2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT

2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT

The 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a full-size luxury pickup truck that offers a blend of utility, luxury, and performance. It comes with a standard 6.0L V8 engine producing 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Optional engine and transmission options include a 6.2L V8 with 403 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Owners appreciate the Escalade EXT’s spacious cabin, powerful engine, and comfortable ride. However, it has also been plagued by a number of issues, as outlined below.

Engine

6.0L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure: Leaking coolant, overheating, rough idling. Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Valve cover gasket leak: Oil leaks from valve covers. Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Camshaft position sensor failure: Engine misfires, stalling, hard starting. Solution: Replace camshaft position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

6.2L V8

• No significant engine issues reported

Transmission

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping: Loss of power, delayed gear engagement. Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Torque converter failure: Shuddering, overheating, transmission slippage. Solution: Replace torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Shift solenoid issues: Hard shifting, delayed gear engagement. Solution: Replace shift solenoids. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

6-speed Automatic Transmission

• No significant transmission issues reported

Suspension

• Front suspension strut mount failure: Clunking noise over bumps, uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace strut mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Rear suspension air bag leaks: Rear end sagging, reduced ride height. Solution: Replace air bags. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Electrical

• Body control module (BCM) failure: Electrical malfunctions, including lighting, power windows, and door locks. Solution: Replace BCM. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Headlight switch failure: Headlights flickering, turning off intermittently. Solution: Replace headlight switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Alternator failure: Battery not charging, electrical system malfunctions. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

Exterior

• Chrome trim peeling: Chrome trim on exterior surfaces peeling or discoloring. Solution: Replace chrome trim. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Door handle failure: Door handles breaking or becoming difficult to open. Solution: Replace door handles. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Rear bumper step cracking: Plastic step on the rear bumper cracking or breaking. Solution: Replace rear bumper step. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Interior

• Dashboard rattle: Dashboard creaking or rattling over bumps. Solution: Remove and reinstall dashboard or add sound dampening material. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Center console lid breakage: Center console lid breaking or becoming loose. Solution: Replace center console lid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Seat heater failure: Seat heaters not working or overheating. Solution: Replace seat heater elements or switches. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Summary

The 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a powerful and comfortable luxury pickup truck, but it has been plagued by a number of issues, including engine gasket leaks, transmission problems, suspension issues, and electrical malfunctions. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, but they can certainly be a nuisance for owners.