2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a luxury pickup truck that blends the features of the Escalade SUV with the functionality of a truck bed. It was only offered with one engine option, the 6.0L Vortec V8 (LQ9) producing approximately 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised its comfortable ride, powerful engine, and distinctive styling. Common complaints include poor fuel economy, the vehicle’s large size making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and some reliability concerns typical of older vehicles.

Engine

6.0L Vortec V8 (LQ9)

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between changes. May be caused by worn valve seals or piston rings.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve seals, piston rings, or complete engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the extent of the repair.
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, rough idling, or engine misfires.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
• Knock Sensors
  • Description/Symptoms: False knock readings can occur because of old or corroded sensors. Causes the engine to pull timing and reduce power output
  • Solution: Replacement of the knock sensors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Transmission

4L60-E Four-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears, or exhibits harsh or delayed shifting. This can be caused by worn clutch packs or valve body issues.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement of the valve body or clutch packs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuttering or vibrating at low speeds, especially when accelerating. Can also lead to transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear suspension sags or fails to maintain the correct ride height. This is often due to leaks in the air springs or compressor failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air springs, compressor, or both.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1500+
• Ride Height Sensors
  • Description/Symptoms: If the ride height sensors fail, the rear suspension may not function properly
  • Solution: Replacement of the ride height sensors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges may become erratic or stop working, or the entire cluster may fail.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
• Door Lock Actuators
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks may fail to lock or unlock properly, or may make a clicking noise without engaging.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per door

Exterior

• Tailgate Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The tailgate handle may break or become difficult to operate, preventing the tailgate from opening or closing properly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the tailgate handle assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300

Interior

• Heated Seat Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Heated seats may fail to heat or may overheat. This can be caused by a faulty heating element or control module.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Climate Control Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning climate control (ex. only blows hot air)
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the climate control actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
• Driver Information Center
  • Description/Symptoms: The Driver Information Center may have dead pixels, or fade out.
  • Solution: Replacement of the Driver Information Center or the instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $600+

Summary

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT has a range of potential issues, with engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components all showing potential problems. The severity of these issues varies, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others, such as transmission or air suspension failures, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchase. Given the age of the vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.