2018 Buick Cascada Safety Report
2018 Buick Cascada Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Buick Cascada
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Buick Cascada. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (8) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Buick Cascada with 5 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Buick Cascada before buying across this generation. |
Buick Cascada Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Buick Cascada years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Buick Cascada | 5 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Buick Cascada | 12 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Buick Cascada | 19 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Buick Cascada Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Buick Cascada, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Buick onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Buick onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Buick onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Buick onlyVisibility/Wiper
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Buick onlyAir Bags,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Service Brakes issues Buick onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Buick Cascada
Reliability Score
The 2018 Buick Cascada receives a reliability score of 55 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Buick Cascada
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pcv Valve Failure A design flaw causing PCV valve failures at around 62,000 miles, often leading to power loss and unusual engine noises. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Brake Failure A critical issue where the brake pedal failed to respond at low speeds, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Occasional | 0 miles |
| Back Windshield Detachment The back windshield detaches from the canvas/folding top, causing potential visibility issues. |
Medium | Common | 0 miles |
| Quarter Panel Rock Chips Quarter panels have rock chips, which can lead to further damage and affect vehicle stability. |
Medium | Common | 0 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 issues are the most common problem, affecting 23% of the vehicles.
Brake failure is a significant concern, affecting 17% of the vehicles.
Structural issues, such as rock chips and windshield detachment, affect 14% of the vehicles.
Visibility issues, such as windshield detachment, affect 10% of the vehicles.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Buick Cascada
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Buick Cascada with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
PCV Failure at 62,000 miles. GM extended warranty on 2016 models that demonstrated this problem. Appears to be a design flaw and often fails again after repair. $2000 + job to repair
While driving down the highway my vehicle decreased in power and then I heard a loud whistle or whining sound. Upon examination at the dealership, they determined that the PCV system had failed. The positive crankcase ventilation system caused my Camm to leak and created a vacuum leak which blew out the seals of my vehicle. Upon further investigation I found that GM was involved in a class action...
Camshaft cover recall on exact model car for different year model, recall doesn’t cover this years model, however, I have the same issue.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a whistling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the intake manifold was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The fai...
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 ca...
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 exi...
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Buick Cascada
Has the 2018 BUICK CASCADA been recalled?
No, the 2018 BUICK CASCADA has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2018 BUICK CASCADA have?
The 2018 BUICK CASCADA has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 BUICK CASCADA?
The 2018 BUICK CASCADA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BUICK CASCADA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 BUICK CASCADA involve engine (2 complaints), unknown or other (1 complaints), power train (1 complaints). Other affected components include engine and engine cooling, visibility/wiper, air bags,service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2018 BUICK CASCADA have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2018 BUICK CASCADA out of 8 total complaints (12.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 BUICK CASCADA have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 BUICK CASCADA in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 BUICK CASCADA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 BUICK CASCADA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 BUICK CASCADA?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 BUICK CASCADA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 BUICK CASCADA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 BUICK CASCADA is generally recommended. It has 8 complaints, 0 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 BUICK CASCADA?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 BUICK CASCADA are: 1. ENGINE (2 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), 4. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints), 5. VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 BUICK CASCADA?
Be cautious of engine and structural issues, and consider extended warranties or maintenance plans. The 2018 BUICK CASCADA has 8 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 BUICK CASCADA?
The 2018 BUICK CASCADA receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 8 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include PCV Valve Failure and Brake Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2018 BUICK CASCADA?
Known issues with the 2018 BUICK CASCADA include: PCV Valve Failure, Brake Failure, Back Windshield Detachment, Quarter Panel Rock Chips. These are based on patterns found across 8 NHTSA complaints.
Are there any known engine issues with the 2018 Buick Cascada?
Yes, PCV valve failures can cause power loss and unusual noises.
What should I do if I experience brake failure?
Seek immediate professional assistance to address the brake failure.
Are there any structural concerns with the 2018 Buick Cascada?
Quarter panel rock chips and windshield detachment are reported issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and structural issues, and consider extended warranties or maintenance plans.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13