Research · Subcompact Cars
2018 Buick CascadaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2018 Buick Cascada. Most complaints involve engine (4) and engine and engine cooling (2). The EPA rates it 24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
24mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
11
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Buick Cascada as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
11 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2020 – Jul 2026
- Engine4
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Power train1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Air bags1
- Service brakes1
- Structure1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
4 reports
“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.”
Engine and engine cooling
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the air intake valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 72,000.”
Power train
1 report
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascada Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $3,150 | 373 |
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Buick Cascada C FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 11.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 12171
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2018 Cascada questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Cascada have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2018 Buick Cascada problems?
Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (4), engine and engine cooling (2), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2018 Buick Cascada get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Buick Cascada at 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2018 Buick Cascada?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Buick Cascada 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026