Worst 2012 Cadillac Escalade Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Brakes
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 9 | 1 | — | 51,414 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbags | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheels:Rim | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Cadillac Escalade
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,146,965 vehicles.
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 ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
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 states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
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. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Other Cadillac Escalade Years
2012 Cadillac Escalade — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Cadillac Escalade?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Cadillac Escalade?
How safe is the 2012 Cadillac Escalade?
Does the 2012 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Cadillac Escalade?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Escalade reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Cadillac Escalade
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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