2018 Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 45%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,142miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade, 45% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,142 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2025-05“On Juy7, 2025 while operating my 2018 Cadillac Escalade, which at the time of the incident had an odometer reading of approximately 57,600 miles. felt an immediate loss of power (inability to accelerate efficiently) and shortly thereafter the amber check engine light flashed on and off and I could hear ticking coming from the engine. Following the aforementioned ,I had th vehicle towed to Turnersville Cadillac in Turnersville ,NJ for evaluation. …”
NHTSA complaint #11675199, filed 2025-07“It been twice that I have experienced lifters issues and damage caused to engine because of these. First time I fixed it in a NY mechanic shop because dealer workflow and expecting dates (all lifters, crankshaft, and seals were replaced new), less than 1 year later again the lifters failed (2) but this time ruined my engine. Went to local GM dealership and asked at service department if they could fix it complementary due to all reported lifters issues from GM as we all can see online and rejected my offer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11695716, filed 2025-10“2018 Escalade with 84 k miles. First issue was the front struts went out at around 80k miles 3200 repair. Second issue which is the major issue. Was driving and started hearing a clicking noise as I pressed on gas the car didn’t want to move and started slowing down. Car started shaking. Check engine light wasn’t on. Drove straight to dealership and was told I had a bent push rod and my lifters would need to be repairs and possibly cam shaft. Was quoted 8-13 thousand dollars. Car got regular oil changes and premium gas only since day 1.”
NHTSA complaint #11658065, filed 2025-05“Pulled out of gas station and in 1/2 mile down the road pulled into oil change facility that I had scheduled to do. Heard a loud ticking of engine that was unfamiliar. Did oil change and engine still had sound after warm up. Pulled oil filter and found metal particles in filter/filter oil.”
NHTSA complaint #11643877, filed 2025-02Related service bulletins
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 36 | 95% |
| 2025 | 12 | 60% |
| 2024 | 36 | 69% |
| 2023 | 110 | 77% |
| 2022 | 68 | 79% |
| 2021 | 46 | 59% |
| 2020 | 6 | 43% |
| 2019 | 17 | 68% |
| 2018 | 10 | 45% |
| 2017 | 22 | 43% |
| 2016 | 31 | 35% |
| 2015 | 27 | 28% |
| 2014 | 3 | 15% |
| 2013 | 3 | 16% |
| 2012 | 3 | 15% |
| 2010 | 3 | 8% |
| 2009 | 9 | 16% |
| 2008 | 13 | 10% |
| 2007 | 33 | 14% |
| 2006 | 3 | 16% |
| 2005 | 5 | 12% |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% |
| 2003 | 4 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology