrical System2
Structure1
Steering1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Electronic Stability Control1
Power Train1
Parking Brake1
Service Brakes, Electric1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments — 1
  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
  • Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (Asc) — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 153,000 miles · reported Jul 6, 2015
Slowing down for a red light, had my foot on the brake pedal. As the truck slowed down the ABS system took over, causing the brake pedal to "pulsate". I didnt think the truck would stop so I swerved to the right in order to miss the vehicle in front of me that had already stopped. Luckily my truck stopped, but it was rather scary. It has happened to my wife and daughter also. There was a recall issued for chevrolet and gmc vehicles in the " severe corrosion" areas, ohio being one of the states, which is where I live. The recall # is 05068a. I AM curious why cadillac vehicles were not included…
Service Brakes · at 163,289 miles · reported Jun 19, 2015
Another vehicle ran stop sign, I had to step hard on brake pedal to avoid an accident. Shortly after I noticed the brake pedal getting closer to "bottoming out" each time I applied the brakes. Upon arriving home I found, on the left side undercarriage below the back seat, fluid dripping and approximately 24" of the frame and undercarriage saturated with brake fluid. When I crawled under the vehicle I traced the brake line from the master cylinder back and found the lines to be rusted. The line that is leaking must have rusted thru. Unfortunately, due to design I cannot see the break in the…
Air Bags · at 90,000 miles · reported Nov 1, 2014
I was driving home. Out of no where my drivers side - side airbag deployed spontaniously. I began losing control of the vehicle because the noise was so loud, and starteling that I thought someone struck my drivers side. I AM left side - hearing impaired, my whole left side went numb and began to ring piercingly. I gained control back of the vehicle and tried to exit the truck. I was engulfed in chemicals and couldn't see. I tried to open the door and couldn't as the airbag blocked my exit, and / or rolling down the window. When the airbag began to deflate I was able to exit the vehicle. I was…
Engine · at 193,000 miles · reported Sep 6, 2014
The exhaust manifold bolts are broken and the muffler repair shop said this could lead to a major repair bill if the other bolts break taking the manifold off, it could lead to the EGR pipe braking and this is a substantial repair bill just replacing each exhaust manifold bolt as is, then, the repair shop wants me to buy new exhaust manifolds so they can warranty their work. This should be a recall issue or new exhaust manifolds & gasket w/upgraded bolts. Please help your loyal customer.
Engine · reported Jun 30, 2014
The contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade ext. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was unknown.

Other Cadillac Escalade EXT years

Compare all Cadillac Escalade EXT years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT: 04V-129 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (5 reports), followed by service brakes (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 miles.

Are Cadillac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.