2003 Cadillac Escalade Ext
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Cadillac › Escalade Ext › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Cadillac Escalade Ext. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 Cadillac Escalade Ext. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
15 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Brake peddle went to the floor. Dealer diagnosed rusted brake lines. *tr
- Service brakes
I had just left my home and at the first stop sign the brakes failed, the pedal went to the floor, used emergency brake to stop. Returned home and found brake fluid coming from the left front frame area under the master cylinder. Pulled wheel off and the steel brake line had ruptured. All brake…
I had just left my home and at the first stop sign the brakes failed, the pedal went to the floor, used emergency brake to stop. Returned home and found brake fluid coming from the left front frame area under the master cylinder. Pulled wheel off and the steel brake line had ruptured. All brake lines severely rusted. Not safe to drive. I have four other cars and none have brake lines rusted like these. Suspect material used to make brake lines not to specification resulting in sever corrosion.. *tr
- Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
While driving the vehicle it appears the vehicle speed IS not responding to the accelerator. You push down on the accelerator to increase speed while in traffic and nothing happens. This has occurred at least 3 times since we purchased the vehicle on june 17 of this year. Dealer states there are no…
While driving the vehicle it appears the vehicle speed IS not responding to the accelerator. You push down on the accelerator to increase speed while in traffic and nothing happens. This has occurred at least 3 times since we purchased the vehicle on june 17 of this year. Dealer states there are no codes or history of codes in the vehicles computer. Left it there for a day but they could not reproduce the problem. What now. *js
- Service brakes
Brake pedal went to the floor and subsequently lost all brake fluid. cause was a corroded rear, steel (hard) brake line along the frame. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
2003 cadillac escalade ext. consumer writes in regards to brake system failure in vehicle. *smd 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…
2003 cadillac escalade ext. consumer writes in regards to brake system failure in vehicle. *smd 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. *Jb
- Engine
Found half of exhaust manifold bolts broken and cannot get inspected now. *Tr
- Equipment · Service brakes, hydraulic
2003 cadillac escalade ext metal brake line problem. I noticed a leak and I took my truck in to be checked out. The service tech advised that the metal brake line was corroded and needed to be replaced. I questioned how can that happen? Why wasn't it noticed during previous service? What caused…
2003 cadillac escalade ext metal brake line problem. I noticed a leak and I took my truck in to be checked out. The service tech advised that the metal brake line was corroded and needed to be replaced. I questioned how can that happen? Why wasn't it noticed during previous service? What caused the problem? Can this happen again? I requested investigation of parts and verification of recalls. "I was told that battery acid dripped on line". I would like to file this complaint because the answer I received does not make any sense, especially if all service and work done to my escalade ext truck were completed my the dealer. My battery had no corrosion and I do not live insalt belt state. I feel this brake line problem IS a defect. this problem occurred suddenly, with no warning. *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac ext escalade. The contact stated the vehicle would exhibit numerous electrical failures. When the vehicle was first purchased, the instrument panel overheated and failed as soon as he drove from the lot. The dealer replaced the instrument panel at the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac ext escalade. The contact stated the vehicle would exhibit numerous electrical failures. When the vehicle was first purchased, the instrument panel overheated and failed as soon as he drove from the lot. The dealer replaced the instrument panel at the manufacturer's expense. in addition, the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds and without warning on at least twelve occasions. The dealer advised there was a short in the main wiring harness. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The contact has had numerous unknown repairs made to the vehicle to no avail. The failure and current mileages were 168,000. updated 10/25/10 *bf the consumer stated the instrument panel went out, the ignition switch, fuel pump and power steering motor failed. Also, the transmission was rough and shifting hard. Updated 10/27/10
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade ext. While the contact was driving approximately 75 to 80 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the technician stated that the failure was related to the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired under the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade ext. While the contact was driving approximately 75 to 80 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the technician stated that the failure was related to the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired under the service warranty. The failure occurred on twelve occasions and replaced six times under the warranty. In addition, when the vehicle was first purchased the instrument panel was replaced by an authorized dealer due to failure. The power steering had also been replaced on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired for the recent fuel pump failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. Updated 09/01/10. *Lj the consumer stated all the failures were electrical related. The consumer no longer owns the vehicle. Updated 09/14/10
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade ext. the contact stated that while loading his tailgate with 12 bags of 40 pound wood chips, he heard a popping sound . the contact then loaded a 13 pound bag onto the tailgate and approximately 8 to 10 bags fell onto his left leg and foot. he…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade ext. the contact stated that while loading his tailgate with 12 bags of 40 pound wood chips, he heard a popping sound . the contact then loaded a 13 pound bag onto the tailgate and approximately 8 to 10 bags fell onto his left leg and foot. he sustained major injures to his left leg and foot, which resulted in three surgeries. the tailgate cables were replaced prior to the incident due to recall number 04007 and again after the incident. the current mileage was 21,000 and failure mileage was 17,000. updated 12-12-2007 *bf updated 12/12/07 *tr
- 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…
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. *nm
- Electrical system
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. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
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.
