repaired · 2020 Q1
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 18V-673 the manufacturer reports only 95% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 25, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Engine
5Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
2Seat belts2 crash/fire/injury
1Power train
1Forward collision avoidance
1Steering
1Suspension
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 2 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Escalade ESV year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Escalade ESV median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV safety ratings
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.2% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Escalade ESV owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum, 6.2L V8 L86 engine, under 100,000 miles. Engine seized and was towed to an authorized GM dealership. Teardown confirmed a spun and twisted rod bearing resulting in complete crankshaft seizure, documented by the dealer as non-serviceable per GM, requiring full…
Traction light and engine light flashing at 95,900 miles took Cadillac ESV to authorized dealer and he advised their was a misfire on cylinder 3 after several attemps to repair now advising he hear a knocking in engine that needs to be replaced.
Engine started making strange noises and i had to pull over due to it not driving correctly. I was stranded two hours from home. There were no warning lights. I have a video of the noise it was making. Upon getting it towed back to a local mechanic I was told I have the 6.2 GM engine that has been…
Own a 2018 Escalade ESV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.