2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Problems & Complaints

Averageabout as many complaints as a typical year of the Escalade ESV at the same age

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Escalade ESV at the same age. The most reported problem area is the wheels & tires (2 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

12complaints
1recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems

  • Wheels & tires~70,000 miles
    217%
  • Electrical system~140,000 miles
    217%
  • Air bags~100,000 miles
    217%
  • Engine & cooling~139,000 miles
    217%
  • Brakes~120,000 miles
    217%
  • Steering~0 miles
    18%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~199,000 miles
    18%

Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Cadillac Escalade ESV complaints by model year

’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’261222145391764133281538153422745790221411
Owner complaints per model year, Cadillac Escalade ESV. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Escalade ESV years: 2014, 2013, 2012. Years to avoid: 2023, 2021, 2022, 2019, 2017. Compare all years →

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls (1)

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA recall 04V-045 · Feb 4, 2004 · 68,875 vehicles

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.

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.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
6.0L 8-cyl4-speed automatic4WD/AWD11 / 15 / 13

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV a good car?

Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Escalade ESV rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Escalade ESV at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

The wheels & tires — 2 complaints, 17% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rim. Next are the electrical system (2) and air bags (2).

How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?

There is 1 recall for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, the most recent from February 4, 2004 (service brakes, hydraulic). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Escalade ESV?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2013 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2021, 2022, 2019 and 2017. See the full Cadillac Escalade ESV years comparison.

At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 10% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.