VehicleVerdict

2018 Cadillac Escalade problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

29

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Escalade years?

Escalade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted317 complaints1999: 46 complaints2000: 96 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 164 complaints2003: 111 complaints2004: 99 complaints2005: 63 complaints2006: 26 complaints2007: 317 complaints2008: 180 complaints2009: 89 complaints2010: 47 complaints2011: 53 complaints2012: 32 complaints2013: 23 complaints2014: 29 complaints2015: 141 complaints2016: 120 complaints2017: 76 complaints2018: 29 complaints2019: 28 complaints2020: 15 complaints2021: 85 complaints2022: 98 complaints2023: 176 complaints2024: 58 complaints2025: 24 complaints2026: 16 complaints
Escalade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escalade years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Cadillac Escalade problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1034%
Electrical System414%
Brakes310%
Transmission310%
Lighting27%
Suspension27%
Other27%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Seats13%
Steering13%

Does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V603000BrakesOctober 1, 2020 · 14,620 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.

Consequence

A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Cam shaft lifters are failing. Cam shaft needs to be rebuilt. Rough idle and tick sound from engine. Can cause catalytic converter to stop working and is hazardous and not solving right away can cause further damage to vehicle and damage vehicle while driving. Many have reported same problems.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 26, 2021

“WHILE DRIVING THE 2018 ESCALADE ESV RWD ON INTERSTATE 87 NORTH YESTERDAY, DRIVING ABOUT 33MPH, THE ESCALADE SUDDENLY SWERVED LEFT AND SLID INTO THE MEDIAN AND THEN ROLLED OVER ON ITS ROOF. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I NOTED I HAD RECEIVED DIAGNOSTIC ONSTAR EMAILS THAT MORNING WHILE DRIVING THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 27, 2018 · crash · fire

“I was pulling forward in a parking garage and it nearly pinned a pedestrian into a parked car. The brakes didn't respond as normal. I had to put most of my weight on the pedal to bring the car to a stop. It was really scary. I took it to the dealer and they said it is a known issue covered under…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 11, 2023

“I stopped to get gas and put the car in park. Turned the car off and when I started it back up the car thought it was in drive but was in park still. The gas pedal won’t not work and the car is now stuck in park. The Chevy Caddilac dealership said it is a failed TCM. Part is on back order and I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 21, 2025

“The low beam headlights are too bright. I get flashed constantly, and then some drivers leave their bright lights on, blinding me, and creating a dangerous driving situation. Almost crashed last night due to being blinded by oncoming vehicle.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 29, 2022

2018 Cadillac Escalade — common questions

Is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 Escalade problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Cadillac Escalade. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac Escalade years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escalade years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2023, 2002, 2015, 2016, 2003, 2004, 2022, 2000, 2009, 2021, 2024, 2011, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2013. The cleanest record among Escalade years belongs to 2001.

How safe is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Cadillac Escalade earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.