2003 Cadillac Escalade Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 7%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Cadillac Escalade, 7% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Dt: the consumer stated the steering locked and the vehicle would not stop. The power steering pump assembly had to be replaced more than once. This was done when the vehicle was purchased used. This seemed to fix the problem. Approximately 10 days ago consumer noticed brakes would shook on uneven pavement while road work was done. This caused a crash, vehicle ran into a tree. Consumer sustained a broken hand and nose. Consumer's husband sustained broken ribs and had a knot on head, and tore ligaments in his arm. The vehicle is at the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10131422, filed 2005-08, 20,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Escalade. While pulling into a parking area, smoke entered the vehicle. The contact was able to exit the vehicle with his baby. Upon further inspecting the hood area, it was noticed that the fire originated near the battery and power steering. The fire department extinguished the flames and the vehicle was left at the location. A police report was not filed. The insurance company was notified, took pictures, and was to further investigate. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 06e043000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 02v224000 (electrical system). …”
NHTSA complaint #10967873, filed 2017-03, 170,000 miles“Steering wheel failed to turn properly when applied. Driver took the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that steering housing shaft needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10117392, filed 2005-04“Consumer called complaining while driving the vehicle at 10mph on freezing weather (mountain) has a severe vibration from the steering wheel. Dealer has not been notified yet. Please provided further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10001689, filed 2002-12Related service bulletins
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 2 | 4% |
| 2016 | 7 | 8% |
| 2015 | 10 | 10% |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 11% |
| 2012 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 6 | 7% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac Escalade
23 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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