Cadillac Escalade · model year

2002 Cadillac Escalade

164 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports, and 3 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
164
Recalls
3

The verdict

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.

11th pctile
complaint volume, own model years
3
recall campaigns

The 2002CadillacEscalade carries 164 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 8 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2002 Escalade is electrical system with 14 filings, followed by service brakes (11) and service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (10). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2002 Escalade, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

164
Complaints
16
Crashes
8
Fires
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
2002 Cadillac Escalade

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.

Total Complaints

164 filings

Crashes Reported

16 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
SERVICE BRAKES11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9
SUSPENSION7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
PARKING BRAKE4
POWER TRAIN4
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER4
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR3
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM3
VISIBILITY3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE3

Recalls (3)

06E04300019/05/2006

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CE

07E10600017/12/2007

WHEELS:HUB

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO M

02V25300017/09/2002

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REARWARD FOLDING HEAD RESTRAINTS ON THE SECOND ROW SEATS, TWO POTENTIAL PINCH POINTS EXIST ON EACH OF THE FOLDING HEAD RESTRAINTS WHEN THE RESTRAINTS ARE FOLDED REARWARD AS THE SEATBACK IS FOLDED DOWN.

Recent Complaints

20251006WHEELS:HUB

The contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from the front wheel hubs on the driver’s and passenger’s side wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was brake fluid leaking from the brake lines, causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20251006FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from the front wheel hubs on the driver’s and passenger’s side wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was brake fluid leaking from the brake lines, causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20251006SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from the front wheel hubs on the driver’s and passenger’s side wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was brake fluid leaking from the brake lines, causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20250119SERVICE BRAKES

Purchased this vehicle from a friend who was inherited from his father’s estate. He hadn’t driven the vehicle for sometime. When meeting up at the DMV to transfer ownership he noticed that the brakes were spongy. And purchased some brake fluid in case the fluid was low. Neither my friend or myself are mechanically impaired so We made the exchange of ownership and went on our way home. When we arrived my step father felt the need to investigate the issue. He discovered that every brake line under the drivers seat back approximately 24” were so rusted and soaked with brake fluid that fluid was dripping and making a puddle and was unable to pinpoint where the hole was at that time. We decided that the vehicle was too dangerous to drive, and returned to [XXX] to retrieve his trailer to bring the Escalade to his shop for safety reasons. We tried researching and did find where GM’s SUV’s did have a recall on this matter. The Cadillac is in excellent condition inside and out. The l

20241116SERVICE BRAKES

The problem is in the anti-lock braking system. When the vehicle slows to under 15 mph. and you apply the brakes the brake pedal" kick back" occurs with loss of braking . Making the vehicle a hazard to drive. Now with repeated depression of the brake pedal the vehicle does stop. But, if you are approaching a stopped car or some other stationary object a collision could occur. Thankfully this has not happened to me or my wife, as we are aware of this condition and prepare for it while stopping the car. The reason why this happens is because GM no longer produces the part that would alleviate this condition. The part is known as a Brake Pressure Warning Switch, part # 88983914. It is part of the ABS system. I have spent countless hours on the internet trying to obtain this part, but to no avail. When you look up the part web sights will show you a picture of the part, but when you click on it you always get the same message, "part not available." I believe that this is a safety issue tha

20240814UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driving carefully out of [XXX] here in Walker Minnesota using the newly opened east side of the parking lot exit and 50 feet later as I accelerated the Heavy Full size spare tire fell from under the rear of the truck and my 2002 Cadillac EXT left the ground as the tire bounced back up against the truck!!! If we had been going faster and in a Different area we may have been Killed! It's a terrible design to store a full size and very heavy spare tire. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240814WHEELS

Driving carefully out of [XXX] here in Walker Minnesota using the newly opened east side of the parking lot exit and 50 feet later as I accelerated the Heavy Full size spare tire fell from under the rear of the truck and my 2002 Cadillac EXT left the ground as the tire bounced back up against the truck!!! If we had been going faster and in a Different area we may have been Killed! It's a terrible design to store a full size and very heavy spare tire. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20210623SUSPENSION

Service Ride control and stability control system lights have been flashing the instrument panel cluster on my dash will cut off and not illuminate once it's time to turn the head lights on there is a ticking /clicking noise when first cranked up and as the gas is pushed and when accelerated and when driving over 65 mph the vehicle will start swaying to the point of being uncontrollably.

