2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 22 |
| 2005 | 14 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 39 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 62 |
| 2022 | 51 |
| 2023 | 70 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 14 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE STOP WORKING HAD TO REPLACE WHOLE ENGINE
NHTSA ODI report, 20201112
4 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle caught fire in seatbelt harness
NHTSA ODI report, 20250806
2 of 14 total reports mention: seat belts.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle caught fire in seatbelt harness
NHTSA ODI report, 20250806
1 of 14 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
FRONT STRUTS HAVE FAILED AND REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. GM HAS CHANGED DESIGN ON REPLACEMENT STRUTS WHICH INDICATES THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THIS REPAIR COST SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS AND FIR A NEW VEHICLE IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. AFFFECTS STEERING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210223
1 of 14 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
FRONT STRUTS HAVE FAILED AND REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. GM HAS CHANGED DESIGN ON REPLACEMENT STRUTS WHICH INDICATES THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THIS REPAIR COST SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS AND FIR A NEW VEHICLE IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. AFFFECTS STEERING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210223
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018.
Campaign 18V673000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V673000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.