- Electronic stability control › Automatic (asc) · Service brakes, hydraulic
Safety-related defect in the stability/traction system. stabilitrak combines antilock brake, traction and stability control system. *bf the vehicle traction control system commanded the braked be applied to the front left wheel when it shouldn't have. this problem occurs when the vehicle IS…
Safety-related defect in the stability/traction system. stabilitrak combines antilock brake, traction and stability control system. *bf the vehicle traction control system commanded the braked be applied to the front left wheel when it shouldn't have. this problem occurs when the vehicle IS going uphill or downhill. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who re-soldered the ABS motor. the braking of one wheel has been less violent but persist nonetheless. *nm
- Power train › Driveline
Driveline "clunk" #99-04-20-002b-(08/21/2003) - per gm advisory bulletin to dealer- persistent-no resolve by gm characterized as a "design characteristic" by gm representative.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10115913All applicable vehicle applications are without Electronic Accessory Control System option. This communication is to return unsold inventory because some product sold in 2016 may not have coil harness wound in a centered condition as an assembly aid. If installer does not center the rotations of the assembly during replacement process in accordance with applicable AllData service and repair procedure, post-install turning of the steering wheel will trigger the air bag warning light of the vehicle.
- 10115143This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about gasoline powered cars, mid-size trucks, light duty trucks, and heavy duty trucks with premature catalytic converter failures. It is recommended to inspect for a poor crimp on the grounds ring terminal at the engine block for the bank with the concern and repair the wire.
- 10114474This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should insure the customer is using an original equipment manufacturer Apple USB cable.
- 10114470This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114431This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work with the customer to insure the phone contacts to not have any Emojis loaded to any contact.
- 10114408This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are travelling from Canada to the United States. While in the United States they are unable to receive Turn-by-Turn directions. Due to the existing cellular provider not having roaming agreements in areas outside of Canada to support transmitting of the packet data required for Turn-By-Turn feature to operate. The customer has 3 options while traveling through the United Sates. First if the vehicle is equipped with a navigation radio they can request a "Destination Download" to the vehicle. Second if the customer uses the OnStar RemoteLink app they can send the directions to the vehicle. The third option would be to have the vehicle loaded with a "500 phone number" The customer will no longer be able to use their Hands Free Calling minutes when the new 500 phone number is loaded. If a customer chooses to restore Hands Free Calling in the future a new phone number will be assigned to the vehicle; previous phone numbers are not available.
- 10114352This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10114343This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a "Phone Unavailable" audio message also it may have a Diagnostic Trouble Code U1500 or B1000. Refer to diagnostics for the Diagnostic Trouble Code making sure to follow any applicable Bulletins or Preliminary Information sheets. A "Ready" or "OnStar ready" audio message heard while driving. In some cases it has been found that the customer is inadvertently pressing the ?push to talk? button on the steering wheel controls. On rare occasions, other issues in the steering column or Steering Wheel Control system may induce this concern.
- 10114342This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114299This informational bulletin provides a quick guide to updating which model vehicle after replacing the IPC.
- 10113843This warranty administration bulletin provides information on the Clarification of Use for Dealer Empowerment Labor Operations and Customer Enthusiasm
- 10113837This informational bulletin provides a list off all the issues revolving around new vehicles for a one stop place to find growing concerns around them.
- 10113787This informational bulletin provides information to advise dealers about seat belt buckles not operating and/or seat belt warning light illumination, as well as difficulty latching and unlatching the buckle or the buckle release button sticking.
- 10113722This informational bulletin provides information on communication with OnStar module after Canadian cellular upgrade.
- 10113720This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113664This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow.
- 10113662This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with information on flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and the usage of E85 fuel in GM vehicles.
- 10113654This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113652This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113483This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information new tire warranty program and global warranty management submission information.
- 10112857This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that, when testing any circuit for open or resistance, it is imperative that all related terminal pin fit and tension be checked when the test steps require disconnection of the connector or component, prior to any component replacement. Always use the recommended terminal test tool during these tests.
- 10112737This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. Dealer should advise the customer the specification for speedometer needle accuracy is +/- 2 miles per hour at any given speed when looking straight at the needle.
- 10112697This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire, and/or engine noise. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300-P0308. If published Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of this concern technician should check for a worn camshaft lobe and/or lifter roller, a sticking valve, valve leakage, a broken valve spring, and a collapsed active fuel management lifter.
