2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
27
Owner Complaints
1
Recall
26
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE
The 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE has received a total of 27 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM. 26 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (10 complaints), Power Train (3 complaints), and Service Brakes (3 complaints).
Recalls for the 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE
NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE, potentially affecting up to 29,240 vehicles.
Recall 20V603000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
| 14,620 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 20V603000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
| 14,620 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE
27 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
Had to get cam shaft replaced last year. Now the lifters are going bad
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
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
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
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.
Safety Rating for the 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE
The 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE
General Motors, LLC has issued 26 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
PI0281J — STEERING
This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
20NA037 — SERVICE BRAKES
This technical bulletin is providing a procedure to add additional sealant after repairing a trailer wiring harness with the condition of Unable to Start/Shut Off Vehicle, Extended Engine Crank Prior to Start, Battery Drain, Tail Lamps Inoperative, Unintended Brake Pedal Movement During Operation, and/or Traction Control/Stability System/ABS Indicators Illuminated due...
150089005C — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Essential Tools that include Consumable Parts (U.S. Only).
19NA137 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to add PET tape to the brake cables if the cause of the customers concern.
PIP5642 — ENGINE
This Preliminary information communicates A vehicle may have a concern of a misfire P0300 on bank 1 that may or may not be felt driving. The Cause may be the HPFP lifter
PIE0487A — EQUIPMENT
This engineering information PI ends the need for further information from the field on vehicles that may have a condition of unresponsive touchscreen and concerns related to this EI have been resolved with radio software update 20.11.
PIP5570A — STEERING
This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a condition where a tick noise may be present inside a vehicle while driving. This may be the result of a deformed or improperly seated steering shaft seal allowing engine compartment sounds into the vehicle. Dealers are instructed to replace or reinstall the boot...
PIT5392C — SERVICE BRAKES
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a detent / click with a feel of increased resistance when the accelerator pedal is about ¾ of the way. The new accelerator pedal design has a built-in detent position near the last 1/4 of pedal travel....
PIP5491A — STRUCTURE
This Preliminary information communicates to the technician when diagnosing intermittent circuit concerns to look at the connector for missing weather pack seals that could allow water intrusion into the connector and lead to corrosion on the terminals.
PIP5553A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary information communicatesThe vehicle may have an ses lamp with any of the following DTC P06DA, P06DB, P06DC, P250A, P0300, P0340, P0341, P0335, P0336, P0641, P0011, P0010, P2088, P2089, and/or P2230. Possible crank no start or a stall. possible wiring jumper harness chaffed at the bolt at the X154...
Showing 10 of 26 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the CADILLAC ESCALADE
- 2013 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 22 complaints
- 2014 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 29 complaints
- 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 137 complaints
- 2016 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 113 complaints
- 2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 71 complaints
- 2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE (current)
- 2019 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 24 complaints
- 2020 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 11 complaints
- 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 67 complaints
- 2022 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 80 complaints
- 2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE — 145 complaints
Other CADILLAC Models
- CADILLAC SRX — 4,131 total complaints
- CADILLAC DEVILLE — 3,659 total complaints
- CADILLAC CTS — 3,088 total complaints
- CADILLAC SEVILLE — 1,049 total complaints
- CADILLAC CATERA — 826 total complaints
- CADILLAC DTS — 725 total complaints
- CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV — 633 total complaints
- CADILLAC STS — 609 total complaints