20210623VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Service Ride control and stability control system lights have been flashing the instrument panel cluster on my dash will cut off and not illuminate once it's time to turn the head lights on there is a ticking /clicking noise when first cranked up and as the gas is pushed and when accelerated and when driving over 65 mph the vehicle will start swaying to the point of being uncontrollably.

20210623ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Service Ride control and stability control system lights have been flashing the instrument panel cluster on my dash will cut off and not illuminate once it's time to turn the head lights on there is a ticking /clicking noise when first cranked up and as the gas is pushed and when accelerated and when driving over 65 mph the vehicle will start swaying to the point of being uncontrollably.

20210316ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE DRIVE SUSPENSION LIGHT STAYS FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE IS ALL OVER THE ROAD THEN COME NIGHT THE DASH LIGHTS IN THE INTERIOR INSTRUMENTAL PANEL GO OFF AND YOUR ARE UNABLE TO SEE YOUR SPEED OR ANY OF THE DASH THE VEHICLE DOES THIS WEATHER IT WOULD BE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY AND 8D IS CONSTANTLY DOING THIS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 11/19/2020

20210316POWER TRAIN

THE DRIVE SUSPENSION LIGHT STAYS FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE IS ALL OVER THE ROAD THEN COME NIGHT THE DASH LIGHTS IN THE INTERIOR INSTRUMENTAL PANEL GO OFF AND YOUR ARE UNABLE TO SEE YOUR SPEED OR ANY OF THE DASH THE VEHICLE DOES THIS WEATHER IT WOULD BE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY AND 8D IS CONSTANTLY DOING THIS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 11/19/2020

20210316SUSPENSION

THE DRIVE SUSPENSION LIGHT STAYS FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE IS ALL OVER THE ROAD THEN COME NIGHT THE DASH LIGHTS IN THE INTERIOR INSTRUMENTAL PANEL GO OFF AND YOUR ARE UNABLE TO SEE YOUR SPEED OR ANY OF THE DASH THE VEHICLE DOES THIS WEATHER IT WOULD BE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY AND 8D IS CONSTANTLY DOING THIS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 11/19/2020

20200127SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A HUMMING NOISE WAS HEARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND THE BRAKE LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SCHMITT CADILLAC DEALER, LOCATED AT 915 W HIGHWAY 50, O FALLON, IL 62269) AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL, HOWEVER, TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20200127ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A HUMMING NOISE WAS HEARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND THE BRAKE LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SCHMITT CADILLAC DEALER, LOCATED AT 915 W HIGHWAY 50, O FALLON, IL 62269) AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL, HOWEVER, TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20200112ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE CUTS OFF WHEN IDLING. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AFTER A TWO-HOUR DRIVE WHEN DRIVER SLOWED DOWN WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT.

Mileage: 275,000

20181016SEAT BELTS

WHILE STATIONARY, BOTH REAR SEATBELTS STOPPED REWINDING & REQUIRE A SCREWDRIVER TO UNTANGLE BEFORE ONE OF THEM CAN BE USED AGAIN. THE PASSENGER REAR SEATBELT IS COMPLETELY UNUSABLE.

Mileage: 150,000

20180408UNKNOWN OR OTHER

HVAC FAULTY BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR: CAUSING THE HEAT TO BLOW COLD AIR.

Mileage: 223,000

20170705FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT MIDDLE CONSOLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM THE CONSOLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. NEITHER A POLICE NOR A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT A PENNY FELL INTO THE LIGHTER AND CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TT

Mileage: 150,000

20170506ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

WHEN I GOT THE MY SUV FROM THE DEALERSHIP 8YEARS AGO 1 YEAR LATER THE LIGHT STAYABILITY SERVICES SYSTEM CAME ON AND NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM AT ALL TRACTION CONTROL NOT WORKING SUSPENSION POWER NOT WORKING

Mileage: 80

Compare 2002CadillacEscalade to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

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Vehicle Safety Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade have?
The 2002 Cadillac Escalade has 164 NHTSA complaints, 16 crashes, 8 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade?
Yes, the 2002 Cadillac Escalade has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Cadillac Escalade?
The most-complained component for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 14 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP.
Is the 2002 Cadillac Escalade safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.