2018 Cadillac Escalade Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
10/100
#19 most-complained of 21 Escalade years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade has 21 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 10 out of 100 — #19 highest of 21 Escalade model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is engine (10 complaints, 48% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash and 1 fire.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 14 city / 22 hwy
Top 2018 Cadillac Escalade problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine10 (48%)
- Brakes4 (19%)
- Electrical System4 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (14%)
- Other2 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (10%)
- Steering1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (5%)
2018 Cadillac Escalade recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V603000Oct 1, 2020Brakes14,620 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
2018 Cadillac Escalade fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,700
- 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 Escalade years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ranks #19 of 21 among Escalade model years (Complaint Index 10/100, verdict: Best). It has 21 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (10 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), and electrical system (4 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 35,290 miles.
- Does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade, most recently reported 2020, covering brakes.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?
- EPA rates the 2018 Cadillac Escalade at 17 MPG combined (14 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,700. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.