2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 47%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 127,527miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 47% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 127,527 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had just left my home and at the first stop sign the brakes failed, the pedal went to the floor, used emergency brake to stop. Returned home and found brake fluid coming from the left front frame area under the master cylinder. Pulled wheel off and the steel brake line had ruptured. All brake lines severely rusted. Not safe to drive. I have four other cars and none have brake lines rusted like these. Suspect material used to make brake lines not to specification resulting in sever corrosion..”
NHTSA complaint #10610072, filed 2014-07, 127,527 miles“2003 Cadillac Escalade Ext. Consumer writes in regards to brake system failure in vehicle. The consumer stated on two occasions, he experienced brake system failure which was related to oxidation and rust damage to the brake lines (metal tubing) and subsequent loss of brake fluid. The first time the incident occurred, the consumer was informed the brake lines were rotted and the lines as well as the hoses needed to be replaced. The second incident occurred over a year later, where 14 additional lines showed signs of rust. A patch job was performed to return braking capacity.”
NHTSA complaint #10491141, filed 2013-01, 124,371 miles“Was exiting the hutchinson river pkwy, south in pelham, ny. Attempted to apply the brakes and the pedal went straight to the floor! I was unable to stop, hit another car in the rear and had to steer into a utility pole to avoid an active intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #10114465, filed 2005-03, 34,500 miles“2003 Cadillac Escalade Ext metal brake line problem. I noticed a leak and I took my truck in to be checked out. The service tech advised that the metal brake line was corroded and needed to be replaced. I questioned how can that happen? Why wasn't it noticed during previous service? What caused the problem? Can this happen again? I requested investigation of parts and verification of recalls. I was told that battery acid dripped on line . …”
NHTSA complaint #10473019, filed 2012-08“Safety-related defect in the stability/traction system. Stabilitrak combines antilock brake, traction and stability control system. The vehicle traction control system commanded the braked be applied to the front left wheel when it shouldn't have. This problem occurs when the vehicle is going uphill or downhill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who re-soldered the ABS motor. The braking of one wheel has been less violent but persist nonetheless.”
NHTSA complaint #10099694, filed 2004-11Related recalls
- 04V045000Feb 4, 2004Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135…Covers: Cadillac Escalade EXT 2003–2004, Chevrolet Silverado 2003–2004, GMC Yukon 2003–2004 +10 more
Related service bulletins
- 10054261Sep 1, 2014Chevrolet/gmc/cadillac: anytime hydraulic brake pipes assembly need replacing, pre-formed and pre-flared brake pipes are available, except rear axle crossover pipe. Model…
- 10112546Nov 6, 2012This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10022470Jun 1, 2007Abs light on, dtc's c0265, c0201, u1041 set and/or loss of communication with brake module. (reground ebcm ground).
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology