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2002 Cadillac Escalade recalls and problems

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade has 1 safety recall and 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
115
Crashes / fires
12 / 7
Injuries / deaths
11 / 0

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

2002 Cadillac Escalade recalls

Recall 02V-253: Seats

Reported Sep 17, 2002 · 558,904 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

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.

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.

2002 Cadillac Escalade problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic30
Electrical System16
Service Brakes11
Power Train10
Structure8
Suspension8
Seats7
Steering7
Visibility6
Seat Belts6
Vehicle Speed Control6
Parking Brake5

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 10
  • Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (Asc) — 5
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 4
  • Structure › Body › Door — 3
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,780 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 complaints

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

Wheels · at 200,000 miles · reported Oct 6, 2025
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. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from the front wheel hubs on the driver’s and passenger’s side wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was brake fluid leaking from the brake lines, causing the braking…
Service Brakes · reported Jan 19, 2025
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 impaired so We made the exchange of ownership and went on our way home. When we arrived my step father felt the need to investigate the issue. He discovered that every brake line under the drivers seat back approximately 24” were so rusted and soaked with brake fluid that fluid…
Service Brakes · reported Nov 16, 2024
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 car or some other stationary object a collision could occur. Thankfully this has not happened to me or my wife, as we are aware of this condition and prepare for it while stopping the car. The reason why this happens is because GM no longer produces the part that would alleviate…
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 14, 2024
Driving carefully out of [XXX] 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 going faster and in a Different area we may have been Killed! It's a terrible design to store a full size and very heavy spare tire. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension · reported Jun 23, 2021
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 mph the vehicle will start swaying to the point of being uncontrollably.

Other Cadillac Escalade years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade: 02V-253 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (30 reports), followed by electrical system (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,780 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.