2018 Buick Cascada Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#2 most-complained of 4 Cascada years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Buick Cascada has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking second-worst among 4 model years, with a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 55% of its 11 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 76,000.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 29 hwy
Top 2018 Buick Cascada problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Engine emits a whistling sound from the engine compartment along with the check engine light, often traced to a faulty intake manifold.
- Owners report a chirping noise from under the hood linked to the belt, tensioner, or PCV/camshaft cover.
- PCV system failure reported around 62,000 miles, with owners noting the issue can recur after repair.
- Check engine light tied to a faulty air intake valve, with failure reported at 72,000 miles.
- Brake pedal reportedly failed to respond during a low-speed turn, resulting in a crash where airbags did not deploy.
- Back windshield reported detaching from the canvas folding top, raising concern about the panel coming loose while driving.
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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Cascada a Complaint Index of 67 and a Caution verdict, ranking second-worst out of 4 model years covered. Engine issues account for 55% of its complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Buick Cascada?
- Engine problems are the top issue, making up 55% of complaints (6 of 11), with a median failure mileage of 76,000. Owners describe intake manifold, PCV, and air intake valve failures.
- Does the 2018 Buick Cascada have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2018 Cascada, though one complaint references a camshaft cover recall that applied to a different model year, not 2018.
- How does the 2018 Cascada compare to other model years?
- The 2016 Cascada has the worst Complaint Index at 100 and an Avoid verdict, while 2017 (33) and 2019 (0) rank better with Good and Best verdicts. The 2018 model sits at 67, second-worst of the 4 years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Buick Cascada?
- EPA rates the 2018 Cascada at 24 MPG combined (21 city/29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300.