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2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT is electrical system. It has 2.2 times the complaints of a typical Escalade EXT model year.

Typical year2.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
11
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
112
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems

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

  • Electrical
    5
  • Brakes
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    5
  • Brakes
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 2

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

Service brakes, hydraulicReported February 4, 2004 · 68,875 vehicles affected
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

See all 2 recalls for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT 112

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

See all 112 bulletins for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT

What 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 10, 2015 · Brakes · 142,270 miles · NJ

The brake "lines from the proportioning valve to modulator, lines from master cyl to proportioning valve" had to be replaced. The quoted description is from the dealers service invoice. One or more of these lines corroded thru and failed while I was (luckily) in my driveway. I had filed a complaint in 2012 regarding corrosion failure related to the rear brake lines and in 2013 for corrosion failure related to the front brake lines. Odi numbers are available.

Filed Dec 18, 2014 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade ext. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2014 · Electrical · CO

I have a 2004 escalade ext and approx. 1 year ago the speedometer stopped working. I contacted cadillac and was told it was my problem as the warranty was up. I just read in a car magazine that my year of escalade is listed as a bad vehicle to purchase due to speedometer breakdowns. Cadillac wants over $500 to repair this and it has been an issue they have known about for several years.

Filed Aug 7, 2013 · Brakes · 119,200 miles · NJ

The driver side front brake line corroded thru. This is a little over a year since the rear brake line corroded thru.

Filed Apr 2, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 107,000 miles · MI

I discovered broken/missing exhaust manifold bolts at 107k miles although I suspect they have been missing for quite some time. I was made aware of the problem by other cadillac, chevy, and gmc owners with the 6.0l engine. Upon hearing about this issue I inspected my vehicle to find that I have missing/broken exhaust manifold bolts too. This is a major safety concern as well as emissions. Many owners of these vehicles with this engine have had multiple missing or broken manifold bolts, many at mileages of less than 50k. Exhaust temperatures at the exhaust manifold average 1200 degrees fahrenheit. Gasoline has an ignition temperature of about 500 degrees fahrenheit. When exhaust manifold bolts break or become missing the seal is compromised between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust port on the engine cylinder head allowing these extremely hot exhaust gases to come into contact with multiple components in the engine compartment rather than through the exhaust system and safely out the tailpipe, which is routed safely away from flammable components or components that could compromise vehicle handling or braking if exposed to these temperatures from normal operation. Heat shields as part of the exhaust system are installed to safely shield any of these components from the exhaust system temperatures as long as the exhaust system is in good working condition. In addition there are other fluids such as transmission fluid, power steering fluid, engine oil, that will also burn if exposed to these normal exhaust manifold temperatures. All of these fluids, including fuel lines, flow through lines in and around these manifolds routed throughout the engine compartment. Should the entire exhaust manifold become loose because of the insufficient mounting hardware the risk of fire become exponentially higher. There are other concerns such as carbon monoxide and excess polluti.

Filed Mar 4, 2013 · Suspension · 106,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade ext. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the rear shocks snapped without warning. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear suspension system needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000 and the current mileage was 127,000.

Filed May 14, 2012 · Brakes · 111,054 miles · NJ

Left rear brake lines rusted through at the wheel area. Significant fluid leakage. Lines for both rear brakes had to be replaced.

Filed Mar 17, 2010 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · KY

Passlock security system failure - vehicle tries to start then stops firing. Passlock light comes on and cannot start vehicle for 10 - 20 minutes. This has occurred 7 times in 15 months beginning at 55k miles. I have read several complaints from owners having the same problem. Dealer repairs are not permanent. These repairs range from replacing ignition cylinders to security modules.

Filed May 5, 2005 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · PA · crash

1st incident 1) I was going to park in a spot between two building, only large enough for one vehicle. I came down the road, which has a decline to it, and turned right, into the parking spot. Due to the road being 1 way, and the parking spot being tight, it is impossible to turn the vehicle directly into the parking spot. I turned the vehicle and had to back up to go straight into the parking spot. I pressed the brake, shifted into reverse, and pressed the gas pedal. Meanwhile, a lady walked in front of my vehicle on the sidewalk. 2) the vehicle rolled forward, even though the rpms were at approximately 2200 rpms and the vehicle was in reverse. I hit the brake, but the vehicle had already hit the lady. She was fortunately fine, and continued on her way. 3) I took the vehicle to the dealership, where they told me it was working within in design parameters. They said there was nothing more that could be done. I called cadillac customer care, and informed them of the problem. They also said at the time there was nothing they could do, and chalked it up to a fluke. 2nd incident 1) I parked in a parking lot again with a decline. About 2 feet in front of the vehicle was a cement post. I came out, started the truck, pressed the brake, and shifted into reverse. 2). I pressed the gas, the rpms were over 2000 rpms, and the vehicle once again did not reverse but rather rolled forward into the cement post, cracking my front bumper. After that, the reverse engaged and the truck started reversing. 3). The dealership currently has the vehicle, and is telling me to come pick it up, even though they have done nothing to fix this problem. I asked what it was going to take before they did something, and they said there is nothing they can do. I have called cadillac customer care again, left 3 messages, and still ahve not heard back. I am concerned about the liability of driving this vehicle at this point.

Filed Nov 8, 2004 · Electrical · FL

The horn does not always sound. There seems to be a bad connection in the horn pad at the steering wheel. If the horn is not used for a while, it will not sound when you need it. But after you get it to work, it will work every time until you don't use it again for a while.

Compare the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT

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Questions about the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT reliable?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2.2 times a typical Escalade EXT model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT?

Electrical system, with 5 complaints. Next is brakes (3).

How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?

2 recalls, covering structure and service brakes, hydraulic.

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