2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext: 2 recalls, 11 owner complaints and up to 13 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #04V045000 · 2004 · 68,875 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
Why it matters: Consequently, the valve o-ring seal May fracture. Steering efforts May be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal May require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the…
The fix: Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on June 18, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or Hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #04V129000 · 2004 · 3,662,211 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position May corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Why it matters: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate May drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo May fall off if…
The fix: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 20004. The recall began on September 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through October 29, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext has 11 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 12 Escalade Ext model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 8). Complaints peaked in 2013 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 106,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (15 complaints, 2 recalls), 2005 (5 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (5), brakes (3), airbags (1).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext get?
EPA ratings run up to 13 mpg combined (6.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Cadillac Escalade Ext repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.