2018 Cadillac Escalade problems
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed by their luxury division Cadillac. It was the luxury brand's first major entry into the SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to an influx of new luxury SUVs in the late 1990s such as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Range Rover, Lexus LX, and (especially) Ford's 1998 debut of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. The term "escalade" refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers. More generally, it is a French word which is the noun-equivalent form of the French verb escalader, which means "to climb or scale".
The Escalade is currently sold in North America and select international markets (Europe and Asia) where Cadillac has official sales channels. The Escalade ESV (Escalade Stretch Vehicle) is sold in North America, Russia, and the Middle East, but is only available by special order in some international markets. The right-hand-drive Escalade and Escalade ESV are available through third-party conversion specialists without official agreement with Cadillac in Australian, Oceanic, and Japanese markets.
On August 8, 2023, GM unveiled the Escalade IQ, an all-electric version of the Escalade, and the third model in Cadillac's EV line, after the Celestiq, and Lyriq. It is expected to go on sale in late 2024 for the 2025 model year, with a starting price of $130,000.
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Common 2018 Cadillac Escalade problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Cadillac Escalade 2018, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems:
- Owners have reported issues with the transmission, such as difficulty shifting into drive or reverse, failure to shift to higher gears, and transmission sensor failures.
- One owner mentioned that their car would not go into drive or reverse at times, leading to unpredictable behavior.
- Another owner shared an experience of having to replace the transmission sensor shortly after purchasing the vehicle, followed by radio controller issues.
- Cadillac has acknowledged transmission problems in the Escalade, particularly with reverse gear and backup lights, suggesting a software anomaly as a potential cause.
- For 2020 Cadillac Escalade owners, a warranty repair involving reprogramming the engine control module with the latest software is recommended to address transmission issues.
- Braking Problems:
- Despite having an advanced automatic braking system, some Escalade drivers have reported issues with the braking system not functioning correctly.
- One driver shared an incident where the brakes locked up unexpectedly while crossing a steel bridge, causing a short skid and potential safety hazard.
- The driver highlighted that there were no warning lights indicating a malfunction, emphasizing the sudden nature of the brake issue.
- Fuel Pump Leak and Tire Deflations:
- The Cadillac Escalade has been subject to a malfunctioning fuel pump, leading to a recall in 2020 due to potential over pressurization and fuel leaks that could result in a fire hazard.
- In addition to transmission problems, some owners have faced issues with fuel pump leaks, highlighting the importance of addressing this safety concern promptly.
- Random tire deflations have also been reported, indicating potential vulnerabilities in the vehicle's tire system that could compromise safety and performance.
These common problems reported by owners of the Cadillac Escalade 2018 highlight significant concerns related to transmission reliability, braking system functionality, and fuel system safety. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring proper maintenance can help mitigate potential risks associated with these reported problems.
What is the transmission problem on the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?
Certain 2018 Cadillac Escalades equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 6.2L engine may experience a 2-3 second delayed engagement when shifting between park, reverse or drive (performing garage shifts). Customers may also experience a hard shift, with a possible bang or clunk.
Do escalades have transmission problems?
Understanding Cadillac Escalade Transmission Problems
Some owners have reported experiencing transmission problems, which can be concerning. These problems may manifest as rough shifting, delays in gear engagement, or even complete transmission failure.
How many miles will a 2018 Escalade last?
Expect to have between 200,000 to 250,000 miles on your Escalade, with proper care and maintenance.
What are the best years for Escalade?
A: The 2002, 2013, and 2014 model years are considered the most reliable for the Cadillac Escalade. These years offer a quality driving experience and are less likely to encounter expensive repairs over time.
What is the transmission problem on the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?
Certain 2018 Cadillac Escalades equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 6.2L engine may experience a 2-3 second delayed engagement when shifting between park, reverse or drive (performing garage shifts). Customers may also experience a hard shift, with a possible bang or clunk.
Do Escalades have transmission problems?
Understanding Cadillac Escalade Transmission Problems
Some owners have reported experiencing transmission problems, which can be concerning. These problems may manifest as rough shifting, delays in gear engagement, or even complete transmission failure.
Is Cadillac Escalade high maintenance?
According to RepairPal, an information hub for auto repairs, Cadillacs cost on average $783 to repair. Specific models will be more expensive. For instance, the Cadillac Escalade, a top-end SUV, generates an average yearly repair bill of about $1,200, according to RepairPal.
