VehicleVerdict

2000 Cadillac Escalade problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 96 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Escalade year — the 2000 model ranks #10 of 28 Escalade years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (17), fuel system (14), and tires & wheels (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

96

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Escalade years?

See all Escalade years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Cadillac Escalade problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1718%
Fuel System1415%
Tires & Wheels1010%
Electrical System99%
Airbags77%
Engine66%
Body & Structure66%
Steering55%
Transmission55%
Speed Control44%
Seats33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Latches & Locks22%
Other22%
Suspension22%
Seat Belts11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2000 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

00V153000Fuel SystemJune 7, 2000 · 4,300 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR MOUNTED ROSEN VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." DUE TO THE METHOD OF INSTALLATION OF THE VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT CENTER BY THE INSTALLED, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT MEET THE FUEL SPILLAGE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

IF THE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER IS INSTALLED ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE), NO CORRECTION IS REQUIRED. IF THE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER IS INSTALLED ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE (DRIVER SIDE), THE DEALER WILL REMOVE AND REINSTALL THE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER WITH A REVISED ATTACHMENT BRACKET. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN LINE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

CONSUMER WAS IN TRAFFIC , APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. WHEELS LOCKED UP AND RAN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 30, 2000 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 2, 2016

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REAR CONTINENTAL SPORTIVA (SIZE P265/70R16) TIRES BLEW OUT. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SHREDDED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DRIVE OVER ANYTHING THAT COULD HAVE LED TO SUCH A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 10, 2007

CLAYTON COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT ENGINE 1 RESPONDED TO A SERVICE CALL FOR A HEATED SEAT IN A CADILLAC ESCALADE THAT CAUGHT FIRE. THE OWNER STATED THAT SHE STARTED THE CAR AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVER SEAT. SHE INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER SEAT WAS BURNING. THE FIRE WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 6, 2006 · fire

THE TRUNK FLOODED DURING A HEAVY RAIN FALL. THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCK HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND THE SEAL AROUND THE BACK DOOR HAD COME APART. THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SCC

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 19, 2002 · crash

2000 Cadillac Escalade — common questions

Is the 2000 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 96 complaints put the 2000 model at #10 of 28 Escalade years. It is one of the Escalade years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Escalade problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (17 complaints), fuel system (14 complaints), tires & wheels (10 complaints).

Does the 2000 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Cadillac Escalade. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Cadillac Escalade under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Cadillac Escalade years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escalade years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2023, 2002, 2015, 2016, 2003, 2004, 2022, 2000, 2009, 2021, 2024, 2011, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2013. The cleanest record among Escalade years belongs to 2001.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.