2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls and problems

The 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV has 1 safety recall and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 2

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls

Recall 18V-673: Seat Belts

Reported Sep 26, 2018 · 15,800 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	9
Electrical System	5
Suspension	2
Forward Collision Avoidance	2
Seat Belts	2
Power Train	1
Steering	1
Unknown or Other	1

Most reported parts

Suspension › Front — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 230,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported May 5, 2026

We were on our way home from charlotte nc where the suv sat for a week while we were on vacation. Less than an hour of traveling home we smelled something burning so my husband pulled over, turns the suv off, and we looked on the outside at the tires. We didnât see anything no smoke, no flat tires, so we look back in the suv and there was smoke all inside. We opened my passenger door and the smoke was coming from the door column that houses the seat belt. We had water in a cooler so he poured some on the area and I called 911. While waiting on the fire department the suv was still smoking…

Engine · reported May 1, 2026

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum, 6.2L V8 L86 engine, under 100,000 miles. Engine seized and was towed to an authorized GM dealership. Teardown confirmed a spun and twisted rod bearing resulting in complete crankshaft seizure, documented by the dealer as non-serviceable per GM, requiring full engine replacement. Component is available for inspection. Prior to seizure, the vehicle experienced a highway stall preceded by a harmonic balancer failure, belt system failure, and charging system collapse. The vehicle lost propulsion at highway speed, creating a crash risk to myself and other…

Engine · reported Feb 2, 2026

Traction light and engine light flashing at 95,900 miles took Cadillac ESV to authorized dealer and he advised their was a misfire on cylinder 3 after several attemps to repair now advising he hear a knocking in engine that needs to be replaced.

Unknown or Other · reported Nov 6, 2025

Cue system delamenated cracking glass options not working correctly Many recalls for cue GPS entertainment system in all Cadillacs. This needs to be addressed because safety system backing up doesn't work properly. Cadillac has had problems with this part since 2014 recall and with lemon law class action on many Cadillacs for this same problem. Even if I purchase new cue laminated glass still happens in gel on glass. This is a major flaw and Cadillac knows there is a major problem .1500.00 for new cue system and problem still happening because of weather where car sits .the government needs to…

Engine · reported Jul 28, 2025

Engine started making strange noises and i had to pull over due to it not driving correctly. I was stranded two hours from home. There were no warning lights. I have a video of the noise it was making. Upon getting it towed back to a local mechanic I was told I have the 6.2 GM engine that has been recalled on other vehicles. I found out that the lifters and cam shaft were bad along with the bearings in my engine. I also had to replace the timing chain. My vehicle only has less than 170,000 miles on it. The car was serviced regularly. A local mechanic has already repaired the problem.

Other Cadillac Escalade ESV years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 201920182017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Compare all Cadillac Escalade ESV years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV: 18V-673 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Owners report engine problems most often (9 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 230,000 miles.

Are Cadillac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.