RoadVitals

2003 Cadillac Escalade Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
81
Latest Feb 4, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Cadillac Escalade, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical2322.3%
  • Brakes2019.4%
  • Engine87.8%
  • Steering65.8%
  • Fuel system65.8%
  • Airbags54.9%
  • Other / unspecified54.9%
  • Visibility32.9%
  • Body & structure32.9%
  • Heating & air conditioning32.9%
  • Interior & seats32.9%
  • Seat belts21.9%
  • Transmission21.9%
  • Suspension11.0%
  • Tires & wheels11.0%
  • Powertrain (other)11.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING I LOST ALL USE OF BRAKES IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON DRIVING 45MPH ON A CITY STREET. WHILE DRIVING THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR SHUT OFF 60MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. ON ANOTHER OCCASION STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP WHILE TURNING. T/C LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET AND IMMEDIATELY LOST RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDAL. DASH LIGHTING SYSTEM FLASHES DIFFERENT INDICATOR LIGHTS, DISPLAY RANDOMLY GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID 11290631 · filed Dec 21, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING AREA, SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITH HIS BABY. UPON FURTHER INSPECTING THE HOOD AREA, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED NEAR THE BATTERY AND POWER STEERING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE LOCATION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED, TOOK PICTURES, AND WAS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 06E043000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 02V224000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO FOLLOW UP TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ID 10967873 · filed Mar 22, 2017
All 23 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO BRAKE LINE LEAK DUE TO INFERIOR BRAKE LINES

NHTSA ID 11413871 · filed Apr 25, 2021

BREAKS WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAR WENT DOWN EMBANKMENT.

NHTSA ID 11354001 · filed Sep 9, 2020
All 20 reports naming brakes

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING I LOST ALL USE OF BRAKES IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON DRIVING 45MPH ON A CITY STREET. WHILE DRIVING THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR SHUT OFF 60MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. ON ANOTHER OCCASION STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP WHILE TURNING. T/C LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET AND IMMEDIATELY LOST RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDAL. DASH LIGHTING SYSTEM FLASHES DIFFERENT INDICATOR LIGHTS, DISPLAY RANDOMLY GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID 11290631 · filed Dec 21, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT, ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS SEIZED AND FAILED TO RELEASE WHEN NEEDED. THE FAILURE PRESENTED THE RISK OF A POTENTIAL CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 02V224000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); ALTHOUGH, THE FAILURES WERE SIMILAR TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGNS. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA11001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11223001 · filed Jun 27, 2019
All 11 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND IT FELT AS IF SHE WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT CERTAIN SPEEDS. ON OCCASION, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TIGHTENED AND LOOSENED ON ITS OWN. FURTHERMORE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE "REAR DOOR MAINTENANCE" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TAKEN TO KUNI CHEVROLET CADILLAC (2449 FULTON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825, (916) 538-7217). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE POWER STEERING AND SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR THE STEERING AND SEAT BELT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11187056 · filed Mar 15, 2019

WHEN ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER AND THE "TRACTION CONTROL MESSAGE" COMES ON. THE CAR COMES TO A STOP. WHEN YOU LIFT YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE MESSAGE GOES OUT AND WHEN YOU PRESS THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE ENGAGES. IT HAPPENS 2 TO 3 TIMES A WEEK AND IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. THE CAR BEHIND ALMOST RAMS ME AND I AM IN A DANGEROUS POSITION WITH MERGING TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A GM DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A CODE FOR THIS OR TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO OCCUR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10627381 · filed Aug 22, 2014
All 8 reports naming engine

