2002 Cadillac Escalade

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade marked a significant point in the luxury SUV market. It came standard with a 5.3L Vortec V8 engine producing 285 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 6.0L Vortec V8 engine producing 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the Escalade’s spacious interior, powerful engine (especially the 6.0L), and bold styling. However, common complaints included poor fuel economy, a somewhat truck-like ride, and a propensity for certain mechanical and electrical issues as the vehicle aged.

Engine

5.3L Vortec V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption can occur, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Blue smoke from the exhaust might also be present.
  • Solution: In some cases, replacing the valve stem seals can help. More severe cases may require piston ring replacement or engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks externally from the front or rear of the engine and/or internally causing white smoke from the exhaust pipe. Overheating may occur.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L Vortec V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.3L, excessive oil consumption can be a problem.
  • Solution: Same as the 5.3L - valve stem seal replacement, piston ring replacement or engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knocking Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Audible knocking noise coming from the engine, especially when cold. Could indicate piston slap.
  • Solution: While the noise may not immediately impact performance, some owners choose to rebuild the engine to address the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60-E Four-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip between gears, shift harshly, or fail to shift at all.
  • Solution: Often requires a transmission rebuild or replacement. Sometimes, a faulty shift solenoid can be the culprit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, especially under light acceleration. Can also cause stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can fail, causing the vehicle to sag or ride harshly. The compressor may fail, or the air springs (bags) may leak.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty components (compressor, air springs, sensors). Many owners convert to a traditional coil spring suspension to avoid future air suspension issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Autoride Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, rough ride, bouncing, or Autoride warning light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the Autoride shocks with new ones or replacement of the whole system with standard shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges may fail to function properly, flicker, or become completely inoperative.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster. Sometimes resoldering the connections on the circuit board can fix the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks may fail to operate, or only work intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Lower Body Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust develops on the rocker panels, lower doors, and around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Rust repair and paint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Lens Clouding
  • Description/Symptoms: Over time, the plastic headlight lenses can become cloudy and yellowed, reducing headlight output.
  • Solution: Headlight lens restoration kits or headlight replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system may blow hot or cold air regardless of the temperature setting, or the mode selector may not function correctly.
  • Solution: Possible causes include a faulty blend door actuator, temperature sensor, or climate control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio/Navigation System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The factory radio or navigation system may stop working, display a blank screen, or have distorted sound.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of the unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade has several common issues, ranging from moderate engine and transmission problems to electrical and suspension concerns. The severity of these issues can vary widely, and the cost to fix them can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these issues and factor in potential repair costs. The air suspension and electrical gremlins are a common concern that you should look out for.