2003 Cadillac Escalade recalls and problems
The 2003 Cadillac Escalade has 4 safety recalls and 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Cadillac Escalade recalls
Recall 05V-163: Seat Belts
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.
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.
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.
Recall 04V-045: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
Recall 03V-037: Structure
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.
Risk: As a result, the door strength may be degraded during a side impact vehicle crash.
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.
Recall 02V-224: Electrical System
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.
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.
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.
2003 Cadillac Escalade problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 26 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | |
| Service Brakes | 9 | |
| Steering | 6 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 6 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Engine | 4 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 | |
| Seats | 3 | |
| Power Train | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
- Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (Asc) — 3
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 3
- Electrical System › Wiring — 2
- Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 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 2003 Cadillac Escalade complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Cadillac Escalade years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade: 05V-163 (seat belts), 04V-045 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-037 (structure), 02V-224 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (26 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 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.