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2018 Cadillac XTS problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Cadillac XTS is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical XTS model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
90/100
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
9171 warranty
Worst area
Brakes
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
17-22mpg

The worst 2018 Cadillac XTS problems

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

  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Recalls 1

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported August 30, 2018 · 210,628 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Recall number 18V576000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2018 Cadillac XTS

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Cadillac XTS 917

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

See all 917 bulletins for the 2018 Cadillac XTS

2018 Cadillac XTS crash test ratings

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

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Cadillac XTS 4 DR AWD5554
Cadillac XTS 4 DR FWD5554

2018 Cadillac XTS fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.6L 6‑cylFWD15-1921-2817-22
3.6L 6‑cylAWD16-1723-2618-20

What 2018 Cadillac XTS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Brakes · 51,870 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the brakes had been previously replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rear brakes were failing. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that there was no failure found with the rear brakes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V576000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 51,870.

Filed Dec 27, 2022 · Fuel system · OH

In November of 2022 I noticed that after I would fill my 2018 Cadillac with fuel that it was extremely difficult to start. This same issue I had over the previous 4 years with my 2012 Buick Lacrosse twice and each time it was a GM #12690512 Vapor canister Purge Valve each time at over $300.00 to correct the problem. I could leave the car running while fueling but that is not safe to do. I believe GM has a known issue with this item and is no longer using this part in their newer vehicles.

Filed Jun 13, 2022 · MO

The screen on the CUE system cracked, spider web cracked. Under no particular conditions. I got in it one day and it was like that. The car is parked in a garage unless driven. I asked the dealership about this and if there was a recall. The dealership said they have had a lot of complaints about this, but no recall. It is expensive to get fixed, and from what i've been reading online, they replace with the same screen, so it could happen again. This is so unexceptable.

Filed May 16, 2020 · Electrical · OR · crash

Infotainment center malfunctioning. Climate control, backup camera and nearly every convenience and safety feature disabled. Cadillac has attempted to fix 5 times and now says that it can not be corrected. Cadillac also acknowledges that this is a known issue. Screen pixelates and/or goes black when the vehicle is in motion.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · 23,000 miles · TX

Cadillac user experience (cue) continues to malfunction after recall updates were installed. Vehicle has had 4 attempted repairs to correct the defect problem still persist and presents a serious safety risk as visibility to hazards at the rear of the vehicle are impaired and in some cases reduced to none. Vue controls most of the features on the vehicle. Cue becomes disabled and blacks out making it impossible to restore normal rear visibility functions such as the side mirrors pivoting down. In the absence of the rear view camera, the pivoting action reduces and occasionally obstructs most visibility while backing. Recently a 4 year girl was nearly struct during this failure. With the mirrors down and no rear view camera, all that was available to view to the rear was the rear view mirror which is aimed to high to see a small child behind the vehicle in a parking lot.. In addition to this incident, all of the controls for the vehicle are adjusted or controlled through the cue module. It's absence or malfunction reduces most of the safety and convenience features are inoperable.

Filed Jun 19, 2019 · Brakes · NV · crash

Tl* the contact rented a 2018 cadillac xts from enterprise car rental. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into the rear of the vehicle ahead. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to enterprise car rental. The contact was unaware as to whether or not the vehicle was ever diagnosed. The contact was informed by a third party that handles liability for enterprise car rental stated that the vehicle may be declared a total loss. The contact was unaware as to whether or not the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 29, 2018 · 8,000 miles · WI

For the second time, I can't get into or start my car after it's sat unused for a few days. The first time, cadillac told me how to open the car. Then, I attempted unsuccessfully to jump start it. The dealership replaced the battery. When it happened the second time, the dealership said they didn't know what happened.

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

Compare the 2018 Cadillac XTS

Other model years

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Questions about the 2018 Cadillac XTS

Is the 2018 Cadillac XTS reliable?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2018 Cadillac XTS, fewer than a typical XTS model year.

What is the 2018 Cadillac XTS year score?

The 2018 Cadillac XTS scores 90 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac XTS: 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 XTS?

Brakes, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (1).

How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac XTS have?

1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.

Is the 2018 Cadillac XTS safe in a crash?

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

Was there a recall on the 2018 Cadillac XTS brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V576000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac XTS get?

Official estimates for the 2018 Cadillac XTS range from 17 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.6L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 15-19 city and 21-28 highway.

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