2012 Cadillac Escalade Problems
- Complaints
- 20filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles, 17 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel RWD · 14 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade. The part named most often is electrical system, with 9 complaints (45% of the total), followed by brakes (3) and engine (3). 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 29% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,582 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 310 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 30 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system9 45%
- Brakes3 15%
- Engine3 15%
- Other or unknown3 15%
- Air bags2 10%
- Steering2 10%
- Body and structure2 10%
- Exterior lighting1 5.0%
Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While traveling on the highway the vehicle randomly lost electrical power, lights, door locks, everything and the engine upshifted into second or third gear completely on its own, then refused to accelerate. The electrics would come back on and then go off again. The electronic went completely berserk and presented a huge safety issue for my wife, children and I.”
NHTSA complaint #11024990, filed 2017-09, 54,000 milesBrakes: “Complete brake failure (brake pedal went to the floor) when exiting the freeway. Simultaneously, the check engine list, service ABS on LED screen, and red brake light illuminated and warning chimes. No previous warning or indicator lights signaling a problem. Had serviced at dealership who indicated it was caused by failing hybrid battery. After being in for service for 52 days, I retrieved the vehicle with a new battery installed. One week later, we experienced another braking issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11287105, filed 2019-12, 94,339 milesEngine: “The car loose power on the road the electronics in car go crazy these may lead to accidents or injuries code c0900 a lot of GM product have the same problem GM needs to do a recall this happen in the highway in rush hour please take action”
NHTSA complaint #11315838, filed 2020-03, 122,696 milesOther or unknown: “Dash on my Escalade has cracked in 3 different places and poses a hazard to occupants. Dealership says they are aware of dash cracks in that model as well as others but GM refuses to recall. This appears to be a manufacture defect in material used and should be addressed asap.”
NHTSA complaint #11123212, filed 2018-08, 38,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
29% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,000 and 82,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
| Escalade · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 24.6% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Cadillac Escalade version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Escalade AWD | 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V051000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2012, Chevrolet Tahoe 2012, Suburban 2012 +11 more
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…
- 21V054000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2010–2014, Chevrolet Tahoe 2010–2014, GMC Sierra 2500 2010–2014 +11 more
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…
- 14V827000Dec 30, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2011–2012, Chevrolet Tahoe 2011–2012, Cadillac Escalade ESV 2011–2012 +7 more
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,582 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027698Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from…
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the Cadillac Escalade
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 | 7,000 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 20 | 12,000 | 1 | 5 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 52 | 17,500 | 2 | 4 | 16 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 143 | 30,000 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 86 | 37,600 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 78 | 42,500 | 9 | 4 | 17 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 14 | 55,571 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 25 | 41,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 22 | 42,116 | 1 | 4 | 17 | — | Rising |
| 2017 | 51 | 29,000 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 89 | 38,000 | 4 | — | 17 | 86 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 98 | 61,000 | 9 | — | 17 | 90 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 20 | 40,500 | 2 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 19 | 81,750 | 4 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 20 | 66,000 | 3 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 49 | 104,762 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 38 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 58 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 15 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 136 | 98,000 | 4 | — | 14 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 230 | 89,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 19 | 88,000 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 43 | 89,053 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 69 | 84,244 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 81 | 71,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 115 | 78,780 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 71 | 80,943 | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 39 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Cadillac Escalade model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Cadillac Escalade have?
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Cadillac Escalade is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 9 complaints (45% of the total), followed by brakes with 3.
Has the 2012 Cadillac Escalade been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Cadillac Escalade do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Cadillac Escalade 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Cadillac Escalade get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Cadillac Escalade (Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Cadillac Escalade reported?
Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,000 miles and the middle half falls between 38,000 and 82,000 miles; 29% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.