2018 Cadillac ESCALADE
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Cadillac ESCALADE has 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 53. The most common issue is engine problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: cam shaft lifters are failing. cam shaft needs to be rebuilt. rough idle and tick sound from engine. can cause catalytic converter to stop working and is hazardous and not solving right away can cause further damage to vehicle and damage vehicle while driving. many have reported same problems.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
29
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
0.5x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
10 complaints- • Cam shaft lifters are failing. Cam shaft needs to be rebuilt. Rough idle and tick sound from engine. Can cause catalytic converter to stop working and is hazardous and not solving right away can cause further damage to vehicle and damage vehicle while driving. Many have reported same problems.
- • 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)
- • Pulled out of gas station and in 1/2 mile down the road pulled into oil change facility that I had scheduled to do. Heard a loud ticking of engine that was unfamiliar. Did oil change and engine still had sound after warm up. Pulled oil filter and found metal particles in filter/filter oil.
“Cam shaft lifters are failing. Cam shaft needs to be rebuilt. Rough idle and tick sound from engine. Can cause catalytic converter to stop working and is hazardous and not solving right away can cause further damage to vehicle and damage vehicle while driving. Many have reported same problems.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (1)
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.
Risk: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Cadillac ESCALADE
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Cadillac ESCALADE
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Cadillac New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Cadillac. If you're buying a used 2018 ESCALADE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Cadillac dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 29 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: Cam shaft lifters are failing. Cam shaft needs to be rebuilt. Rough idle and tick sound from engine. Can cause catalytic converter to stop working and is hazardous and not solving right away can cause further damage to vehicle and damage vehicle while driving. Many have reported same problems.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 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 W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME, AND I WASN'T GOING FAST OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY BAD ESPECIALLY HAVING MY SON WITH ME. MY BRAKES LITERALLY QUIT WORKING. I HAVE A 2018 PLATINUM ESCALADE. ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED TO DATE. I CALLED ON STAR AND NOW WAITING ON A ROLL BACK TO TAKE TO THE DEALERSHIP.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: 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)
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Cadillac dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Cadillac ESCALADE — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 2
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 53
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Cadillac ESCALADE