2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV Problems: 3 Known Issues

2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV Problems: 3 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Campaign #17V43700010/07/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Campaign #16V65100008/09/2016

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.

Campaign #16V25600028/04/2016

TIRES

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.

Campaign #21V11500025/02/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.

Campaign #19V83700021/11/2019

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 175+ owner reports, the 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Power Liftgate Strut Failure and Liftgate Falling, Transfer Case Encoder Motor and Position Sensor Failure, Rear Level-Control Message or Low Ride Height Needs Circuit Diagnosis. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 3 known issues documented across 175+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

Repair costs for known Cadillac Escalade ESV issues range from $30 to $600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV Power Liftgate Strut Failure and Liftgate Falling?

The power liftgate on the Escalade ESV is prone to gas strut failure due to the extra-long and heavy liftgate (longer than standard Escalade). The struts lose pressure and the liftgate won't stay open or falls unexpectedly. The power liftgate motor and latch can also fail, preven… Repairs typically run $30-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transfer Case Encoder Motor and Position Sensor Failure?

The transfer case encoder motor that controls AWD/4WD engagement fails, causing the "Service 4WD" message and preventing 4WD engagement. The position sensor inside the encoder motor sends incorrect signals. The transfer case may also develop an internal fluid leak past the front… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade ESV Rear Level-Control Message or Low Ride Height Needs Circuit Diagnosis?

GM PIT4954C separates several Escalade ESV level-control paths. On 2007-2009 vehicles, pinched pressure-sensor wiring can contribute to C0696 or C0711. A low rear ride height under heavy payload with C0711 has a moisture-damaged sensor/filter/dryer branch. A visibly loose or dama… Severity: medium.

2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV Problems: 3 Known Issues

All 3 Known Issues

2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV: Power Liftgate Strut Failure and Liftgate Falling#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2002-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV: Transfer Case Encoder Motor and Position Sensor Failure#

Common Symptoms

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2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade ESV: Rear Level-Control Message or Low Ride Height Needs Circuit Diagnosis#

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Other Cadillac Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac Escalade ESV problems?

What is the 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV Power Liftgate Strut Failure and Liftgate Falling?

What is the 2002-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transfer Case Encoder Motor and Position Sensor Failure?

What is the 2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade ESV Rear Level-Control Message or Low Ride Height Needs Circuit Diagnosis?