Most common 2018 Cadillac Escalade problems
Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Escalade complaints by model year
Best Escalade years: 2013, 2014, 2012. Years to avoid: 2023, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025. Compare all years →
2018 Cadillac Escalade recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020.
What 2018 Cadillac Escalade owners say
Engine & cooling
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.
I had purchased the car [redacted] from dealer "Kars R Us" in Dearborn Heights, Mi. On [redacted], 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. …
Electrical system
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. It was no longer drivable as we could no longer start the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to Penske Cadillac of Torrance where it took them a week to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle fuse box went out which locked out the steering wheel if my wife would of been driving the vehicle she would of been involved in a major accident. The problem was confirmed by the dealer a new fuse box was installed. I have the fuse box here as I requested it to follow up with the NHTSA. There was no warning that the vehicle had any malfuncitons. All electircal componenets and steering went out suddenly and abruplty.
Moon roof drain line obstructed possible pinched during manufacture. Dripping brought to dealers attention . Service tecnition May have applied air pressure to drain line bursting it. Water from rain then leaked on electronics package under driver side dash. Driver became locked in auto due to wet malfunctioning electronic package. Possible hazard in emergency situation.
Brakes
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. I let off the break to pull up a little farther, but when reapplying the break, the pedal went all the way to the floor and there was a warning light saying something about servicing the brakes. I immediately picked up my foot and reapplied it to the brake pedal two or three times and the pedal did come back up to normal position. Then stopped me from hitting the car in front of me. The warning light turned off a few minutes later. The squeaking went away as well. That was a couple months back. But this week my brakes are starting to squeak again when I apply the pedal. So I'm worrying that the brakes may go out again. This vehicle has a very rough ride. I hear rattles when driving. …
I was pulling forward in a parking garage and it nearly pinned a pedestrian into a parked car. The brakes didn't respond as normal. I had to put most of my weight on the pedal to bring the car to a stop. It was really scary. I took it to the dealer and they said it is a known issue covered under warranty and has to do with a vacuum pump used in the electronic brake system. I thought this was reckless and it should be fixed and not wait until a serious incident. The service advisor [redacted] from Tom Kelly Cadillac, Fort Wayne, IN) even commented that it scared him the first time he drove a customer's car with this issue. He was shocked how hard it was to stop. If this hasn't already, it will cost someone their life. Please help!!! I don't want someone to die for a known issue.
2018 Cadillac Escalade engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 23 / 17 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 4WD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Escalade rates average: 31% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Escalade at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?
The engine & cooling — 10 complaints, 48% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have?
There is 1 recall for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade, the most recent from October 1, 2020 (vacuum). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Escalade?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2014 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. See the full Cadillac Escalade years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Cadillac Escalade problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 35,000 miles; 80% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.