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND IT FELT AS IF SHE WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT CERTAIN SPEEDS. ON OCCASION, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TIGHTENED AND LOOSENED ON ITS OWN. FURTHERMORE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE "REAR DOOR MAINTENANCE" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TAKEN TO KUNI CHEVROLET CADILLAC (2449 FULTON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825, (916) 538-7217). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE POWER STEERING AND SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR THE STEERING AND SEAT BELT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11187056 · filed Mar 15, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING AREA, SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITH HIS BABY. UPON FURTHER INSPECTING THE HOOD AREA, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED NEAR THE BATTERY AND POWER STEERING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE LOCATION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED, TOOK PICTURES, AND WAS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 06E043000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 02V224000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO FOLLOW UP TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ID 10967873 · filed Mar 22, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING AREA, SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITH HIS BABY. UPON FURTHER INSPECTING THE HOOD AREA, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED NEAR THE BATTERY AND POWER STEERING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE LOCATION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED, TOOK PICTURES, AND WAS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 06E043000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 02V224000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO FOLLOW UP TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ID 10967873 · filed Mar 22, 2017

CHROME LINING OF WHEELS HAS BEEN PEELING FOR YEARS. WHEN FIRST APPEARED FACTORY REP FROM CADILLAC/GM INSPECTED CAR AND STATED ONLY COSMETIC (CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY). MY CONCERN WAS THAT IT WOULD EVENTUALLY GO INTO THE INTERFACE OF THE TIRE AND WHEEL. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO GM SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT HAS. BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE IT HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE A PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAD A FIX. THIS FIX WAS PERFORMED NUMEROUS TIMES AT DEALER AND OTHER TIRE DEALERS, MR TIRE AND GOODYEAR. ALL OF THE TIRE DEALERS HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUE RIGHT AWAY. THE ISSUE IN ALSO NOTED MANY TIMES ON THE INTERNET. WE CAN CHECK PRESSURE AND LOAD TIRES TO SPECS GO ON A RIDE ON HIGHWAY AND FEEL SOME LOSS OF STEERING AFTER A HUNDRED MILES. THEN NEED TO ADD PRESSURE. THIS IS A CHRONIC ISSUE WITH ACUTE INSTANCES THAT HAS POTENTIAL OF CREATING AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER WANTS $1000.00 PER WHEEL TO REPLACE PLUS LABOR. GM NOT INTERESTED IN ANY FINANCIAL HELP OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, CASE # 71-1423629281 (JANUARY 13, 2015). THEY STATED THAT THEY "HAVE TO FOLLOW COMPANY GUIDELINES", THAT THE "ISSUE IS TRICKY BECAUSE I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE PAST BUT THERE IS NO RECALL", "THE YEAR OF MY VEHICLE PRECLUDES ANY FIX", "OUR GUIDELINES ONLY COVER UP TO 8 YEARS" ...... PLEASE HELP. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH A FIX THAT DOES NOT LAST (AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR), AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING AND AN EVENTUAL ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10672118 · filed Jan 13, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The contact stated that the air bag light was illuminated. The contact contacted an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the air bag needed replacement but did not diagnose the failure cause. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was 178,531.

NHTSA ID 11422042 · filed Jun 23, 2021

Air bag light is on .want go off..its Cadillac (EST TRUCK )NOT THE SUV

NHTSA ID 11421110 · filed Jun 16, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK SATURDAY, 4/21/18 AND WHEN I GOT ON THE RAMP TO TAKE I-40 EAST IN KNOXVILLE, TN, MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO COME OFF, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED ME TO THE RIGHT. I STARTED TO DRIVE SLOW AND WHEN I PICKED UP SPEED TO SEE IF EVERYTHING WAS OK AND IT APPEARED TO BE. GET FURTHER DOWN THE BELTWAY, ALMOST HOME AND MY TIRE BRAKES OFF AT THE AXLE AND ROLLS ACROSS 3 LANES.

