Model year guide

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 11 on record.

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints100
Combined13 mpg
Typical price$7,832

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

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic NHTSA Campaign #04V045000 · 04/02/2004

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.

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.

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.

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT common problems

Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg
City11 mpg
Highway15 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,150

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

What's a 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT worth?

Low
$5,900
Typical price
$7,832
High
$10,000

From 11 comparable 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$25,750
Fuel only$25,750
Per mile$0.34

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.

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · EXT - Sport Utility Truck
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT vehicles on record

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63N93G179191 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63N63G328477 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63N73G138705 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63NX3G231752 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63N83G331140 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63N43G330955 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63N33G157591 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63N23G262879 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63N13G323512 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Base3GYEK63N23G320909 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT EXT - Sport Utility Truck3GYEK63N73G289799

Other Cadillac Escalade EXT model years

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2003 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 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT?

Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, service brakes, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT get?

The 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT has a U.S. EPA estimate of 13 mpg combined (11 city / 15 highway).

How much is a 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT worth?

Comparable 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT listings run roughly $5,900–$10,000, typically around $7,832 (from 11 vehicles).

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