2018 Cadillac Escalade
Only 21 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 21 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 |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 115 |
| 2003 | 81 |
| 2004 | 69 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 229 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 58 |
| 2010 | 38 |
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2015 | 94 |
| 2016 | 86 |
| 2017 | 49 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 57 |
| 2022 | 71 |
| 2023 | 119 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
10 of 21 total reports mention: engine.
3 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
I noticed my brakes started squeaking when I would push the braking pedal. One day, I was pulling up to a bank, drive-through, applying pressure to the brakes, and I had stopped.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240108
3 of 21 total reports mention: power train.
3 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
On July 28th 2024 my wife backed the vehicle out of the garage and the vehicle locked out the steering wheel. The cluster and gauges went completely out. The vehicle did not start or turn on after that point.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240809
2 of 21 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
I paid 8600 on my engine for lifters exc...in 2022 the now in 2025 I was told I need a new engine [XXX] The whole engine is messed up INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI report, 20250121
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020.
Campaign 20V603000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Cadillac Escalade — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V603000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade 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?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade 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.