How many miles will a 2018 Escalade last?
Expect to have between 200,000 to 250,000 miles on your Escalade, with proper care and maintenance.
2018 Cadillac Escalade car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Escalade problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Engine problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Cadillac Escalade vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Cadillac Escalade complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Cadillac Escalade.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-28
- VIN: 1GYS3CKJ4JR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: On July 28th 2024 my wife backed the vehicle out of the garage and the vehicle locked out the steering wheel. The cluster and gauges went completely out. The vehicle did not start or turn on after that point. It was no longer drivable as we could no longer start the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to Penske Cadillac of Torrance where it took them a week to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle fuse box went out which locked out the steering wheel if my wife would of been driving the vehicle she would of been involved in a major accident. The problem was confirmed by the dealer a new fuse box was installed. I have the fuse box here as I requested it to follow up with the NHTSA. There was no warning that the vehicle had any malfuncitons. All electircal componenets and steering went out suddenly and abruplty.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
- VIN: 1GYS3CKJ3JR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I noticed my brakes started squeaking when I would push the braking pedal. One day, I was pulling up to a bank, drive-through, applying pressure to the brakes, and I had stopped. I let off the break to pull up a little farther, but when reapplying the break, the pedal went all the way to the floor and there was a warning light saying something about servicing the brakes. I immediately picked up my foot and reapplied it to the brake pedal two or three times and the pedal did come back up to normal position. Then stopped me from hitting the car in front of me. The warning light turned off a few minutes later. The squeaking went away as well. That was a couple months back. But this week my brakes are starting to squeak again when I apply the pedal. So I’m worrying that the brakes may go out again. This vehicle has a very rough ride. I hear rattles when driving. It sounds like something is going to fall off soon. Since the warning light turned off, I did not take my vehicle to the dealership for service.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-11
- VIN: 1GYS4BKJ7JR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was pulling forward in a parking garage and it nearly pinned a pedestrian into a parked car. The brakes didn't respond as normal. I had to put most of my weight on the pedal to bring the car to a stop. It was really scary. I took it to the dealer and they said it is a known issue covered under warranty and has to do with a vacuum pump used in the electronic brake system. I thought this was reckless and it should be fixed and not wait until a serious incident. The service advisor [XXX] from Tom Kelly Cadillac, Fort Wayne, IN) even commented that it scared him the first time he drove a customer's car with this issue. He was shocked how hard it was to stop. If this hasn't already, it will cost someone their life. Please help!!! I don't want someone to die for a known issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-29
- VIN: 1GYS4BKJ4JR
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The low beam headlights are too bright. I get flashed constantly, and then some drivers leave their bright lights on, blinding me, and creating a dangerous driving situation. Almost crashed last night due to being blinded by oncoming vehicle.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-26
- VIN: 1GYS4BKJ9JR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-01
- VIN: 1GYS4DKJ3JR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. I WAS PULLING INTO A GAS STATION WITH MY SON AND FELT LIKE I COULDN'T STOP BUT THOUGHT MAYBE SOMETHING WAS SLICK, I DROPPED HIM OFF TO HIS GRANDMA, PULLED INTO MCDONALD'S DRIVE THRU WHEN IT DID IT AGAIN. I BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVE THEN AND CALLED MY FIANC. THERE'S A FAST CHANGE LOL AND LUBE A MILE FROM WHERE I WAS, SO I SLOWLY PULLED INTO THE HIGHWAY TO MAKE IT THERE. ONCE THERE EVEN GOING SLOW IT WAS HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I PUSHED THE BRAKE AS FAR AS IT WOULD GO TO THE POINT IT WAS ON THE FLOOR, IT MADE A GRINDING NOISE. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SCARED IN MY LIFE. KNOWING I HAVE HAD MY BABY IN THE CAR WITH ME.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-23
- VIN: 1GYS4BKJ3JR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 WET MALFUNCTIONING ELECTRONIC PACKAGE. POSSIBLE HAZARD IN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-07
- VIN: 1GYS4KKJ3JR
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: AN 8 INCH CRACK MYSTERIOUSLY APPEARED FROM THE BOTTOM MIDDLE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THERE ARE NO EXTERNAL MARKS ON THE SURFACE OF THE GLASS. JUST NOTICED AS WE WERE TURNING INTO OUR GARAGE.