NHTSA ID 11092813 · filed May 10, 2018

CHROME LINING OF WHEELS HAS BEEN PEELING FOR YEARS. WHEN FIRST APPEARED FACTORY REP FROM CADILLAC/GM INSPECTED CAR AND STATED ONLY COSMETIC (CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY). MY CONCERN WAS THAT IT WOULD EVENTUALLY GO INTO THE INTERFACE OF THE TIRE AND WHEEL. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO GM SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT HAS. BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE IT HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE A PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAD A FIX. THIS FIX WAS PERFORMED NUMEROUS TIMES AT DEALER AND OTHER TIRE DEALERS, MR TIRE AND GOODYEAR. ALL OF THE TIRE DEALERS HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUE RIGHT AWAY. THE ISSUE IN ALSO NOTED MANY TIMES ON THE INTERNET. WE CAN CHECK PRESSURE AND LOAD TIRES TO SPECS GO ON A RIDE ON HIGHWAY AND FEEL SOME LOSS OF STEERING AFTER A HUNDRED MILES. THEN NEED TO ADD PRESSURE. THIS IS A CHRONIC ISSUE WITH ACUTE INSTANCES THAT HAS POTENTIAL OF CREATING AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER WANTS $1000.00 PER WHEEL TO REPLACE PLUS LABOR. GM NOT INTERESTED IN ANY FINANCIAL HELP OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, CASE # 71-1423629281 (JANUARY 13, 2015). THEY STATED THAT THEY "HAVE TO FOLLOW COMPANY GUIDELINES", THAT THE "ISSUE IS TRICKY BECAUSE I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE PAST BUT THERE IS NO RECALL", "THE YEAR OF MY VEHICLE PRECLUDES ANY FIX", "OUR GUIDELINES ONLY COVER UP TO 8 YEARS" ...... PLEASE HELP. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH A FIX THAT DOES NOT LAST (AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR), AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING AND AN EVENTUAL ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10672118 · filed Jan 13, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The sunroof on my vehicle flew off on the highway while it was in the "closed" position. There was NO personal injury nor damage to any persons or vehicles. I returned to the area where the glass flew off only to find it shattered all over the shoulder of the road, completely destroyed. I've uploading a pic of the serial number sticker and my VIN sticker off my door panel.

NHTSA ID 11518404 · filed Apr 22, 2023

AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE WASHED AT A CAR WASH. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD A ORANGE PEEL TINT. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

NHTSA ID 10108781 · filed Jan 24, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CHROME LINING OF WHEELS HAS BEEN PEELING FOR YEARS. WHEN FIRST APPEARED FACTORY REP FROM CADILLAC/GM INSPECTED CAR AND STATED ONLY COSMETIC (CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY). MY CONCERN WAS THAT IT WOULD EVENTUALLY GO INTO THE INTERFACE OF THE TIRE AND WHEEL. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO GM SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT HAS. BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE IT HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE A PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAD A FIX. THIS FIX WAS PERFORMED NUMEROUS TIMES AT DEALER AND OTHER TIRE DEALERS, MR TIRE AND GOODYEAR. ALL OF THE TIRE DEALERS HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUE RIGHT AWAY. THE ISSUE IN ALSO NOTED MANY TIMES ON THE INTERNET. WE CAN CHECK PRESSURE AND LOAD TIRES TO SPECS GO ON A RIDE ON HIGHWAY AND FEEL SOME LOSS OF STEERING AFTER A HUNDRED MILES. THEN NEED TO ADD PRESSURE. THIS IS A CHRONIC ISSUE WITH ACUTE INSTANCES THAT HAS POTENTIAL OF CREATING AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER WANTS $1000.00 PER WHEEL TO REPLACE PLUS LABOR. GM NOT INTERESTED IN ANY FINANCIAL HELP OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, CASE # 71-1423629281 (JANUARY 13, 2015). THEY STATED THAT THEY "HAVE TO FOLLOW COMPANY GUIDELINES", THAT THE "ISSUE IS TRICKY BECAUSE I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE PAST BUT THERE IS NO RECALL", "THE YEAR OF MY VEHICLE PRECLUDES ANY FIX", "OUR GUIDELINES ONLY COVER UP TO 8 YEARS" ...... PLEASE HELP. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH A FIX THAT DOES NOT LAST (AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR), AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING AND AN EVENTUAL ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10672118 · filed Jan 13, 2015

