2002 Cadillac Escalade Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 41%of 115 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Cadillac Escalade, 41% of the 115 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2002 Cadillac Escalade has braking issues under 5 MPH. It appears the ABS system is activated which takes the vehicle longer to stop. The brakes get very spongy and do not respond immediately. This has caused me to get into some very close calls when trying to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10361219, filed 2010-10, 47,000 miles“While traveling 35 MPH in traffic I incurred a loss of braking power. Upon closer inspection I noticed a brake line leak due to rust. Brake lines had rusted through causing a loss of brake fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #10552616, filed 2013-11, 152,000 miles“Noticed the vehicle was not stopping well , started hearing aloud noise from under the vehicle even when the engine was off. This ran my battery down. Had to replace my antilock control unit module.”
NHTSA complaint #10258549, filed 2009-02, 40,000 miles“I owned 2002 Cadillac Escalade, I bought brand new, we do not know how many times we sent this car back to dealer to fix something, I change tires every one & half year, right now we have big problem, when I drive on freeway entrance with turns, the stability light comes on, meaning time the car suddenly slows down, looks like you step on brake. I brought to dealer to check it, they still have the car, can not find what could cause that. They took it for a test drive, they know this is dangerous when you are on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10306052, filed 2010-02, 100,000 miles“During a u-turn, on a 4-lane street the power steering and brakes stopped working. I wasn't able to steer or stop. The steering became very hard as well as the brake pedal. The Cadillac dealer suggested it was the power steering pump and changed it under my warranty. I picked the car up 1 week later after being told that my car was fixed. After leaving the dealer, I stopped at a traffic light and my break pedal began vibrating and again I was not able to steer the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161753, filed 2006-07, 58,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242252Aug 18, 2023This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 10240783Jul 12, 2023This Preliminary information communicates to the technician information about the Service Stability System message on with DTC C0285 and/or C0286 caused by the Medium Pressure…
- 10226382Oct 18, 2022This 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…
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10178353Jun 26, 2020This 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…
- 10162149Jun 24, 2019This 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…
- 10161004May 13, 2019This 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…
- 10129088Jan 23, 2018This 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…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017This 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…
- 10078876May 11, 2016This 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 2 | 10% |
| 2024 | 3 | 6% |
| 2023 | 5 | 4% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% |
| 2018 | 3 | 14% |
| 2017 | 9 | 18% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 9 | 9% |
| 2012 | 3 | 15% |
| 2011 | 2 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 21% |
| 2005 | 8 | 19% |
| 2004 | 19 | 28% |
| 2003 | 20 | 25% |
| 2002 | 47 | 41% |
| 2000 | 13 | 18% |
| 1999 | 8 | 21% |
Other parts of the 2002 Cadillac Escalade
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade
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