2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT

The 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a luxury pickup truck that combines Cadillac’s signature styling with the functionality of a truck bed. It was available with a single engine option: a 6.0L Vortec V8 producing 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Escalade EXT for its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and distinctive appearance. Common complaints include its poor fuel economy, large size making it difficult to maneuver, and relatively high repair costs due to its luxury status and complex systems.

Engine

6.0L Vortec V8 (LQ9)

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption can occur due to worn valve seals or piston rings. Symptoms include needing to add oil frequently, blue smoke from the exhaust, and fouled spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve seals or piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak around the intake manifold. Can cause overheating and/or coolant loss.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may experience reduced performance and fuel economy, along with the check engine light illuminating with a knock sensor code.
  • Solution: Replace the knock sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Transmission

4L60-E Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts. Common causes include worn clutches, valve body issues, or low fluid level.
  • Solution: A transmission rebuild or replacement of the valve body. Fluid flush may solve the issue if caught early.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) - $800 (valve body) - $2,000 - $4,000 (rebuild/replacement)
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, especially when accelerating. Can also cause stalling.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
• Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission is unable to engage. Can also cause whining noise and overheating.
  • Solution: Pump replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sits low, the compressor runs constantly, or a “service ride control” message appears.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Air Suspension Strut/Shock Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, bouncy ride, or air leaking from the struts.
  • Solution: Replace the air struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per strut/shock
• Autoride/Electronic Damper Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Stiff or bouncy ride, service ride control message.
  • Solution: Replace the affected Autoride shocks/struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$800+ per shock/strut
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or popping noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, or loose steering.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$800+

Electrical

• Instrument Panel Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges stop working, display flickers, or the entire cluster goes dark.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument panel cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks fail to lock or unlock with the key fob or door switch.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per door
• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as issues with the lights, wipers, or power windows.
  • Solution: Reprogram or replace the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
• Radio/Navigation Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Radio not turning on, Navigation system malfunctioning
  • Solution: Replace the radio/navigation unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$1,500+

Exterior

• Rear Tailgate Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The tailgate handle breaks, making it difficult to open the tailgate.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate handle assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: The body panels are rusting.
  • Solution: Cut out and weld in new panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on severity.
• Bed Cover Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Bed Cover will not open or close
  • Solution: Repair of bed cover electrical or mechanical issues
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters stop working.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the seat heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per seat
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof won’t open or close properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$600+

Recalls:

• 04V172000 - WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY OVERHEAT
• 04V214000 - FUEL TANK DEFECT

Summary:

The 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT, while offering luxury and utility, is prone to several issues that can lead to significant repair costs. Engine and transmission problems, particularly oil consumption and transmission slipping, are common and potentially expensive to address. Suspension issues, especially with the air suspension system, are also frequently reported and can impact ride quality. Electrical issues, such as instrument panel and door lock failures, are irritating but generally less costly to repair than mechanical problems. Overall, potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s maintenance history and be prepared for the possibility of facing these common issues.