This page covers 3 recalls, 14 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade Esv.
The 2017 to 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The vehicle earned 5 stars in frontal crash and side crash testing, indicating strong performance in those categories. It received 4 stars in side pole crash testing. The rollover rating was 3 stars. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2017 to 2018 range tested.
4/5 Overall
Engine complaints dominate what 2018 Escalade ESV owners report, accounting for the majority of filed complaints for this model year. Across multiple reports, owners describe serious internal engine failures, seized engines, connecting rod bearing failures, crankshaft damage, and complete engine replacements. A recurring pattern involves engines developing knocking noises, sometimes accompanied by misfires and warning lights, and sometimes with no warning lights at all before the vehicle becomes undrivable. Cylinder misfires, specifically on individual cylinders, show up in more than one account, with dealers subsequently diagnosing deeper mechanical damage. A few owners also describe burning smells inside the cabin. The 6.2L V8 engine appears in multiple reports describing these failures, typically at mileages under 100,000.
14
Total Complaints
2
Fire-Related
By System
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the transfer case in four-wheel and all-wheel drive models, where a fault can cause front or rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly and raise the risk of a crash.
The seatbelt system carries its own concern: certain second- and third-row seatbelt retractors may not automatically lock when the belt is fully extended, which means a child seat anchored using that belt may not be held securely. In a crash, an improperly secured child seat can move or tip, raising the risk of injury to a child passenger. On the brake side, the vacuum pump that powers the brake booster can lose output, causing the brake pedal to feel stiff and requiring noticeably more foot pressure to slow the vehicle. That added effort can stretch stopping distances, particularly in situations where a driver needs to brake quickly.
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vacuum pump may produce less pressure, reducing power brake assist. This makes the brake pedal harder to push and requires more effort to stop the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module to restore proper brake assist function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Second or third-row rear seatbelt retractors may not lock when fully pulled out, preventing child seats from being properly secured.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if needed, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
