- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 145 complaints about the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (59) and the electrical system (19). Those complaints describe 13 crashes, 7 fires and 17 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in March 2004 for the hinge and attachments. For comparison, the 2003 has 100.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Escalade EXT year, for its age
#80 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 145
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 13
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 17
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT problems
Share of all 145 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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145 complaints about the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
The contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from the front wheel hubs on the driver's and passenger's side wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. ...
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Additionally, there was brake fluid leaking from the brake lines, causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Purchased this vehicle from a friend who was inherited from his father's estate. He hadn't driven the vehicle for sometime. When meeting up at the DMV to transfer ownership he noticed that the brakes were spongy. And purchased some brake fluid in case the fluid was low. Neither my friend or myself are mechanically impaired so We made the exchange of ownership and went on our way home. When we arrived my step father felt the need to investigate the issue. He discovered that every brake line under the drivers seat...
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back approximately 24" were so rusted and soaked with brake fluid that fluid was dripping and making a puddle and was unable to pinpoint where the hole was at that time. We decided that the vehicle was too dangerous to drive, and returned to [[redacted]] to retrieve his trailer to bring the Escalade to his shop for safety reasons. We tried researching and did find where GM's SUV's did have a recall on this matter. The Cadillac is in excellent condition inside and out. The leather seats other than the drivers show no wear at all. Carpets show no wear. The exterior is in excellent shape without chips or dings. Basically a like new with 104,000. Miles which is considered low miles for its age. For our assessment of this issue that no matter the age of the vehicle, the Manufacturer should in fact take responsibility, and there for replace the brake lines, and the necessary bleeding of the system. In a timely manner as so I am able to drive it in a safe condition. Thank you Sincerely [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The problem is in the anti-lock braking system. When the vehicle slows to under 15 mph. and you apply the brakes the brake pedal" kick back" occurs with loss of braking . Making the vehicle a hazard to drive. Now with repeated depression of the brake pedal the vehicle does stop. But, if you are approaching a stopped car or some other stationary object a collision could occur. Thankfully this has not happened to me or my wife, as we are aware of this condition and prepare for it while stopping the car. The reason...
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why this happens is because GM no longer produces the part that would alleviate this condition. The part is known as a Brake Pressure Warning Switch, part # 88983914. It is part of the ABS system. I have spent countless hours on the internet trying to obtain this part, but to no avail. When you look up the part web sights will show you a picture of the part, but when you click on it you always get the same message, "part not available." I believe that this is a safety issue that GM could alleviate by producing it again. Last week I had my Escalade in for an oil change at Anschuetz Chevrolet, (where I bought this vehicle), while there I spoke with the service manager who told me "this is not an isolated problem." We can't get some parts for vehicles that are only 10 years old. This is terrible that a corporation manufactures a product then does not continue to make replacement parts for that product making it obsolete. Or in my case causing an issue with SAFETY! Please, would you look into this growing problem to help make my vehicle whole and safe. In essence what GM is doing is telling all of us: "Well if you can't get the part you want to fix your car simply buy a new one. I await your answer, please help.
Driving carefully out of [[redacted]] here in Walker Minnesota using the newly opened east side of the parking lot exit and 50 feet later as I accelerated the Heavy Full size spare tire fell from under the rear of the truck and my 2002 Cadillac EXT left the ground as the tire bounced back up against the truck!!! If we had been going faster and in a Different area we may have been Killed! It's a terrible design to store a full size and very heavy spare tire. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service Ride control and stability control system lights have been flashing the instrument panel cluster on my dash will cut off and not illuminate once it's time to turn the head lights on there is a ticking /clicking noise when first cranked up and as the gas is pushed and when accelerated and when driving over 65 mph the vehicle will start swaying to the point of being uncontrollably.
The drive suspension light stays flashing and the vehicle is all over the road then come night the dash lights in the interior instrumental panel go off and your are unable to see your speed or any of the dash the vehicle does this weather it would be in motion or stationary and 8d is constantly doing this since I purchased the vehicle in 11/19/2020
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, a humming noise was heard without warning. The vehicle stopped and the brake lost power. There was no warning. The contact called the schmitt cadillac dealer, located at 915 w highway 50, o fallon, il 62269) and was told there was no recall, however, to bring the vehicle to the dealership for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Vehicle cuts off when idling. On one occasion, the vehicle cut off after a two-hour drive when driver slowed down when approaching a stop sign. The problem is intermittent.
It goes in reverse and drive and slips no power at.Just bought the truck love it but am very sad I can not drive it.
While stationary, both rear seatbelts stopped rewinding & require a screwdriver to untangle before one of them can be used again. The passenger rear seatbelt is completely unusable.
Hvac faulty blend door actuator: causing the heat to blow cold air.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade. While driving 55 mph, smoke was seen coming from the front middle console. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and flames were seen coming from the console. The contact exited the vehicle and the fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. Neither a police nor a fire report were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. An independent mechanic stated that a penny fell into the lighter and caused an electrical...
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shortage. The vehicle was not destroyed. The contact was repairing the vehicle himself. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The vin was unavailable. *Tt
When I got the my suv from the dealership 8years ago 1 year later the light stayability services system came on and no one can find the problem at all traction control not working suspension power not working
The abs activates while driving less than 10mph and the vehicle will not stop. While driving 3 mph in wet or dry conditions, the abs activated when the brakes were depressed. This has caused a very dangerous situation with the vehicle failing to stop and rolling through stop signs and red lights. The only way to avoid this, is to begin stopping well in advance of desired stopping point and hoping it stops. The service stability light light comes on after driving vehicle for 10 seconds. It is preceding by a grrrrr...