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-27
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GYS3HKJ2JR
- Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE 2018 ESCALADE ESV RWD ON INTERSTATE 87 NORTH YESTERDAY, DRIVING ABOUT 33MPH, THE ESCALADE SUDDENLY SWERVED LEFT AND SLID INTO THE MEDIAN AND THEN ROLLED OVER ON ITS ROOF. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I NOTED I HAD RECEIVED DIAGNOSTIC ONSTAR EMAILS THAT MORNING WHILE DRIVING THAT THE VEHICLE STABILITRAK AND ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WERE EXPERIENCING ISSUES. I ALSO PHONED ONSTAR TODAY ABOUT IF AND WHEN THEY RECEIVED A CRASH NOTIFICATION. THE CRASH NOTIFICATION DID NOT OCCUR WITH ONSTAR UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED BACK OVER, NOT WHEN THE CRASH OCCURRED BUT AN HOUR LATER. THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 60 DAYS NEW.
2018 Cadillac Escalade recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2018 Cadillac Escalade car reviews
Positive 2018 Cadillac Escalade car reviews
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2017 Escalade Premium 4wd, 20000 miles. Just returned from a round trip to Tampa, Florida from Chapin, SC. Left Chapin with a full tank of gas and only had to purchase gas once on the way, about 100 miles from Tampa. The vehicle performed great and provided a comfortable ride throughout the trip.
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The rear cargo area is sloped, which can cause items to fall over and slide back. Additionally, the new model has less floor space compared to the previous one. The electronics can be confusing, as most of what you need while driving requires you to take your eyes off the road to find. However, we understand that these changes were made with good intentions and we appreciate the effort put into improving the vehicle.
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Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I think everything about this ride is great, especially how smooth it is. While it may not have the throaty exhaust of some other vehicles, I actually think that makes it feel more like a car, which is pretty cool!
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Forget about all the fancy features on the Cadillac or any other full-sized SUV. Drive the best. The 2018 base model Escalade has everything you need for the open road!
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Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Escalade Platinum ESV with four-wheel drive. It's been a great ride with about 45,000 miles on it now. Let me start with the exterior - it's sleek, aggressive, big and bold. Even after all these miles, I still smile when I see it. I have the Pearl white, but I think I would prefer standard bright white when I do it again. It looks even better in the winter with the ski racks on top, giving it a nice tough appearance. Inside, this thing is big, roomy and comfortable. The third-row seat could use more legroom, but it's not bad. The ESV model leaves an enormous amount of storage behind the third-row seat, which is very nice for my family of 6. There's plenty of legroom for me at 6'3'' and my taller than average teenagers. I didn't know how much I would like the CUE system at first, but once you learn it and the touch-style buttons, you learn to love them. The 4 TVs, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, and massaging front seats are all wonderful. The biggest reason I went with the Cadillac was for the towing. General Motors 6.2L in this SUV is amazing. We use it as a daily driver, a long road trip family hauler, and to either haul the camp trailer to the mountains or the boat to the lake. 0 to 60 in this little baby is fun and almost scary. Towing is strong and impressive, but most impressively, the fuel economy is mind-blowing on this size of an engine. We live out west where speed limits on the freeway are often 80 miles an hour, and this vehicle will consistently get 19 miles per gallon at 80 to 90 miles an hour. I looked at several luxury SUVs while making my decision. Frankly, the only other one that worked well for my family would have been the Lincoln extended version, its nicely equipped little brother the Expedition Platinum, or the GM little brother in the GMC Denali. I looked at the BMWs, Mercedes, Land Rovers, etc. Nice vehicles. Towing capacity on paper is pretty good. Thanks for reading!In my experience, I found that most European rigs towing were not able to handle much tongue weight from a trailer, even though they were rated to tow enough. Additionally, the European options felt overworked with just my wakeboard boat, which weighed a mere 6500lbs. These options were also much smaller inside and had almost zero cargo capacity behind the third-row seats. On the other hand, towing behind the Denali and Ford felt much better. Although the Denali was short a couple of fun options, the Ford/Lincoln Ecoboost had plenty of power. One thing that goes unsaid in a lot of these reviews is how amazing the headlights are on this vehicle. Driving down the freeway, they will light up for 5 Lanes of traffic on low beam setting, which is wonderful. I know we are only less than 50,000 miles in, but we have had zero electrical and zero transmission problems with this vehicle, despite those being the two biggest complaints. All that being said, if you are looking for something easier to park, give up the extra cargo space and get a smaller European SUV. If you are looking for a ton of 3rd row legroom, look at the Ford. For my family and our lifestyle, this thing is dang near perfect. I do prefer the steering wheel button layout on the Denali and also that the Denali comes with an integrated trailer brake controller. On my model year, the Denali did not have 360-degree cameras or massaging front seats and maybe a couple of other options.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Cadillac Escalade problems:
Seeking Most Common Issues with 2018 and Newer Escalades ...
