2002 Cadillac Escalade: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Escalade years.
298 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 Escalade?The 2002 Cadillac Escalade has 298 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Cadillac Escalade vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Escalade years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the Escalade?
Across the 28 Escalade model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2001) to 802 (2007). With 298 complaints, the 2002 Escalade sits above the model's median of 162.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 Escalade
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 06E043000CERTAIN 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.
wheels:hub
Campaign 07E106000CERTAIN 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.
seats:front assembly:head restraint
Campaign 02V253000ON 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.
structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Campaign 04V129000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, ranging from high praise for long-term durability in older models to significant frustration with reliability in newer ones.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Escalade. See the full Escalade owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Escalade listings typically run $25,495–$67,314.
Other Escalade model years
Compare every Escalade year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Escalade against its rivals
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