Most common 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems
Share of the 22 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Escalade EXT complaints by model year
Best Escalade EXT years: 2010, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2002. Compare all years →
2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT:
Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
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…
What 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT owners say
Brakes
9:30 am on Friday, February 10, 2006. 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT. Attempted to stop on a residential road in an effort to back into a driveway. I was moving at a very low speed (less than 5 MPH) and the vehicle failed to slow and continued off the road and into a culvert. Struck a tree and there was an estimated $2,500 to 5,000 in damages (no injuries). Road conditions: snow, but not slick photos were taken immediately following accident. Immediately contacted Cadillac certified dealer for service. Dealer stated they were not able to replicate the conditions and/or situation. Dealer suggested I contact GM directly to document my concerns. Spoke with cheryl danbey and barbara green of the product allegation department. Neither were concerned or helpful and stated there were no recalls specific to my concerns for my specific vehicle.
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 updated 11/07/2017
Engine & cooling
Dt: the contact stated the ABS activated at less than 30 MPH. When applying the brakes there was a chattering sound coming from the brake pedal. This was on ongoing problem. The first occurrence happened in September 2004. The dealership removed the corrosion from the ABS sensors. The problem did not return until December 23, 2005. The circumstances were the same as before. The dealership cleaned the corrosion from the ABS sensors. The problem has not recurred. The water pump was replaced. Updated 01/19/06.
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.
2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 10 / 14 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Escalade EXT rates use caution: 2.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Escalade EXT at the same age. It is one of the Escalade EXT years we suggest avoiding. 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 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
The brakes — 10 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT, the most recent from March 17, 2004 (hinge and attachments). 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 EXT?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002. See the full Cadillac Escalade EXT years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 21% 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.