2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Introduction:

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a full-size luxury pickup truck available with a standard 310-horsepower 6.2L V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and an optional 365-horsepower 6.2L V8 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Owners appreciate the Escalade EXT’s comfortable and spacious interior, impressive towing and payload capacities, and strong V8 engines. However, it is known for its high fuel consumption and expensive repair costs.

Engine

6.2L V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Gasket Failure: The exhaust manifold gasket can also fail, leading to exhaust leaks and decreased engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Shifting Problems: The transmission may exhibit shifting problems, such as slipping gears or delayed shifts.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace faulty transmission components as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

8-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Fluid Leaks: The 8-speed transmission may develop leaks due to faulty seals or gaskets.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Bushing Failure: The front suspension bushings can fail, causing excessive noise and vibration during driving.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure: The rear shock absorbers can fail, leading to decreased ride quality and handling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain: The battery may drain prematurely due to faulty electronics or accessories.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair the electrical system to identify and fix the cause of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the issue
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V307000
• Headlight Failure: The headlights may malfunction or fail due to faulty bulbs or electrical problems.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace faulty headlight components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Lock Failure: The tailgate lock may fail, preventing the tailgate from opening or closing properly.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace the faulty lock mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Bumper Corrosion: The rear bumper may corrode over time, especially in areas with high humidity.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the corroded bumper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard may develop cracks over time, especially when exposed to excessive heat or UV radiation.
  • Solution: Replace the cracked dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Seat Failure: The power seat may fail to adjust or malfunction due to faulty motors or electrical issues.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair or replace the faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V839000

Summary:

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT has a range of issues that can affect its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and interior. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more severe and costly. Overall, the Escalade EXT has comparable reliability to other luxury pickup trucks but is on the higher end for maintenance and repair costs.