2018 Cadillac Escalade: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Cadillac Escalade: 1 recall, 21 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #20V603000 · 2020 · 14,620 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (10): the most common themes are warning light on (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Electrical (3): the most common themes are door / lock issues (2).
- Brakes (3): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade has 21 owner complaints, ranking #21 of 28 Escalade model years for complaints (well below the 61 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 35,290 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (51 complaints, 2 recalls), 2019 (25 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 23 | 17 | Premium |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Cadillac Escalade problems?
Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (10), electrical (3), brakes (3).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (6.2 L, Automatic 10-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Cadillac Escalade repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.