Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 Buick Cascada problems

Owners filed 11 complaints about the 2018 Buick Cascada with NHTSA between Feb 2020 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is engine (4).

Complaints
11
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine4
  2. Engine and engine cooling2
  3. Power train1
  4. Visibility/wiper1
  5. Air bags1
  6. Service brakes1
  7. Structure1
  8. 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 Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20201
20211
20220
20231
20240
20254
20264

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 3, 2026EngineODI 11748141

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 1, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11728477

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 11, 2025Power trainODI 11672790

Visibility/wiper

1 report
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 18, 2023Visibility/wiperODI 11517691

Air bags

1 report1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2021Air bags, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11422014

Service brakes

1 report1 crash
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.