repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2012 Cadillac Escalade ESVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-051 the manufacturer reports only 39% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 29, 2021. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV has problems
3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Electrical system
1Air bags
1Engine
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power,…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Escalade ESV year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Escalade ESV median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV safety ratings
2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 3 stars (23.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Escalade ESV owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
DRIVING NORMAL ON A CITY STREET FOR ABOUT ONE HOUR WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE STARTED ACTING STRANGE, THE DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED, THE AC& HTG CAME ON, HTG&FAN FOR THE SEATS CAME ON, CLOCK BLINKED, NAVIGATION SCREEN BLINKED ON AND OFF, THE VEHICLE SOUNDED AS THOUGH IT WOULD ACCELERATE AND…
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THE DASH LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING, RADIO WENT ON AND OFF, DOOR LOCKS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED, REVVED THE ENGINE, COOLED SEATS AUTOMATICALLY CAME ON, ALL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON LIKE VEHICLE DIED(BUT NEVER DIED) THEN WENT BACK TO NORMAL FOR ABOUT 10 MILES AND SAME THING WAS…
Own a 2012 Escalade ESV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.