This page covers 2 recalls, 20 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade.
17 mpg combined
13.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2017 to 2018 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned four stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars, while side pole crash testing also achieved five stars. Rollover resistance received a three-star rating. 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
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern among 2018 Escalade owners centers on engine complaints, with the majority pointing to valve train problems, specifically lifter failures. Owners describe the lifters degrading and, in several cases, causing broader engine damage, including situations where the problem recurred even after a prior repair involving the lifters, camshaft, and associated seals. Accompanying symptoms include ticking noises, a flashing check engine light, and sudden loss of power while driving. Brake and powertrain complaints round out the picture at lower volume. On the powertrain side, a couple of owners describe transmission control module failures where the vehicle loses the ability to recognize its gear position, leaving the car stuck in park with an unresponsive accelerator, and in at least one case, sourcing the replacement part took an extended period.
20
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade has 2 recalls, the most serious involving the transfer case in 4WD and AWD models, where a defect can cause front or rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly and raise the risk of a crash.
The second recall affects vehicles equipped with a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine, where the mechanical vacuum pump that powers the brake booster can weaken over time. As vacuum pressure drops, the brakes lose their power assist, requiring noticeably more pedal force and a longer distance to bring the vehicle to a stop.
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.
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 mechanical vacuum pump's output decreases over time, reducing the vacuum supply that helps power the brakes.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
