Most common 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems
Share of the 11 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 →
2004 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 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT owners say
Electrical system
The air bag light came on, the consumer went to the dealer. The ignition was turned on/off to see if it would go off. The vehicle was left at the dealers the next morning. The airbag light went on again the next week. There was a part ordered, and replaced. Consumer drove the vehicle for two days and the air bag light came on again. General motors stated that the airbag wiring harness would be replaced by them, however no parts are available. As of this date the vehicle is still at the dealers awaiting repair.
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.
Brakes
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.
Left rear brake lines rusted through at the wheel area. Significant fluid leakage. Lines for both rear brakes had to be replaced.
2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Escalade EXT rates average: 1.6× 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 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the brakes (3) and air bags (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 106,000 miles; 22% 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.