The Lemon Index
201120143rd generation
9 owner complaints, first 3 years 14–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2012 Lincoln Navigator2012 Lincoln MKX 472012 BMW X5 81
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 9 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V054000 (airbags), 21V051000 (airbags) and 14V827000 (electrical) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- NHTSA has an open investigation into desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Has this car had that problem?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1677 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 9 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 9K to 60K miles (14K to 97K km) on the car (9 of all 9 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1677 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Cadillac Escalade recall, all years · All Cadillac recalls
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$4,300 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac Escalade year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2012 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-escalade/?y=2012" title="Cadillac Escalade reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="652" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-escalade/2012/">Lemon Index</a> (2012 Cadillac Escalade reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2012 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a third as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 34; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac Escalade year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2011.
What are the most common 2012 Cadillac Escalade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (78%), brakes (33%) and speed control (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Cadillac Escalade have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Cadillac Escalade get?
14 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Cadillac Escalade safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2012 Cadillac Escalade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Cadillac Escalade cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $4,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Cadillac Escalade have?
6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac Escalade year is better than the 2012?
Nearby, the 2011 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works