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2018 Cadillac Escalade problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Cadillac Escalade is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical Escalade model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
88/100
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1,1291 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Crash rating
4/5
Fuel economy
17mpg

The worst 2018 Cadillac Escalade problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    10
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Lights
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    10
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Lights
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 1

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported October 1, 2020 · 14,620 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 20V603000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade 1,129

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,129 bulletins for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade

2018 Cadillac Escalade crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD4453
Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD4453

2018 Cadillac Escalade fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
6.2L 8‑cylRWD142317
6.2L 8‑cyl4WD142117

What 2018 Cadillac Escalade owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Tires · 148,090 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac Escalade equipped with Gladiator Tires, Tire Line: X Comp A/T, Tire Size: P285/45/R22, DOT Number: 05Y11XAT6. The contact stated that the tires were manufactured with a deep groove on the inside and outside where the sidewalls and tread converge, and the rear driver’s side tire was losing air. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The dealer was contacted; however, the tires were not inspected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The tires were replacement tires. The vehicle failure mileage was 148,090. The tire failure mileage was 9,000.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · CA

The instrument cluster reset, flashes and the turn signals will stop working while the system is cycling or restting, whilw changing lanes or in a middle of a turn

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Engine · MS

Had to get cam shaft replaced last year. Now the lifters are going bad

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Engine, Seats · NY

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 this time ruined my engine. Went to local GM dealership and asked at service department if they could fix it complementary due to all reported lifters issues from GM as we all can see online and rejected my offer. So far vehicle is still not fixed and it’s been 5 months in shop looking ways to see if engine could be solved but have to replaced. Also on the Escalade 2018 the seats (middle seat row and 3rd are really being noisy, I purchased vehicle 3 years ago with about 80K miles but these seats are not fully locked in the bottom and metal with metal makes sounds on bumps and bricks streets. When purchased I used to take vehicle to dealer but actually it continues with issues and I just lost confidence and pricing and turnaround were not convenient. Unfortunately, the 2018 Escalade is the worst vehicle decision I have made in my life. When told service manager that I couldn’t believe how a 2018 vehicle was failing engine and again, he told me he has seen 2024 so it shouldn’t be surprising. More to say but will keep simple

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Transmission · SC

I stopped to get gas and put the car in park. Turned the car off and when I started it back up the car thought it was in drive but was in park still. The gas pedal won’t not work and the car is now stuck in park. The Chevy Caddilac dealership said it is a failed TCM. Part is on back order and I was told there is no eta and could be 7 months to a year before I get my car back.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Engine · NJ

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 hear ticking coming from the engine. Following the aforementioned ,I had th vehicle towed to Turnersville Cadillac in Turnersville ,NJ for evaluation. Upon the vehicle being evaluated I was advised by service mechanics there that I needed a new engine and that the cost would be approximately $17,500 dollars. The cause of this catastrophic engine failure was attributed to lifters failing. Prior to this catastrophic mechanical failure, there were no warning lights or tapping noises and the vehicle was operating normally.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Engine · MI

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 pedal was not working. For the safety of my family, I had to act fast however panicked. I was able to pull myself over to the far lane off the shoulder and within seconds, the car abruptly shut down, entirely. We barely made it to safety! My family was stranded on the highway, unsafe conditions for approx 3 hrs waiting for a tow truck. I had the car towed to the dealership's mechanic shop, with my family riding alongside. The following day I briefed the dealer about the incident and he recommended that I contact my auto insurance and make a claim. His mechanic diagnosed it as an "engine lock", something triggered it to shut down completely to prevent any more damage is what I was told. The engine would need to be replaced as well. I have since made a claim however, 2 months later and 2 appraisals since, claim was declined. The insurance company claimed that there was "internal damage" to the engine and that was not covered under the policy. I'm not sure what to do, obviously I don't have the $$ for a new engine and the dealership has not made any other recommendations since it was sold "As Is". Please advise!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 27, 2025 · Engine · MS

Had to replace the camshafts about 10,000 ago. Vehicle is now having what sounds like lifter clattering. Engine is operating rough when gas is applied. I’ve seen a lot of recalls on 6.2 motors and don’t want my engine to die if it can be helped. I’ve taken the vehicle to my mechanic several times and he thinks it’s the lifters or something more serious. Hopefully the connecting rods aren’t the issue

Filed May 8, 2025 · Engine · 70,142 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,142.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Engine, Suspension · AZ

2018 Escalade with 84 k miles. First issue was the front struts went out at around 80k miles 3200 repair. Second issue which is the major issue. Was driving and started hearing a clicking noise as I pressed on gas the car didn’t want to move and started slowing down. Car started shaking. Check engine light wasn’t on. Drove straight to dealership and was told I had a bent push rod and my lifters would need to be repairs and possibly cam shaft. Was quoted 8-13 thousand dollars. Car got regular oil changes and premium gas only since day 1.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2018 Cadillac Escalade before you buy

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Questions about the 2018 Cadillac Escalade

Is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2018 Cadillac Escalade, fewer than a typical Escalade model year.

What is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade year score?

The 2018 Cadillac Escalade scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac Escalade: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?

Engine and cooling, with 10 complaints. Next is brakes (3).

How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have?

1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.

Is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2018 Cadillac Escalade scored 4 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

What year does the Cadillac Escalade have bad engine?

The Cadillac Escalade model years with the most engine complaints are 2023 (123 complaints), 2022 (77 complaints) and 2021 (56 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade get?

Official estimates for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade range from 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (6.2L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 23 highway.

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