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noise which lasts around 5 seconds and happens 3 or 4 times before the light comes on. Also getting braking chatter, brake pedal coming up and being hard to depress. Is this vehicle included in the recall for the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock (nhtsa campaign id number 05v379000)? All brake pads, brake lines, and abs module and sensors have been replaced. Problem continues.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade. While driving, smoke appeared from the lighter area. The contact turned off the vehicle and found a penny in the lighter area. The vehicle caught fire. The contact stated that the vehicle's change holder was positioned in a manner where change could fall into the lighter compartment. The contact stated that the dashboard, seats, and electrical wiring were burned. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a rear end crash while driving 25 mph. As a result, the seat belts fractured and unlatched independently. The security warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. There were three injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was 214,000.
The control or instrument panel is going haywire has been for some time and the display of the odometer and the gear prnd is always out this is an issue I have seen with 6 other gm vehicles with the same issue and appct ears to be thexact same part or dispkay also the entire cluster for the driver works interminetly and displays things that are wrong when they are not and inot displaying issues when they are present.. Fuel speed rpm etc everything.. This has caused me to accidentally back into something by not...
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knowing what gear its in.. Also several pullovers by authorities as I was unable to read my speed weather I was going to slow or a little above the limit it also causes visibility issues when the lights begin to gobhaywire flashing bright to nothing at times... It has caused the transmission to fail as it was driven in the wrong gear.. It has caused the fuel pump to burn up not knowing fuel levels it has caused thermal breakdown in the motor due to oil luvels pressure being displayed incorrectly... Among other issues with electrical.. This single issue over time has caused so much repair and needs for the vehicle... Tapping it to get it to stop so u can see.. To the glare of it being lit up like a christmas tree... The.Mileage and the prnd is out just like on many other gm cars and trucks... This is a major issue... Caused transmission to go.. Caused fuelp pump and lines to getbcligged and burnt up not displaying correctly messages or signals along with the guagee.. The lcd display is found in other hm vehicles and when I seebthem most are all experincing this issue.. Please help this is an obvious defect and should be looked into and adressed by general motors. This has been an ongoing issue since a short time aftwr ii purchased the truck. Leads and makes me wonder if other things such as airbags or other electrical issues are present... And not know..
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade. While driving approximately 20 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. The front driver side shoulder seat belt retractor failed to function and the webbing would not release properly. As a result, the driver struck the steering wheel with force. The contact suffered from back and shoulder injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle sustained minor rear end damage and was driven from the scene. A police report was not filed. The...
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vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear bumper was replaced; however, the seat belt was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The vin was unavailable.
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...
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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 *ln updated 11/07/2017*cn
Another vehicle ran stop sign, I had to step hard on brake pedal to avoid an accident. Shortly after I noticed the brake pedal getting closer to "bottoming out" each time I applied the brakes. Upon arriving home I found, on the left side undercarriage below the back seat, fluid dripping and approximately 24" of the frame and undercarriage saturated with brake fluid. When I crawled under the vehicle I traced the brake line from the master cylinder back and found the lines to be rusted. The line that is leaking must have rusted thru. Unfortunately, due to design I cannot see the break in the line nor, it appears, can I repair it myself due to accessibility.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade. While driving at an unknown speed with the four wheel drive engaged, the vehicle failed to switch back to two wheel drive without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ignition lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 4/30/15*cn updated 10/23/2015 *js
Driving low speed and brake pedal went to the floor. No warning lights. Difficult to stop car. Selected lower gear and managed to stop car with what braking power remained. Had just gotten off freeway, could have been a serious accident. Brake fluid visible at rear of vehicle. Took car to gm dealer and they advised a rear steel brake line had corroded and had a hole. Stated all brake lines needed replacing along with brake calipers due to corrosion. They would have to raise body from chassis for access. Bill...
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would be $3000 to $4000. They would gladly take this car in trade for a new gm vehicle. This car had all new brakes installed at gm dealer in 2013 and there was no mention of corroded brake lines. *Tr
Severe leak(corrosion) in brake line at center pillar. Line is inboard of chassis beam, adjacent to fuel tank. Note this is the fourth brake line failure experienced on this vehicle. (Mass car) had similar total failure on another brake line near the current failure. Dealer also found two other corrosion caused leakage at regular maint insp. All repairs made by cadillac dealer. *Tr
I was driving home. Out of no where my drivers side - side airbag deployed spontaniously. I began losing control of the vehicle because the noise was so loud, and starteling that I thought someone struck my drivers side. I am left side - hearing impaired, my whole left side went numb and began to ring piercingly. I gained control back of the vehicle and tried to exit the truck. I was engulfed in chemicals and couldn't see. I tried to open the door and couldn't as the airbag blocked my exit, and / or rolling down...
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the window. When the airbag began to deflate I was able to exit the vehicle. I was fortunate my son and husband were behind me as we drove home. They had no idea what was happening as I jumped out of my truck with a white cloud of fumes behind me. I now feel as though my ear has been stabbed and my nose/throat are burning. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac escalade. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. An independent mechanic stated that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Cadillac Escalade EXT: every year compared
All Escalade EXT years2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT | 145 | 1 | D | |
| 2002 Cadillac Deville | 182 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Cadillac Escalade | 145 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Cadillac Seville | 68 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Cadillac Eldorado | 16 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Cadillac Catera | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2002 Cadillac Cadillac Truck | 2 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT: hinge and attachments (March 2004). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (59), electrical system (19), transmission & drivetrain (13).
How many complaints has the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT had?
145 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 19, 2001 and the latest on October 6, 2025. Of these, 13 describe a crash and 7 a fire, and together they report 17 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 25 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Cadillac Escalade EXT year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Cadillac Escalade EXT years have the most complaints?
2007 (247), 2008 (167), 2002 (145). See every Cadillac Escalade EXT year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data