- 10112655This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10112614This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers may inquire about the availability of the passenger compartment air filter. Dealer should advise the customer starting in 2003 the passenger compartment air filter is no longer available as a factory option.
- 10112600This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised that the maximum pinion shim to be used or stacked behind the pinion is 0.050?, and the minimum pinion shim is 0.020? for an 8.6 axle. The range for available pinion depth shims for the 10.5? axle is 0.006? to 0.024?. When setting the backlash it should be set between 0.003? to 0.005? on a new ring and pinion for any American Axle Manufacturing application. The ring and pinion can be reused or adjusted if the mileage is less than 500 miles, if not used for towing. Technician should be advised that a ?roller coaster? or ?hourglass? pattern on the bearings may be normal up to 10,000 miles and possibly longer. With a mis-machined housing you may get a heel pattern on both sides of the gear teeth at build up can generally be corrected with backlash adjustments. When setting up an 8.6? axle with a 5 cut gear set is to use a 0.035? pinion shim and set backlash to 0.004?. When using the newer 2 cut gear set also use a 0.035? pinion shim and still set backlash to 0.004?. To set the gear pattern use backlash to adjust the pattern heel to toe. Use the pinion shim to adjust the height of the pattern. The proper drive pinion bearing pre-load is from 15 - 30 inch pounds with new bearings. The total torque to turn after the differential case is installed should increase 5 - 10 inch pounds at the pinion. A new pinion nut must be used whenever the old one is removed. The axle shaft end play specification is 0.012? per side and the radial specification is 0.002? - 0.003?. Technician should be advised that synthetic lube can be used in all new American Axle Manufacturing axle assemblies. The new pinion seal for the 8.6? axle assembly is a two piece design.
- 10112546This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10112523This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing. Technician will inspect the 3-4 clutches and the forward clutch oil feed passages for leakage between circuits. Technician should apply regulated compressed air to the 3-4 clutch feed hole and the forward clutch feed hole one at a time with the input housing. Technician will need to replace the input housing if there is an air leak 3-4 clutches.
- 10112468This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the percentage of Ultraviolet protection or tint offered by the windshield or side glass. Technician should be advised Windshield reduces Ultraviolet rays down to 4% or less. Front side door glass reduces Ultraviolet rays down to 35% or less. Windshields are SOLAR glass with a light transmittance of >/=70%. Front door glass are Solar glass with a light transmission of >/=70%. Rear door glass, quarter windows and back windows can use either Solar glass (>/=70%) or Privacy glass, which has a light transmittance of 20%.
- 10112382This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the percentage of UV protection or tint offered by the windshield or side glass. Technician should be advised Windshield reduces UV rays down to 4% or less. Front side door glass reduces UV rays down to 35% or less. Windshields are SOLAR glass with a light transmittance of >/=70%. Front door glass are Solar glass with a light transmission of >/=70%. Rear door glass, quarter windows and back windows can use either Solar glass (>/=70%) or Privacy glass, which has a light transmittance of 20%.
- 10112299This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
- 10112116This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by. Technician will need to inspect the engine for Cylinder damage or scoring, An out of round cylinder bore, Dirt intrusion, and Catalytic Converter failure.
- 10112034This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 10112013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work with the customer to insure the phone contacts to not have any Emojis loaded to any contact.
- 10112009This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. Dealer should advise the customer the specification for speedometer needle accuracy is +/- 2 MPH at any given speed when looking straight at the needle.
- 10096026This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller rockers to inspect them. Only replace the roller rocker that IS missing needle bearings. Be sure to clean the oil drains to retrieve the needle bearings. Each roller rocker has 66 bearings.
- 10054261Chevrolet/gmc/cadillac: anytime hydraulic brake pipes assembly need replacing, pre-formed and pre-flared brake pipes are available, except rear axle crossover pipe. Model 1999-2007 silverado, sierra, 2000-2006 escalade models, avalanche, suburban, tahoe, yukon models. Updated 7/18/14. Updated 12/9/14.
- 10052488Gm: if the service suspension system IS displayed on the dic, the trim height may be incorrect, loose compressor inlet hose, or the compressor self test may be inoperative. Also included suburban ld my 2001-2013, yukon denali XL my 2013, yukon XL ld 2001-2013
- 10044941General motors: diagnosing power steering concerns. In rare cases, customers may comment on a lack of steering assist when stopped or during parking lot type of maneuvers. Updated 09/02/14*lj
- 10043536Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/oldsmobile: if blower motor IS set to any speed position and when key IS off, it becomes inoperative and may still be inoperative after key IS turned on. Updated on 5/1/12.
Every Cadillac Escalade Ext model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.