Brake peddle went to the floor. Dealer diagnosed rusted brake lines.
The worst 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes7
- Electrical4
- Fuel system2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes7
- Electrical4
- Fuel system2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Driver assistance1
- Engine1
Recalls 2
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
- 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
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 EXT 88
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- All applicable vehicle applications are without Electronic Accessory Control System option
- Equipment: electrical
- This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle...
- This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for...
- Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
- This informational bulletin provides information to advise dealers about seat belt buckles not operating...
- This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil...
- This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with information on flexible fuel vehicles...
- This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
- Equipment: electrical
What 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I had just left my home and at the first stop sign the brakes failed, the pedal went to the floor, used emergency brake to stop. Returned home and found brake fluid coming from the left front frame area under the master cylinder. Pulled wheel off and the steel brake line had ruptured. All brake lines severely rusted. Not safe to drive. I have four other cars and none have brake lines rusted like these. Suspect material used to make brake lines not to specification resulting in sever corrosion..
While driving the vehicle it appears the vehicle speed is not responding to the accelerator. You push down on the accelerator to increase speed while in traffic and nothing happens. This has occurred at least 3 times since we purchased the vehicle on june 17 of this year. Dealer states there are no codes or history of codes in the vehicles computer. Left it there for a day but they could not reproduce the problem. What now.
Brake pedal went to the floor and subsequently lost all brake fluid. Cause was a corroded rear, steel (hard) brake line along the frame.
2003 cadillac escalade ext. Consumer writes in regards to brake system failure in vehicle. *smd the consumer stated on two occasions, he experienced brake system failure which was related to oxidation and rust damage to the brake lines (metal tubing) and subsequent loss of brake fluid. The first time the incident occurred, the consumer was informed the brake lines were rotted and the lines as well as the hoses needed to be replaced. The second incident occurred over a year later, where 14 additional lines showed signs of rust. A patch job was performed to return braking capacity.
Found half of exhaust manifold bolts broken and cannot get inspected now.
2003 cadillac escalade ext metal brake line problem. I noticed a leak and I took my truck in to be checked out. The service tech advised that the metal brake line was corroded and needed to be replaced. I questioned how can that happen? Why wasn't it noticed during previous service? What caused the problem? Can this happen again? I requested investigation of parts and verification of recalls. "I was told that battery acid dripped on line". I would like to file this complaint because the answer I received does not make any sense, especially if all service and work done to my escalade ext truck were completed my the dealer. My battery had no corrosion and I do not live insalt belt state. I feel this brake line problem is a defect. This problem occurred suddenly, with no warning.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac ext escalade. The contact stated the vehicle would exhibit numerous electrical failures. When the vehicle was first purchased, the instrument panel overheated and failed as soon as he drove from the lot. The dealer replaced the instrument panel at the manufacturer's expense. In addition, the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds and without warning on at least twelve occasions. The dealer advised there was a short in the main wiring harness. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The contact has had numerous unknown repairs made to the vehicle to no avail. The failure and current mileages were 168,000. Updated 10/25/10 *bf the consumer stated the instrument panel went out, the ignition switch, fuel pump and power steering motor failed. Also, the transmission was rough and shifting hard. Updated 10/27/10
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade ext. While the contact was driving approximately 75 to 80 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the technician stated that the failure was related to the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired under the service warranty. The failure occurred on twelve occasions and replaced six times under the warranty. In addition, when the vehicle was first purchased the instrument panel was replaced by an authorized dealer due to failure. The power steering had also been replaced on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired for the recent fuel pump failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. Updated 09/01/10. *lj the consumer stated all the failures were electrical related. The consumer no longer owns the vehicle. Updated 09/14/10
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade ext. The contact stated that while loading his tailgate with 12 bags of 40 pound wood chips, he heard a popping sound . The contact then loaded a 13 pound bag onto the tailgate and approximately 8 to 10 bags fell onto his left leg and foot. He sustained major injures to his left leg and foot, which resulted in three surgeries. The tailgate cables were replaced prior to the incident due to recall number 04007 and again after the incident. The current mileage was 21,000 and failure mileage was 17,000. Updated 12-12-2007 *bf updated 12/12/07
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Questions about the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Is the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT reliable?
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 3.0 times a typical Escalade EXT model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
Brakes, with 7 complaints, typically around 127,527 miles. Next is electrical (4).
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?
2 recalls, covering structure and service brakes, hydraulic.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V045000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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