VehicleVerdict

2003 Cadillac Escalade electrical system problems

The 2003 Cadillac Escalade has 36 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 32% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

36

Electrical System complaints

32%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

02V224000Electrical SystemAugust 12, 2002 · 649 units

Defect

CERTAIN ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITHOUT A POWER STEERING BRACKET TO SECURE THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE, ALLOWING THE CABLE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE STEERING SHAFT.

Consequence

THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE A WEAR-THROUGH OF THE CABLE INSULATION, EXPOSING THE WIRE CORE AND RESULT IN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL SHORTING. IF ENOUGH CURRENT IS DISCHARGED AT THE POINT OF CONTACT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE ROUTING AND RE-ROUTE, IF NECESSARY. NO OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL TAKE PLACE SINCE ALL VEHICLES WERE CAPTURED AT THE DEALERS.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CUP HOLDER. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PART BENEATH THE CUP HOLDER HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 21, 2015 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2003 Cadillac Escalade have?

NHTSA has 36 complaints about the 2003 Cadillac Escalade electrical system — 32% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 02V224000.

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.