2018 Cadillac Escalade Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,116miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 6.2L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade. The part named most often is engine, with 10 complaints (45% of the total), followed by brakes (3) and electrical system (3). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,116 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1,129 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 121 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the vacuum and 35 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine10 45%
- Brakes3 14%
- Electrical system3 14%
- Exterior lighting2 9.1%
- Other or unknown2 9.1%
- Suspension2 9.1%
- Seats1 4.5%
- Steering1 4.5%
Also reported: Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Had to replace the camshafts about 10,000 ago. Vehicle is now having what sounds like lifter clattering. Engine is operating rough when gas is applied. I’ve seen a lot of recalls on 6.2 motors and don’t want my engine to die if it can be helped. I’ve taken the vehicle to my mechanic several times and he thinks it’s the lifters or something more serious. Hopefully the connecting rods aren’t the issue”
NHTSA complaint #11663291, filed 2025-05Brakes: “Luckily no one was in front of me, and I wasn't going fast or it could have been extremely bad especially having my son with me. My brakes literally quit working. I have a 2018 platinum Escalade. Always been serviced to date. I called on star and now waiting on a roll back to take to the dealership. I was pulling into a gas station with my son and felt like I couldn't stop but thought maybe something was slick, I dropped him off to his grandma, pulled into mcdonald's drive thru when it did it again. I backed out of the drive then and called my fianc. …”
NHTSA complaint #11277601, filed 2019-11, 48,942 milesElectrical system: “Moon roof drain line obstructed possible pinched during manufacture. Dripping brought to dealers attention . Service tecnition may have applied air pressure to drain line bursting it. Water from rain then leaked on electronics package under driver side dash. Driver became locked in auto due to wet malfunctioning electronic package. Possible hazard in emergency situation.”
NHTSA complaint #11210118, filed 2019-05, 11,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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 was told there is no eta and could be 7 months to a year before I get my car back.”
NHTSA complaint #11675316, filed 2025-07Mileage when problems were reported
67% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 11,000 and 70,142 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
| Escalade · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Cadillac Escalade version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Escalade 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 17 | $4,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V603000Oct 1, 2020Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › VacuumCovers: Cadillac Escalade 2018, Chevrolet Tahoe 2018, GMC Sierra 1500 2018 +2 more
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…
Recall details for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,129 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11028700Feb 5, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
- 11027698Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from…
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
Other model years of the Cadillac Escalade
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 39 | 7,000 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 21 | 12,000 | 1 | 5 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 52 | 17,500 | 2 | 4 | 16 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 143 | 30,000 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 86 | 37,600 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 78 | 42,500 | 9 | 4 | 17 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 14 | 55,571 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 25 | 41,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 22 | 42,116 | 1 | 4 | 17 | — | Rising |
| 2017 | 51 | 29,000 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 89 | 38,000 | 4 | — | 17 | 86 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 98 | 61,000 | 9 | — | 17 | 90 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 20 | 40,500 | 2 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 19 | 81,750 | 4 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 20 | 66,000 | 3 | 4 | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 49 | 104,762 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 38 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 58 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 15 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 136 | 98,000 | 4 | — | 14 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 230 | 89,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 19 | 88,000 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 43 | 89,053 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 69 | 84,244 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 81 | 71,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 115 | 78,780 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 71 | 80,943 | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 39 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Cadillac Escalade model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 10 complaints (45% of the total), followed by brakes with 3.
Has the 2018 Cadillac Escalade been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Cadillac Escalade do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Cadillac Escalade 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Cadillac Escalade (Escalade 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 14 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Cadillac Escalade reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,116 miles and the middle half falls between 11,000 and 70,142 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.