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2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT is brakes, typically around 109,200 miles. It has 4.4 times the complaints of a typical Escalade EXT model year.

Typical year4.4x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
53
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    10
  • Engine
    4
  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Airbags
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    10
  • Engine
    4
  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 1

Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachmentsReported March 17, 2004 · 3,662,211 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 04V129000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Defect investigations

Unwanted low-speed ABS activationOpened April 28, 2005, closed September 13, 2005

In a letter dated august 29, 2005, gm notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that may result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v‑379).gm's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently registered in the following 14 salt-belt states:connecticut, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, and west virginia.the recall procedure will involve removing the sensor, cleaning the mounting surface, applying a rust inhibitor (zinc-x) to the surface, and reinstalling the sensor.if necessary, the sensor will be replaced. The population and failure report data given in this resume are for the full region that has been considered by odi as the salt-belt.that includes delaware, iowa, maryland, minnesota, missouri, wisconsin and the district of columbia in addition to the 14 states included in 05v‑379.the states covered by gm's recall have the highest incident rates for the subject condition, accounting for 91% of the incidents, but only 24% of subject vehicle sales in the united states.odi's analysis determined that 840 of the complaints, 244 of the crashes, and 16 of the injuries identified in this investigation occurred in those states.the resulting incident and crash rates are 96.2 and 28.0 per 100,000 vehicles respectively (note:rates are based on vehicle sales, not registered vehicles). The corresponding numbers in the excluded portions of the salt-belt are 399,000 vehicles, 81 incidents (20.3 per 100,000 vehicles), 3 crashes, and no injuries.the statistics in the remaining 30 states are 2,406,000 vehicles, 168 incidents (7.0 per 100,000 vehicles), 31 crashes, and one injury.gm and odi are continuing to monitor the problem experience in states that are not included in the recall.gm will provide odi with updated complaint, field report, and warranty data in november 2005.odi and gm will review that data and assess the appropriateness of the current scope of the recall at that time.

PE05020

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 53

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 53 bulletins for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT

What 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 6, 2015 · Brakes · 153,000 miles · OH

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 in this recall even though the same issue is happening and is getting more and more frequent. Any light that can me shed on this is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Updated 9/25/15 *ln updated 11/07/2017

Filed Jun 19, 2015 · Brakes · 163,289 miles · OH

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 line nor, it appears, can I repair it myself due to accessibility.

Filed Nov 1, 2014 · Airbags · 90,000 miles · NY

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 fortunate my son and husband were behind me as we drove home. They had no idea what was happening as I jumped out of my truck with a white cloud of fumes behind me. I now feel as though my ear has been stabbed and my nose/throat are burning.

Filed Sep 6, 2014 · Engine · 193,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Jun 30, 2014 · Engine · NY

Tl* 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.

Filed Feb 18, 2014 · Brakes · 123,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade ext. The brake line fractured in the driveway while he was driving. The contact took the broken brake line to the dealer where the mechanic diagnosed that the brake line had deteriorated due to rust and the brake line system had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2014 · Engine · CA

I am another unhappy gm vehicle owner due to a very common safety issue on their engines, the bolts on my exhaust manifold have broken, 3 in just one week, and im sure the others will break too in just a matter of time.. I think gm should do a recall on this issue, bcus it will not only look good on them but keep their future costumers happy.. If I do not get a recall on this , I will never ever again own another gm vehicle... Dodge here I come... My wife's vehicle is a dodge and has 3 times the kms as mine and has never had any major issue ... Own up gm and makes us proud again to own a gm vehicle...

Filed Aug 7, 2012 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade ext. The contact was driving 70 MPH and applied the brakes however, the brake pedal was abnormally depressed into the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who noticed a design flaw with the inner brake pad, which was missing. The tripping sensor on the brake pad caused all of the fluids to leak. The mechanic had to replace the brake calipers. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2012 · Brakes · 109,200 miles · MS

While driving at 35 MPH an emergency situation required a hard application of the brakes. The very next stop sign my brake pedal went all the way to the floor. The truck was leaking brake fluid at about a drop every second from one of the hard metal brake lines that are routed under the driver's seat along the frame. There are four brake lines that are routed together and could not tell which one was leaking. Each of them is heavily rusted.

Filed May 9, 2011 · Brakes · 30 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade ext. The contact was driving approximately 10 MPH in a parking lot when the brakes began to pulsate upon engaging. The brakes were applied repeatedly before the vehicle came to a stop. The failure recurred six different times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the passenger side ABS sensor, front and rear rotors, master cylinder and four brake calipers were replaced. Most recently, the entire brake line rusted and was also replaced which required the body of the vehicle to be disengaged from the frame to perform the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The failure mileage was 30. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 06/16/11*lj updated 1/24/2012 *ln

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Is the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT reliable?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 4.4 times a typical Escalade EXT model year.

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

Brakes, with 10 complaints, typically around 109,200 miles. Next is engine (4).

How many recalls does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?

1 recall, covering structure.

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