Cadillac

Escalade (2nd)

2002-2006 · Full-Size SUV · 4 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.2)
438 NHTSA Complaints
11 Recalls
22 Fire Reports
39 Crash Reports
Includes data from: ESCALADEESCALADE ESVESCALADE EXT
View all 4 generations of the Cadillac Escalade → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (22.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (22.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
2/5
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
2/5
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

LM7

5.3L 8-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.2)
30 complaints 7.5 per year
2 fire reports
View details

LQ9 HO

6.0L 8-cyl
Avoid (1.9)
57 complaints 14.2 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
12
brakes
11
transmission
9
safety systems
9
fuel system
7

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (12 complaints)
Brakes Issues (11 complaints)
Transmission Issues (9 complaints)

Cadillac Escalade Unidentified Engine

Avoid (1.8)
83 complaints 16.6 per year
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
23
electrical
19
engine
14
steering
7
transmission
6

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (23 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (19 complaints)
Engine Issues (14 complaints)

LQ9

6.0L 8-cyl
Avoid (1.2)
266 complaints 53.2 per year
14 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
92
electrical
84
engine
24
fuel system
22
transmission
21

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (92 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (84 complaints)
Engine Issues (24 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

L31

5.7L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

L92

6.2L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Cadillac Escalade regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (126 complaints)
brakes critical
Electrical System Issues (122 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (39 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (30 complaints)
transmission critical
Fuel System Issues (22 complaints)
fuel_system critical

Recalls (11)

07E106000Dec 16, 2007serious
Wheels

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 MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

06E043000May 18, 2006serious
Fuel System

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 CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

05V163000Apr 21, 2005serious
Seat Belts

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

05V055000Feb 13, 2005serious
Powertrain

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.

05V552000Jul 11, 2005serious
Equipment

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

05V455000May 9, 2005serious
Steering

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.

04V129000Mar 16, 2004cosmetic
Structure

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.

04V045000Apr 1, 2004cosmetic
Service Brakes

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.

03V037000Jun 1, 2003serious
Structure

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH FOUR WELDS ON THE REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, ONE OR TWO OF THE WELDS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION.

02V253000Sep 16, 2002serious
Seats

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.

02V224000Dec 7, 2002serious
Electrical System

CERTAIN ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITHOUT A POWER STEERING BRACKET TO SECURE THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE, ALLOWING THE CABLE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE STEERING SHAFT.

Alternatives in Full-Size SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade problems?

The 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade has accumulated 438 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Cadillac Escalade engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 5.3L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade a good used car?

The 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 438 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade have?

The 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade has 438 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade?

There are 11 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Cadillac Escalade?

Before buying a used Cadillac Escalade, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Escalade?

The 2006 Cadillac Escalade received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars (22.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 438 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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