This page covers 3 recalls, 14 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade Esv.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
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 drive models, where a fault can cause front or rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly and raise the risk of a crash.
On the brake side, the vacuum pump that powers the brake booster can lose output, making the brake pedal feel hard and requiring significantly more foot pressure to slow the vehicle, which extends stopping distances. There is also a seatbelt concern affecting second- and third-row seats: certain retractor assemblies may not lock when the belt is fully extended, which means a child safety seat anchored with that belt may not be properly secured in a crash.
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.
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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.
