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2003 Cadillac Escalade ESVProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints121 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage88kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 18, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV has problems

12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags20
Electrical system20
Engine20
Service brakes21
Wheels10
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Steering10
Tires10
Fuel system, gasoline10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Escalade ESV year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Escalade ESV median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV safety ratings

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Rollover: 3 stars (0.0% risk)
  • Stability control: Optional
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Escalade ESV owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INFLATER MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
Complaint 10370389 · Dec 13, 2010 · 76,000 miles
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. NOTHING WAS DONE PRIOR TO LIGHT COMING ON. I ACTUALLY CALLED GM TO SEE IF IT WAS A RECALL AND ALSO TO REPORT THE INCIDENT.... *TR
Complaint 10324744 · Apr 9, 2010 · 100,000 miles

Own a 2003 Escalade ESV?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.