CADILLAC MOTOR DIVISION BLEW OFF MY INQUIRY. 05/26/2006 22:06:32CIDENT DESCRIPTION: WHEN TURNING OFF IGNITION WITH 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE, AND TOUCHING EXTERIOR MIRROR BUTTON TO FOLD MIRRORS IN OR OUT, POWER SEAT AUTOMATICALLY MOVES DRIVER INTO STEERING WHEEL CRUSHING SAID VICTIM INTO STEERING WHEEL. REMOVING KEY DID NOT STOP. ONLY WAY TO RELEASE THIS A SECOND INCIDENT WAS TO OPEN THE CAR DOOR TO KILL THE POWER. CORRESPONDENCE FROM GENERAL MOTORS RESPONSE IS NO FURTHER ACTION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS A THIRD TIME, I WILL DELIVER SAID AUTOMOBILE TO THE CLOSEST CADILLAC DEALER AND REMOVE MY LICENSE PLATES. DEAR [XXX], THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING THE CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER. I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE ME IN REGARDS TO YOUR SERVICE REQUEST. THIS OFFICE GATHERS INFORMATION AND BASED ON THAT INFORMATION WE ARE ABLE TO DETERMINE THE BEST METHOD OF HANDING YOUR REQUEST. WE ARE CONTINUALLY MAKING IMPROVEMENTS IN WAYS TO ASSIST THE NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS. AGAIN, I HAVE REVIEWED YOUR REQUEST 1-410654614 WITH THE CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER. I APOLOGIZE THAT THE DECISION WAS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR WISHES, HOWEVER; THIS IS THE FINAL DECISION OF GENERAL MOTORS AND WE WILL NO LONGER ADDRESS ADDITIONAL MESSAGES ON THIS SUBJECT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AGAIN WITH ANY OTHER CONCERNS YOU MAY HAVE OUTSIDE OF THIS ISSUE. IF YOU SHOULD NEED TO CONTACT US IN THE FUTURE, SIMPLY REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE OR CALL OUR CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-458-8006. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGERS ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. SINCERELY, [XXX], CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGER CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER : [XXX] POWER SEAT CRUSHING THE DRIVER INTO THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED OFF AND THE MIRROR RETRACTION BUTTON IS PUSHED... THE PAINT DAMAGE WITHOUT ADVISING OWNERS THIS IS FILLED WITH A LIQUID WHICH INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10158600 · filed May 30, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START, AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE BATTERY BECAUSE IT WAS CORRODED. THEN, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM FOR A SECOND TIME, AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS DRAINED. FINALLY, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND LOST POWER WHILE ON THE ROAD. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR A THIRD TIME FOR REPAIRS.*AK....THIRD TIME DEALER REPAIRED FUEL PUMP. AFTER THIRD REPAIR TRADED VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10115206 · filed Mar 16, 2005

THE HEAT FROM THE REAR SEAT CAUSED THE FABRIC TO BURN. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR CHECKUP AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRING, WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO OVER HEAT. *NM

NHTSA ID 10107283 · filed Jan 13, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE LATCH FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V129000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE RECALL WAS ONLY PARTIALLY COMPLETED DUE TO PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR THE COMPLETE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,869.

