2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext: 1 recall, 22 owner complaints and up to 12 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #04V129000 · 2004 · 3,662,211 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate May drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo May fall off if…
The 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 at…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (5): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (3).
- Brakes (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (2): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
The 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext has 22 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 12 Escalade Ext model years for complaints (2.9× the average Escalade Ext year). Complaints peaked in 2006 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 86,055 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (15 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 10 | 14 | 12 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext problems?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (5), brakes (4), engine (3).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext get?
EPA ratings run up to 12 mpg combined (6.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Cadillac Escalade Ext repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.