2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls and problems

The 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 1 safety recall and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls

Recall 04V-045: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Feb 4, 2004 · 68,875 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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: 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.

Fix: 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.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	2
Air Bags	2
Engine	2
Service Brakes	2
Wheels	1
Steering	1
Tires	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1

Most reported parts

Wheels › Rim — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 100,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 140,000 miles · reported Dec 14, 2015

The contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, all the gauges and indicators on the instrument cluster suddenly failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster had failed but the part needed was unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Service Brakes · at 120,000 miles · reported Sep 21, 2015

The contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. While driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to decelerate. The ABS and traction activity warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydro-boost failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v045000 (Service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 86,000 miles · reported Aug 19, 2014

The contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. When the contact drove in reverse and attempted to apply the brakes, the vehicle made a loud noise. The contact's vehicle failed to stop and crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the brake lines fractured due to excessive corrosion. The contact stated that the failure was directly related to NHTSA campaign number: 04v045000 (Service brakes, hydraulic); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The…

Engine · at 139,000 miles · reported Oct 1, 2012

The contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a ticking sound coming from the engine. The check engine light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where a diagnostic revealed that the exhaust manifold bolts had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was repaired. The failure mileage was 139,000 and the current mileage was 140,043.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 198,900 miles · reported Jul 22, 2011

The contact owns a 2003 cadillac escalade esv. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be restarted and the was towed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and where the contact was advised that the fuel pump was faulty. The dealer replaced the fuel pump but the repair did not remedy the issue. The vehicle continued to stall while driving and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer replaced the fuel pump six times but to no avail. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised that a district…

Other Cadillac Escalade ESV years

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Compare all Cadillac Escalade ESV years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV: 04V-045 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by air bags (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 100,000 miles.

Are Cadillac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.