Model year guide

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 12 on record.

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints149
Combined12 mpg
Typical price$6,767

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls 1

Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments NHTSA Campaign #04V129000 · 17/03/2004

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.

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 A…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT common problems

Owners have filed 149 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT MPG & running costs

Combined12 mpg
City10 mpg
Highway14 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,600

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT worth?

Low
$2,900
Typical price
$6,767
High
$9,300

From 12 comparable 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$28,000
Fuel only$28,000
Per mile$0.37

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT vehicles on record

Other Cadillac Escalade EXT model years

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT?

Owners have filed 149 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, suspension.

What is the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT crash-test ratings of frontal 3★, rollover 2★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT get?

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT has a U.S. EPA estimate of 12 mpg combined (10 city / 14 highway).

How much is a 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT worth?

Comparable 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT listings run roughly $2,900–$9,300, typically around $6,767 (from 12 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.