2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 13%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 168,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 13% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 168,000 miles.
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.
“The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac ext escalade. The contact stated the vehicle would exhibit numerous electrical failures. When the vehicle was first purchased, the instrument panel overheated and failed as soon as he drove from the lot. The dealer replaced the instrument panel at the manufacturer's expense. In addition, the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds and without warning on at least twelve occasions. The dealer advised there was a short in the main wiring harness. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10343178, filed 2010-07, 168,000 miles“Driveline clunk #99-04-20-002b-(08/21/2003) - per GM advisory bulletin to dealer- persistent-no resolve by GM characterized as a design characteristic by GM representative.”
NHTSA complaint #10067686, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 10113664May 29, 2015This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
- 10112697Dec 27, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire…
- 10112600Nov 26, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised…
- 10112523Oct 30, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing…
- 10026804Oct 1, 2008Gmc: fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. All 2000-2006 light duty trucks equipped with the light duty automatic transmission.
- 10024345Feb 1, 2008Eaton locking differential chatter shudder noise on turns, equipped with a locking rear differential rpo g80. *nj updated 7/17/2008.
- 10012557Aug 1, 2003Fluid leak from front of vehicle add teflon tape to front axle vent plug threads.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
7 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
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