2018 Buick Cascada Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Buick Cascada has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 2nd worst out of 4 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 55% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 76,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #2 of 4 Cascada years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2018 Buick Cascada problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine6 (55%)
- Airbags1 (9%)
- Brakes1 (9%)
- Other1 (9%)
- Structure & Body1 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine emits a whistling sound from the engine compartment along with the check engine light coming on, often traced to a faulty intake manifold.
- Owners report the check engine light illuminating due to a faulty air intake valve needing replacement.
- A chirping noise from under the hood was linked to the belt and later to the PCV/camshaft cover.
- One owner described a PCV failure around 62,000 miles, noting it can recur even after repair.
- The rear windshield can detach from the canvas folding top, raising concern about it flying off while driving.
- In one incident, the brake pedal failed to respond during a low-speed turn and the airbags did not deploy in the resulting crash.
2018 Buick Cascada recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2018 Buick Cascada fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Cascada years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Buick Cascada reliable?
- It has a Complaint Index of 67, the second-highest among the 4 model years tracked, and carries a Caution verdict. Engine issues account for 55% of its complaints.
- What is the main problem with the 2018 Buick Cascada?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, making up 55% of complaints, with owners reporting intake manifold and air intake valve failures at a median mileage of 76,000 miles.
- Does the 2018 Buick Cascada have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2018 Cascada.
- Which Cascada model years are better than 2018?
- The 2019 model year has a Complaint Index of 0 and a Best verdict, while 2017 has an index of 33 and a Good verdict. The 2016 model year is worse, with an index of 100 and an Avoid verdict.
- How many complaints does NHTSA have on file for the 2018 Cascada?
- NHTSA lists 11 complaints for the 2018 Buick Cascada, including 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires or deaths reported.