NHTSA ID 10764596 · filed Sep 17, 2015

ON JULY 28TH 2011, MY 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE AWD WOULD NOT START. IT HAD POWER TO THE SEATS, HORN, LIGHTS, BUT NO POWER TO THE LOCKS, WINDOWS OR RADIO. THEREFORE, I KNEW I DIDN'T NEED A BATTERY JUMP. I CHECK THE INSIDE FUSE PANEL AND NO BLOWN FUSES WERE FOUND. I WENT TO THE FUSE BOX UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND DISCOVER THE 40AMP IGNITION-B FUSE WAS BLOWN. I INSTALLED ANOTHER 40AMP FUSE AND IT IMMEDIATELY BLEW OUT. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, INSTALLED ANOTHER FUSE AND THE FUSE BLEW OUT WHEN I RECONNECTED THE BATTERY. I REMOVED THE STARTER, DISCONNECTED THE ALTERNATOR, CRANK SENSOR, OIL LEVEL SENSOR AND BOTH IGNITION COIL PACKS. THE FUSE STILL BLEW OUT WHEN I RECONNECTED THE BATTERY. I RECONNECTED ALL ITEMS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED AND WENT UNDERNEATH DASH-BOARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND CHECK ALL THE WIRING HARNESSING AND WIRES. I WENT BACK TO THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE HOOD, FLIPPED THE FUSE BOX UP TO SEE THE UNDERSIDE. LOCATED THE WIRE THAT'S CONNECTING TO THE BLOWN FUSE, TRACE WIRE UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD TO THE HARNESS NEAR THE STEERING SHAFT. THE CONNECTING WIRING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HARNESS (RED WIRE WITH A WHITE STRIP) WAS SHORTED ON AN EIGHTH INCH METAL BRACKET BOLTED TO THE FIREWALL WITH FOUR NUTS. THIS SAME METAL BRACKET IS UP AGAINST AND POSSIBLY CUTTING INTO THE WIRES ATTACH TO THE WIRE HARNESS NEXT TO THE STEERING SHAFT. I APPLIED ELECTRICAL TAPE TO THE WIRE THAT SHORTED ON THE METAL BRACKET TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. I INSTALLED ANOTHER FUSE AND THE TRUCK STARTED UP. *KB

NHTSA ID 10416763 · filed Aug 2, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND IT FELT AS IF SHE WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT CERTAIN SPEEDS. ON OCCASION, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TIGHTENED AND LOOSENED ON ITS OWN. FURTHERMORE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE "REAR DOOR MAINTENANCE" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TAKEN TO KUNI CHEVROLET CADILLAC (2449 FULTON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825, (916) 538-7217). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE POWER STEERING AND SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR THE STEERING AND SEAT BELT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11187056 · filed Mar 15, 2019

[XXX] PARENT WAS DROPPING STUDENT OFF AT SCHOOL (WESTWIND ELEMENTARY) AND STAFF NOTICED A 2 YEAR OLD NOT ON A CAR SEAT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10555665 · filed Dec 11, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE COULD BE PLACED IN GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE BEING APPLIED. *AK *JB

NHTSA ID 10053817 · filed Feb 24, 2004

WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION BOOSTER FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK

NHTSA ID 10059144 · filed Feb 17, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

GOING UP A 20% GRADE ON A 90 DEGREE TURN AT LESS THAN 15 MILES AN HOUR, VEHICLE LOOSES ALL CONTROL. IT TAKES 5-10 SECONDS TO RECOVER AND SOMETIMES SLIDES BACK DOWN THE HILL. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED FOUR REPAIRS WITH TEST DRIVES AFTER EACH REPAIR. DEALER HAS NOTIFIED GM OF SAFETY HAZARD. GM REP. IS AWARE OF OTHER ESCALADES WITH SAME PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO ADMIT IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE. SAYS ENGINEERS ARE WORKING TO RELEASE A NEW SOFTWARE PROGRAM SOON AND NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE UNLESS DISENGAGING STABILIZATION SYSTEM EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN.

NHTSA ID 10070986 · filed Jan 15, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES THAT IT IS HARD TO TELL WHEN TIRE PRESSURE IS LOW DUE TO HEAT THAT HAS FIELDED UP INSIDE THE TIRE, CAUSING THE TIRE WALL TO COLLAPSE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10030134 · filed Jul 24, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

All of a sudden 3rd and 4th gears became useless causing a rapid deacceleration of the vehicle and posing the possibility of being rear ended with end result of massive damage to vehicle and serious injury to occupants

NHTSA ID 11569842 · filed Feb 4, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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