CarRecallDB

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls and problems

1 recall and 15 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

1
recalls
15
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls

Seat belts: rear/other

NHTSA campaign 18V673000 · reported September 26, 2018 · General Motors LLC · 15,800 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 25, 2026 · Engine

Engine failure

May 5, 2026 · Electrical system · fire reported

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 didn’t see anything no smoke, no flat tires, so we look back in…

May 1, 2026 · Engine

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…

Feb 2, 2026 · Engine

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.

Nov 6, 2025 · Unknown or other

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…

Escalade ESV model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 6810
2016 31520
2017 13841
2018 11502
2019 13411
2020 22230
2021 107420

Across all years, the 2023 Escalade ESV has the most complaints (91). All Cadillac Escalade ESV years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV, the most recent reported on September 26, 2018 (Seat belts: rear/other). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (9 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).
How many 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 15 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 25, 2026.