Sep 26, 2020 ... Occasional oil cooler/trans cooler line leaks, occasional blind zone or adaptive cruise radar failures, occasional CUE screen issues, occasional ...
2018 Cadillac escalade esv engine problems : r/Cadillac
Mar 15, 2022 ... 2018 Cadillac escalade esv engine problems ... Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. ... Update: Fuel Injectors ...
2018 Escalade ESV Luxury issues??? | Cadillac Owners Forum
May 16, 2021 ... I've had a rough idle issue, now a grooved rotor ( right rear), left front CV axle boot leaking grease, bad battery and water leak behind rear ...
2018 Cadillac Escalade Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Common Problems with the 2018 Cadillac Escalade — Valero Law ...
Common Problems with the 2018 Cadillac Escalade · Electrical Issues: “Moon roof drain line obstructed possible pinched during manufacture. · Exterior Lighting ...
Other years of Cadillac Escalade
Are you having problems with your 2018 Cadillac Escalade?
Dominic Kunde 2024-10-08
No, this is not what a Cadillac should drive like. I have had pickup trucks that ride better. Additionally, the shifting on the transmission is the worst I have ever experienced in a Cadillac.
Cleveland Cormier 2024-09-13
The vehicle looked great both inside and out. During my initial drive, it seemed to handle well, but on the way back home, it was pulling to the right, as if it needed an alignment. I assumed it was due to not being driven for a while, as it is not my everyday vehicle. However, when I drove it again over the weekend, the same issue persisted. I spoke to my salesman, who assured me that they perform a thorough check on all vehicles and even provided me with paperwork to show what they do. Unfortunately, it seems that something was missed. Overall, the process was quick, but there were some imperfections.
Reagan Lesch 2024-08-27
Let's start with the positives: the truck has a great look and plenty of cargo space. However, there are some concerns that need to be addressed. As a car dealership owner who has owned many types of vehicles, I have to say that this truck is the worst one I have ever owned. The engine burns oil at just 11k miles, and the GM dealer's response was that it's acceptable to burn up to a quart of oil between oil changes. For a $92,000 vehicle, this is unacceptable. The transmission shifts poorly and slams into gear every time I pull out of my garage. Going up hills, the truck loses power and seems to struggle with gear selection. Additionally, my wife and I smell coolant in the car when we first turn on the AC, as if the heater core is leaking. The power running boards we paid extra for stick, and the ride is rough and clunky. It's a shame because we sell used Cadillacs on our lot, and the older ones were much better. While all vehicles have their issues, this truck has so many problems that it makes me angry, and I'm usually a laid-back person. No matter how much money you have, this truck will be a poor financial decision if you buy it. The only redeeming features are its size and beauty. We even had to jump-start the truck on the third day of owning it because the battery was no good, despite buying it brand new with no miles. We don't have time to go to the dealer every week because of all the problems, and we can't even drive the truck we're paying so much money for. The dealer wants to give us a Chevy Cruze as a loaner car every time, which is not suitable for our big family. So, if your Cadillac is ever in the shop, consider buying a Honda Pilot as a reliable alternative. However, I must say that my experience with this vehicle has been disappointing. In my opinion, German or Japanese cars offer better quality. I hope this helps!
Nathanael Langosh 2024-06-13
The vehicle had several issues, including A/C, transmission, lifters, camshaft, and others, which were all replaced at 70k. Additionally, the black hood paint has completely worn off. However, I am confident that with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be avoided in the future.
Ernest Stiedemann 2024-06-02
Great vehicle as far as options and comfort! However, after driving a few hundred miles, you may feel a shudder in the transmission. I did some research and found out that this is a common issue. Unfortunately, the only fix is to replace the entire transmission and torque converter.