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2018 Buick Cascada Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
11
Latest Jul 3, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
6
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Buick Cascada, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine654.5%
  • Airbags19.1%
  • Body & structure19.1%
  • Brakes19.1%
  • Powertrain (other)19.1%
  • Visibility19.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A squealing sound was coming from the top of my engine and I had low/rough idle and it progressed to a low voltage output and check engine lights. This happened while i was driving on the highway and my speed was eratic and I had to cross 2 lanes to get the next exit. The problem has been reproduced my an indepent service center. The PCV vent constantly pulled vacuum (was stuck open to atmosphere) and the sound was only relieved by removing the dip stick. No warning lamps messages or symptoms. There is NO part number difference in the Camshaft cover between model years 2016 thru 2019 Cascadas. I believe that the 2018 should be included in the same Special coverage as the 2016 and 2019 model years. This issue has been noted in several Casada forums and is also the same as NHTSA complaint IDs: 11593462, 11587414, 11574318, 11515179.

NHTSA ID 11748141 · filed Jul 3, 2026

Vehicle is a 2018 requiring valve cover replacement due to an issue that was recalled on previous years, most recently 2016. Extended warranty was offered for these repairs. TSB Special Coverage N192291620 – Camshaft Cover Replacement (later superseded by N232395320). This should be reviewed for additional recalls.

NHTSA ID 11747657 · filed Jul 1, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact rented a 2018 Buick Cascada. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH and making a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond, which caused another vehicle going at an undisclosed speed to crash into the front driver side of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was knocked unconscious and was able to exit the vehicle with the assistance of emergency services. The contact went to the hospital the next day and was informed she had sustained a broken sternum. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised to tow the vehicle to their location so they could diagnose it. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not provide assistance. The VIN and failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11422014 · filed Jun 23, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

BOTH QUARTER PANELS HAVE AT 25 ROCK CHIPS. THE FRONT WHEEL STICKS OUT AND IS FLICKING THE ROCK BACK TO THE QUARTER PANELS WHICH STICKS EVEN FURTHER OUT.

NHTSA ID 11311201 · filed Feb 24, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact rented a 2018 Buick Cascada. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH and making a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond, which caused another vehicle going at an undisclosed speed to crash into the front driver side of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was knocked unconscious and was able to exit the vehicle with the assistance of emergency services. The contact went to the hospital the next day and was informed she had sustained a broken sternum. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised to tow the vehicle to their location so they could diagnose it. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not provide assistance. The VIN and failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11422014 · filed Jun 23, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Chirping sound from under hood took to GM dealer, they changed the belt and transitioned and was still chirping. Now say it is pvc/camshaft cover.

NHTSA ID 11672790 · filed Jul 11, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

17-NA-216 was originally issued in in 2017 updated in 2019 to include 2018 model. Back windshield detaches from canvas/folding top. Was concerned primarily about safety of my child who drives car that windshield would completely fly off when driving. I replaced the folding top cover per bulletin. GM refused to reimburse stating not recalled since not safety issue. I disagree. Damage it could cause if flys off while driving could cause an accident for driver or other cars on the road who are hit with window or avoid being hit.

NHTSA ID 11517691 · filed Apr 18, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .