2018 Buick Cascada Safety Report

2018 Buick Cascada: Strong crash ratings, but recurring PCV/camshaft issues and a convertible top defect reported.

8Complaints
0Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (2)Unknown Or Other (1)Power Train (1)Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)Air Bags,Service Brakes (1)Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Buick Cascada

The 2018 Buick Cascada presents an overall strong safety picture based on its NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving a 5-star overall rating. It performed exceptionally well in side impact tests with a 5-star rating and received solid 4-star ratings for frontal and rollover tests. However, despite the high crash test scores, the vehicle has accumulated 8 total complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash incident and 1 reported injury. There have been no reported fires or fatalities. A notable pattern in the complaints revolves around engine-related issues, specifically the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system and camshaft cover failures. Two complaints directly mention PCV failure, with one owner noting a 'loud whistle or whining sound' and another detailing a 'PCV Failure at 62,000 miles' requiring a costly repair. These issues appear to be a design flaw, with one complaint referencing a GM extended warranty for 2016 models and suggesting the problem often recurs. Another complaint highlights a similar camshaft cover issue, noting a recall for different model years but not the 2018, despite experiencing the same problem. Beyond engine concerns, there's a unique complaint regarding the rear windshield detaching from the convertible top, referencing a service bulletin (17-NA-216) that was updated to include the 2018 model. This structural issue raises safety concerns, particularly about the windshield potentially detaching while driving. A single complaint also details a brake failure incident at 5 MPH, leading to a crash, indicating a potential critical safety flaw, though this appears to be an isolated report among the limited data. The absence of any recalls for the 2018 model year is noteworthy, especially given the recurring nature of some reported problems.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Buick Cascada receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Buick Cascada

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Buick Cascada:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Pcv System/Camshaft Cover Failure
Multiple complaints describe PCV system failure, leading to whistling sounds, power loss, vacuum leaks, and camshaft cover issues. Repairs can be costly, and the problem may recur.		 High Occasional 30000-62000 miles
Rear Windshield Detachment From Convertible Top
One complaint details the rear windshield detaching from the canvas top, referencing a service bulletin (17-NA-216) updated to include the 2018 model, raising concerns about it flying off while driving.		 High Rare unknown miles
Brake Failure
One complaint reports brake pedal failure to respond at 5 MPH, leading to a crash.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Buick Cascada:

Engine 25% of complaints

Two out of eight complaints directly relate to PCV system failure, whistling sounds, and camshaft cover issues, indicating a pattern of engine-related problems.

Structure 12% of complaints

One complaint details the rear windshield detaching from the convertible top, referencing a service bulletin.

Service Brakes 12% of complaints

One complaint reports a critical incident of brake failure leading to a crash.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Buick Cascada

Is the 2018 Buick Cascada safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Buick Cascada received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in side impact and 4 stars in frontal and rollover tests. However, there are 8 total complaints, including 1 crash and 1 injury, with recurring engine issues and a convertible top defect reported.

What are common problems for the 2018 Buick Cascada?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Buick Cascada involve the ENGINE, specifically PCV system and camshaft cover failures, accounting for 25% of complaints. Other concerns include the STRUCTURE (rear windshield detachment) and SERVICE BRAKES (one reported failure).

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Buick Cascada?

No, there are currently no recalls issued by NHTSA for the 2018 Buick Cascada. However, some complaints reference service bulletins or recalls for similar issues on different model years.

How does the 2018 Buick Cascada perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Buick Cascada performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for side impact, and 4 stars for both frontal crash and rollover resistance.

What should I know about the PCV system on the 2018 Buick Cascada?

Several complaints highlight issues with the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system and camshaft cover on the 2018 Buick Cascada, often manifesting as whistling sounds, power loss, and costly repairs. This appears to be a known design flaw, with some owners noting extended warranties for similar issues on earlier models.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2018 Buick Cascada boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring PCV/camshaft issues and a reported convertible top defect; thoroughly inspect the engine and convertible top, and inquire about service history.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Buick Cascada

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Buick Cascada. The data includes 8 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Buick Cascada an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.