The Lemon Index
201720194th generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: engine
Better years to buy
7 owner complaints, first 3 years 17 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 Lincoln Navigator2018 Volvo XC90 532018 Lincoln MKX 16
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 20V603000 (brakes) and 18V673000 (seat belts) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Is the stability-control light off on a test drive?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 7 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Recalls 2
- Brakes · recall issued 2020
The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2018
Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Cadillac Escalade recall, all years · All Cadillac recalls
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4,400 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac Escalade year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-escalade/?y=2018" title="Cadillac Escalade reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="652" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-escalade/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Cadillac Escalade reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a fifth as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 19; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac Escalade year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2011.
What are the most common 2018 Cadillac Escalade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (29%), suspension (29%) and stability control (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have?
2 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade get?
17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade cost in fuel a year?
About $4,400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have?
6.2L 8-cyl.
Is there a better Cadillac Escalade year than the 2018?
Not nearby: the 2018 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Cadillac Escalade years within 3 model years of it. Across every year, 2011 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works