2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT

The 2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a luxury pickup truck that blends the comfort and features of the Escalade SUV with the utility of a truck bed. It comes standard with a 6.2L V8 engine producing 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. People often praise the Escalade EXT for its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and bold styling. Common complaints include its large size making it difficult to maneuver, poor fuel economy, and the high cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

6.2L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The AFM system, designed to improve fuel economy by deactivating cylinders, can lead to lifter failure. Symptoms include a ticking or knocking noise from the engine, rough running, misfires, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the failed lifters and potentially the camshaft if it has been damaged. Some owners choose to disable the AFM system altogether to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption can be caused by worn valve seals, piston rings, or issues with the AFM system. Symptoms include needing to add oil frequently, blue smoke from the exhaust, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing valve seals, piston rings, or addressing issues with the AFM system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6L80 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering during acceleration, stalling, and difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Harsh or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Can be caused by worn valve body, solenoids, or contaminated transmission fluid. This results in harsh shifts or delays when changing gears.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body, replacing solenoids, or performing a transmission flush.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor can fail, leading to the vehicle sitting low, a “Service Ride Control” message, and a rough ride.
  • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Strut/Shock Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks can develop in the air struts/shocks, leading to a loss of air pressure, a sagging ride height, and reduced ride comfort.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$2,000+ per strut/shock
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation/Infotainment Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation or infotainment screen can fail, causing a blank screen, flickering, or unresponsive touch inputs.
  • Solution: Replacing the screen or the entire infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can be caused by a parasitic draw from various electrical components, such as the OnStar system, door lock actuators, or other modules.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Tailgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate can be difficult to open, close or lock. This is usually caused by faulty actuators or worn hinges/latches.
  • Solution: Replacing the actuators or lubricating/replacing the hinges/latches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack due to sun exposure and temperature changes, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard or using a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT, while luxurious and powerful, has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly related to the AFM system and oil consumption, can be costly to repair. Suspension issues, especially with the air suspension, are also common. Electrical issues, such as infotainment screen failures and battery drain, can add to the overall cost of ownership. While not all vehicles will experience these issues, a thorough inspection is recommended before purchasing. The severity of the issues ranges from minor electrical glitches to major engine and transmission repairs, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.