Engine
5.3L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 107 of 115 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 69 of 115 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
45 complaint records4 crash reports
"MY BRAKES ARE STARTING TO GO OUT. AND THE BACK AIR VENTS DON'T WORK SO IT TAKES A WHILE FOR MY DAUGHTER TO GET WARM WHEN IT'S COLD OUT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
16 complaint records4 fire reports2 crash reports
"VEHICLE CUTS OFF WHEN IDLING. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AFTER A TWO-HOUR DRIVE WHEN DRIVER SLOWED DOWN WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
10 complaint records1 crash report
"THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILED CAUSING THE WHEEL FELL OFF DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PH..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA11001 opened Jan 2011 | closed Apr 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Brake line corrosion failure On January 11, 2011, ODI opened EA11-001 to investigate allegations of premature brake line corrosion failure in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 General Motors (GM) full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold or registered in the following... |
| PE05020 opened Apr 2005 | closed Sep 2005 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | UNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATION - led to recall 05V379000 IN A LETTER DATED AUGUST 29, 2005, GM NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999 THROUGH 2002 C/K PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION THAT MAY RESULT IN... |
| EA02015 opened Aug 2002 | closed Jan 2004 | Vehicle Speed Control | THROTTLE STICKING CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION (GM)THROTTLE BODY (TB) UTILIZED IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 SILVERADO, SIERRA, TAHOE, SUBURBAN, AVALANCHE AND YUKON (SUBJECT VEHICLE(S)) WITH 4.8L, 5.3L, AND 6.0L ENGINES. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02V253000 | Seats | ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REARWARD FOLDING HEAD RESTRAINTS ON THE SECOND ROW SEATS, TWO POTENTIAL PINCH POINTS EXIST ON EACH OF THE FOLDING HEAD RESTRAINTS WHEN THE RESTRAINTS ARE FOLDED REARWARD... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004102 2004-03-18 | Other | 301,974 | On certain vehicles, the galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position can corrode over time and fracture when loads are applied to them. |
| 2002166 2002-09-20 | Seats And Restraints | 17,569 | Certain vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats. Two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the head restraint(s) are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down. |
| 2002068 2002-04-11 | Seats And Restraints | 63,049 | Certain vehicles fail to conform to CMVSS 209, seat belt assemblies. These vehicles have a condition where one or two sensors in the driver's and front seat passengers seat belt retractors may be inoperative. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIT6446 Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI Communicates information to ensure Memory Recall is enabled to ensure memory mirrors return to set position after curbview assist is used. | |
| PIP5601C Jul 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC. | |
| PIP5358D Feb 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| PIP4723J Oct 2024 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIT5099H Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). |
| 24-NA-141 Jul 2024 | Power Train | GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. | |
| 16-NA-383 Jun 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 18-NA-099 Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 24-NA-098 Jun 2024 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information. | |
| 10-08-45-001H Mar 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish. | |
| 06-06-01-019C Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location. | |
| 16-NA-383 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 22-NA-074 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 18-NA-099 Jan 2024 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 02-08-42-001J Jan 2024 | Exterior Lighting | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage. | |
| PI1394B Jan 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine. | |
| PIP5601B Jan 2024 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. | |
| 23-NA-219 Dec 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories. | |
| 17-NA-170 Oct 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 10-00-89-006J Sep 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| PIT5099G Sep 2023 | Visibility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| 23-NA-153 Sep 2023 | Power Train | The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay. | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| 23-NA-144 Aug 2023 | Service Brakes | This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns. | |
| PIP5628G Aug 2023 | Engine | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| PIP5358C Jul 2023 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| PIT3010B Jul 2023 | Electronic Stability Control | This Preliminary information communicates to the technician information about the Service Stability System message on with DTC C0285 and/or C0286 caused by the Medium Pressure Accumulator Switch (MPA). | |
| PIT3665M May 2023 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn. | |
| 17-NA-170 Apr 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 19-NA-219 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| PIP5628F Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| 19-NA-219 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 01-08-42-001O Feb 2023 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| PIP5628E Feb 2023 | Equipment | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| PIP5540J Dec 2022 | Visibility | This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. | |
| 21-NA-124 Dec 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set. | |
| 22-NA-074 Nov 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 22-NA-205 Oct 2022 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting. | |
| PIT3665L Oct 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn. | |
| 10-00-89-006I Oct 2022 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| PIC5453D Sep 2022 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. | |
| 22-NA-195 Sep 2022 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information on Handling Requests for Modifications to Permanently Import/Export Vehicles Between the U.S. and Canada. | |
| 22-NA-009 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 22-NA-181 Sep 2022 | Power Train | This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the engine or transmission. | |
| PIP5640A Sep 2022 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. | |
| 20-NA-065 Aug 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin provides information on tools available to find an intake vacuum leak or exhaust leak to correct a condition of MIL Illuminated with Multiple Fuel Trim and/or Oxygen Sensor Codes Set. | |
| 22-NA-009 Jun 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| PIT5099F Jun 2022 | Visibility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| PIP5358B May 2022 | Structure | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| 22-NA-074 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 04-06-04-051F Mar 2022 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive. | |
| 05-00-89-072E Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides the technician with additional information on fuels, fuel additives and fuel management. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 22NA009 Jan 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| PIP5628E Dec 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| PIT3099U Aug 2021 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory parts/kits. Technicians should refer to Service Information for information regarding most accessories. |
Showing 60 of 550 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Cadillac Escalade →