Broken exhaust manifold bolts on engine found at under 100k miles. Creates serious fire hazard.
The worst 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Recalls 1
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 04V045000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV 434
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-DR. w/SAB | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | 3 |
What 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, all the gauges and indicators on the instrument cluster suddenly failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster had failed but the part needed was unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. While driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to decelerate. The ABS and traction activity warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydro-boost failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v045000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. When the contact drove in reverse and attempted to apply the brakes, the vehicle made a loud noise. The contact's vehicle failed to stop and crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the brake lines fractured due to excessive corrosion. The contact stated that the failure was directly related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v045000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000. Updated 10/8/14
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a ticking sound coming from the engine. The check engine light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where a diagnostic revealed that the exhaust manifold bolts had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was repaired. The failure mileage was 139,000 and the current mileage was 140,043.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be restarted and the was towed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and where the contact was advised that the fuel pump was faulty. The dealer replaced the fuel pump but the repair did not remedy the issue. The vehicle continued to stall while driving and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer replaced the fuel pump six times but to no avail. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised that a district specialist would be sent to further investigate the failure. The failure mileage was 198,900.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact noticed that the service air bag light illuminated. The dealer was contacted who informed the contact that the passenger side air bag inflater module was defective. The contact did not inform the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 97,000. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Airbag light is on. Nothing was done prior to light coming on. I actually called gm to see if it was a recall and also to report the incident....
Bridegestone dueler tires bought on 6/07/08 at firestone in tulsa. On 9/02/08, less than 1500 miles later, had valve stem crack causing flat tire. On 11/02/08, another 1500 miles later, had a different tire go flat caused by cracked valve stem. Firestone insists that this is coincidental and that nobody else is making valve stem complaints.
Steering/cross bar/axel- been in for service 10 + times. Car steering goes out. Car makes crackling noises while turning.
Compare the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV
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Questions about the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Is the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, fewer than a typical Escalade ESV model year.
What is the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV year score?
The 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV scores 79 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac Escalade ESV: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
Airbags, with 2 complaints. Next is brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?
1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.
Is the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV safe in a crash?
The 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 3 out of 5.
What year does the Cadillac Escalade ESV have bad airbags?
The Cadillac Escalade ESV model years with the most airbags complaints are 2007 (14 complaints) and 2008 (12 complaints).
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