2000 Cadillac Escalade: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2000 Cadillac Escalade
On the 2000 Cadillac Escalade, the failure owners report most often is fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure, with 8 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 82,500 miles. Overall it scores 71 out of 100, high risk for a 2000.
High risk for a 2000 — 62nd riskiest of the 327 2000 vehicles we can rate. 96 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 27 named failure modes on the 2000 Cadillac Escalade, and the three most-reported carry 24% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure leads with 8 reports and about 3.7 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other wheel or tire problem follows with 8 reports, median 65,000 miles.
ABS module or sensor failure follows with 7 reports, median 70,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into brakes (17), fuel (15) and airbag (14).
The mileage the reports cluster at
30 of the reports on the 2000 Cadillac Escalade came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 82,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 20% by 50,000 miles, 67% by 100,000 miles and 93% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 80,000 and 90,000 miles, which alone holds 20% of the dated reports.
17% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 27. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 10 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 5 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 5.38, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure at $250–$1,800, other wheel or tire problem at $200–$1,500, ABS module or sensor failure at $500–$2,400 and airbag failed to deploy in a crash at $1,000–$5,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
9% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 8 | 5 | — | 115k | — | 3.7 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 8 | 1 | — | 66k | — | 3.7 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 7 | 4 | — | 69k | — | 3.3 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 3.3 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 3.3 | $200–$900 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 2.3 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 5 | 2 | — | 94k | — | 2.3 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 1.9 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 1.9 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 1.9 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 3 | 3 | — | 133k | — | 1.4 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 1.4 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 3 | 2 | — | 36k | — | 1.4 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 2 | 2 | — | 50k | — | 0.9 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 50k | — | 0.9 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.9 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 2 | 1 | — | 66k | — | 0.9 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 2 | 1 | — | 81k | — | 0.9 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 101k | — | 0.9 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.9 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.9 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 2 | 1 | — | 83k | — | 0.9 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Parasitic battery drain | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $200–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 109k | — | 0.5 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Seat, track or recliner failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 96k | — | 0.5 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 67k | — | 0.5 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 5 | 1 | — | 27k | — | 2.3 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2000 Cadillac Escalade draws about 45 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 96th percentile of complaint rates among 2000 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 2,150 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2000 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure
My 2000 escalade started having a strong gas smell from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle has never been in an accident. The result was the vehicle had a cracked gas tank on the top. This vehicle has been garage keep for the past 2 years that I have had the vehicle with an electric hot water heater right beside the vehicle. The fumes could have exploded while driving or just sitting in our garage. Has this happened to others?*ak
Smelled gas fumes coming from gas tank area. A mechanic told me that there is a leak in the gas tank area that needs to be replaced as soon as possible as this may ignite causing fire. We saw on line that there was indeed a recall of this car model for the same above cited reason.
Other wheel or tire problem
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning sharply left or right the front tires rubbed the frame of the vehicle which caused the vehicle to shutter, this happened either in drive or reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. Upon inspection the front tire rod ends were replaced. The dealer stated the tires on the vehicle were the correct size. However , replacing the tire rod ends did not correct the problem. Updated 06/05/2006. *ak *ts
ABS module or sensor failure
Dt: 2000 cadillac escalate. The ABS will active at low speeds. The problem first started occurring in june 2004. This will happen at slow speeds, at 10 MPH and under. The brakes will allow the vehicle to drag furtther than necessary before stopping. The consume ttok n it to the dealership for this problem at least 6 times. Had the front brakes replaced twice, and bought four new tires. Tsb 02-05-25-006a wa sissue dfor the anti lock activation at low speeds. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, they told her that it was not under warranty. The consumer felt this wasx a manufacturer's defect and that the manufacture should pay for the repairs.*ak
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling under 10 MPH on slippery or wet road conditions, the brake pedal goes to the floor resulting in decreased stopping power. The front and rear brakes have been replaced. The repairs did not correct the problem.
Recalls on the 2000 model year
NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 2000 Cadillac Escalade, affecting an estimated 3,503 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover equipment, fuel system, gasoline, exterior lighting and fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
EQUIPMENT
121,680 vehicles 2007-10-24- Defect
- Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are not affected by this recall. The gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures.
- Consequence
- This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
- Remedy
- Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during november 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
88,303 vehicles 2006-05-19- Defect
- Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
- Consequence
- This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
61,944 vehicles 2006-03-23- Defect
- Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- Consequence
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
4,300 vehicles 2000-06-07- Defect
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles, equipped with a floor mounted rosen video entertainment center, fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." due to the method of installation of the video entertainment center by the installed, the vehicle may not meet the fuel spillage requirements of the standard in a vehicle crash.
- Consequence
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- If the entertainment center is installed on the right-hand side (passenger side), no correction is required. If the entertainment center is installed on the left-hand side (driver side), the dealer will remove and reinstall the entertainment center with a revised attachment bracket. The dealer will also inspect, and if necessary, replace the fuel return line.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2000 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
High risk for a 2000 — 62nd riskiest of the 327 2000 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 27 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2005 comes out best at 60 and 2026 worst at 79, with 2000 itself at 71.
If the model year is negotiable, 2005, 1999, 2006, 2002, 2013, 2019, 2011, 2004, 2012, 2003, 2010, 2008, 2014, 2016 and 2017 score lower than 2000 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 1999–2001 generation specifically, 1999 is the strongest year at 60 and 2000 the weakest at 71.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 1999-2001 generation, 1999 Cadillac Escalade scores best at 60 and 2000 Cadillac Escalade worst at 71.
What this page cannot tell you
96 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 96 reports, 30 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 31% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Cadillac Escalade?
The most-reported failures are fuel tank, filler or evap failure (8 reports, median 115,000 miles), other wheel or tire problem (8 reports, median 65,000 miles) and abs module or sensor failure (7 reports, median 70,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2000 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
It scores 71 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 62nd riskiest of the 327 2000 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2000 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Cadillac Escalade is best?
Within the 1999–2001 generation, 1999 scores best at 60 out of 100 and 2000 worst at 71. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed