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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 115 |
| 2003 | 81 |
| 2004 | 69 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 229 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 58 |
| 2010 | 38 |
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2015 | 94 |
| 2016 | 86 |
| 2017 | 49 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 57 |
| 2022 | 71 |
| 2023 | 119 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
CRASHShow 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, 20130315
3 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes.
CRASHShow 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, 20130315
3 of 20 total reports mention: engine.
2 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow 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, 20130315
2 of 20 total reports mention: structure.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HIT AND TOTALED A BLACK MAN CONVERTIBLE I WAS AT FAULT. PLEASE HELP I WAS TEXTING AND DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20200720
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 14V827000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V051000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V054000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Cadillac Escalade — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V827000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V051000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V054000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.