repaired · 2022 Q3
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Cadillac EscaladeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 2018 Cadillac Escalade, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 20V-603 the manufacturer reports only 87% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Cadillac Escalade has problems
22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Engine
3Electrical system
3Power train
3Service brakes
2Exterior lighting
2Suspension
1Steering
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Tires
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 1 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2018 Cadillac Escalade 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 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 median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Cadillac Escalade safety ratings
2018 Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD 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 (21.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Escalade owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
I had purchased the car [XXX] from dealer "Kars R Us" in Dearborn Heights, Mi. On [XXX], I was driving on a highway at 70 mph with my family when I lost control of gas pedal. There was No warning of any kind! I was in the middle lane at the time and noticed the speedometer was decreasing and gas…
Own a 2018 Escalade?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.