Most common 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems
Share of the 15 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 →
2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls (2)
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
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.
What 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT owners say
Brakes
Was exiting the hutchinson river pkwy, south in pelham, ny. Attempted to apply the brakes and the pedal went straight to the floor! I was unable to stop, hit another car in the rear and had to steer into a utility pole to avoid an active intersection.
2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT. Consumer writes in regards to brake system failure in vehicle. 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.
Electrical system
12/24/06 I had a car fire at my house, general motors has been jerking me around for over a month now regarding there liability for the fire. 2/13/07 they accepted liability of the fire over the phone to me. I faxed to them all the documents they asked for. Now today 2/14/07 they are denying liability as well as the supervisor denying it will not speak to me about this matter. I feel like this is another example of a big company taking advantage of the working public.
My 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT. Was parked at 10:30 December 23. 2006 in my driveway, about 9-9:15 on December 24, 2006 the truck ignited itself on fire. The truck is severely burned as well as my wife's 2006 Mercedes Benz as well as my property.
2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 15 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Escalade EXT rates average: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Escalade EXT 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 EXT?
The brakes — 7 complaints, 47% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › master cylinder. Next are the electrical system (4) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 25% 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.