2002 Cadillac Escalade ESV Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2002 Cadillac Escalade ESV Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

Filter:

Community Reported

320 owners

On the 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV, the Escalade ESV equipped with the Autoride electronic air suspension system experiences compressor burnout and air shock/strut failure. The compressor runs excessively trying to compensate for leaking air shocks, eventually overheating and failing. Replacement OEM air shocks are extremely expensive, and the compressor costs $800+ from the dealer. This affects the rear air shocks most commonly but front electronic struts also fail.

This issue also affects: Cadillac Seville

Common Symptoms

Vehicle sitting low on one or both rear corners
Air compressor running constantly (buzzing from rear)
Service Ride Control message on DIC
Bouncy or floaty ride quality
Vehicle drops to bump stops after sitting overnight

How to Fix

The most popular and cost-effective solution is converting to passive coil spring suspension using an Arnott or Strutmasters conversion kit. This eliminates the air compressor, air shocks, and height sensors. A bypass module suppresses the Autoride warning lights. Alternatively, replace with new OEM or Arnott air shocks and a new compressor.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 320+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeStrutmasters Escalade ESV air suspension conversion kit — converts to passive springs, eliminates all Autoride components (Strutmasters Air-to-Coil Conversion Kit)
View on Amazon
TipIf keeping air suspension, replace the compressor relay first ($15) — a stuck relay causes 90% of compressor burnouts
NoteA failed air suspension compressor can leave the vehicle on the bump stops — do not drive in this condition as it destroys tire sidewalls and is unstable

Typical repair cost:$600 - $3,000

Research This Issue

320+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

Low Confidence320 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2002-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV, the transfer case encoder motor that controls AWD/4WD engagement fails, causing the "Service 4WD" message and preventing 4WD engagement. The position sensor inside the encoder motor sends incorrect signals. The transfer case may also develop an internal fluid leak past the front output seal.

This issue also affects: Kia Borrego, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Common Symptoms

Service 4WD message on dash
4WD not engaging
Grinding noise when shifting to 4WD
Transfer case stuck between modes

How to Fix

Replace the encoder motor on the transfer case. The motor is externally mounted and accessible. After replacement, a transfer case relearn procedure must be performed with a scan tool. Check and top off the transfer case fluid with the correct Auto-Trak II fluid.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeMobil 1 75W-90 synthetic gear oil for differential and transfer case (Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90)
View on Amazon
UpgradeFel-Pro gasket kit for drivetrain service (Fel-Pro Gasket Kit)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$250 - $600

Research This Issue

0+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

⚠️NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

TIRES

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.

Campaign #21V11500025/02/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.

Campaign #19V83700021/11/2019

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #18V67300026/09/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Campaign #17V43700010/07/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Campaign #16V65100008/09/2016

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 320+ owner reports, the 2002-2002 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure, Transfer Case Encoder Motor and Position Sensor Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?

The 2002-2002 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 2 known issues documented across 320+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

Repair costs for known Cadillac Escalade ESV issues range from $250 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure, typically costs $600-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure?

The Escalade ESV equipped with the Autoride electronic air suspension system experiences compressor burnout and air shock/strut failure. The compressor runs excessively trying to compensate for leaking air shocks, eventually overheating and failing. Replacement OEM air shocks are… Repairs typically run $600-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2002-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transfer Case Encoder Motor and Position Sensor Failure?

The transfer case encoder motor that controls AWD/4WD engagement fails, causing the "Service 4WD" message and preventing 4WD engagement. The position sensor inside the encoder motor sends incorrect signals. The transfer case may also develop an internal fluid leak past the front… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.

2002 Cadillac Escalade ESV Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV: Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2002-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV: Transfer Case Encoder Motor and Position Sensor Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Cadillac Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

What is the 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Shock Failure?

What is the 2002-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transfer Case Encoder Motor and Position Sensor Failure?