Verdict
2018 Cadillac Escalade: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2018 Cadillac Escalade — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 35 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 73% of 2018 SUVs. Engine leads the reports (37%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2018 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
35
Reports to NHTSA, 2018
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
17
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 73% of 2018 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2018 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (37% of 35 reports), followed by electrical system (20%).
+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 35 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11715954, ODI 11675199, ODI 11673585, ODI 11663291, ODI 11659780.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Service BrakesJan 2020 · 20V603000Details +Close −
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2018 Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2018 Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 14 | 21 | 17 |
| Escalade 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 14 | 23 | 17 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2018 Cadillac Escalade: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?
Owners filed 35 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Cadillac Escalade — fewer complaints than 73% of comparable 2018 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (37% of complaints) and electrical system (20%).
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2018 Cadillac Escalade, covering components such as service brakes. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Cadillac Escalade at 17 mpg combined.