Model year guide

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 9 on record.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints96
Combined13 mpg
Typical price$5,756

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls 1

Service Brakes, Hydraulic NHTSA Campaign #04V045000 · 04/02/2004

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Fix: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg
City11 mpg
Highway15 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,750

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV worth?

Low
$2,700
Typical price
$5,756
High
$10,300

From 9 comparable 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$23,750
Fuel only$23,750
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles on record

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Base3GYFK66N53G271365 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Base3GYFK66N93G257582 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Base3GYFK66N93G262927 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Base3GYFK66N13G335028 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Base3GYFK66N43G315579 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Base3GYFK66N83G286152 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Base3GYFK66N93G263933 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Base3GYFK66N93G286855 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Base3GYFK66N13G273209

Other Cadillac Escalade ESV model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Based on 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, service brakes, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV at about 13 mpg combined (11 city / 15 highway).

How much is a 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV worth?

Comparable 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV listings run roughly $2,700–$10,300, typically around $5,756 (from 9 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.