2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls and problems

The 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT has 2 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
11
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 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.

Recall 04V-045: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Feb 4, 2004 · 68,875 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

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.

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.

2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System5
Service Brakes3
Air Bags1
Power Train1
Suspension1
Engine1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Equipment1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Electrical System › Horn — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 106,000 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 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT complaints

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

Service Brakes · at 142,270 miles · reported Aug 10, 2015
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 corrosion failure related to the rear brake lines and in 2013 for corrosion failure related to the front brake lines. Odi numbers are available.
Electrical System · at 55,000 miles · reported Dec 18, 2014
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.
Electrical System · reported Jan 8, 2014
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 this and it has been an issue they have known about for several years.
Engine · at 107,000 miles · reported Apr 2, 2013
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 manifold bolts too. This is a major safety concern as well as emissions. Many owners of these vehicles with this engine have had multiple missing or broken manifold bolts, many at mileages of less than 50k. Exhaust temperatures at the exhaust manifold average 1200 degrees…
Suspension · at 106,000 miles · reported Mar 4, 2013
The contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade ext. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the rear shocks snapped without warning. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear suspension system needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000 and the current mileage was 127,000.

Other Cadillac Escalade EXT years

Compare all Cadillac Escalade EXT years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT: 04V-129 (structure), 04V-045 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (5 reports), followed by service brakes (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 106,000 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.