2012 Cadillac Escalade
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 20
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 20 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 115 |
| 2003 | 81 |
| 2004 | 69 |
| 2005 | 43 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 230 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 58 |
| 2010 | 38 |
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 98 |
| 2016 | 89 |
| 2017 | 51 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 25 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 78 |
| 2022 | 86 |
| 2023 | 142 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 37 |
| 2027 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
9 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather at an unknown speed, the brakes were applied but the vehicle accelerated instead.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-15
Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control
Service brakes
3 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes.
Engine
3 of 20 total reports mention: engine.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Structure
2 of 20 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
I hit and totaled a black man convertible I was at fault. Please help I was texting and driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-20
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2015-02-12Electrical system14V827000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015.
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2021-05-11Air bags21V051000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.
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2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Cadillac Escalade — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system
- Recall 21V051000 · Air bags
- Recall 21V054000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Cadillac Escalade?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Cadillac Escalade have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.