2018 Buick Cascada
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Buick Cascada is a subcompact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 1% better than the 2018 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Cascada — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Cascada →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascada | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +1% | $3,400 | 373 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Buick Cascada C FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.1% |


Similar 2018 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Buick Cascada (this car) | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Ford Fiesta | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Spark | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Beetle | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Buick Cascada.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2018 Buick Cascada is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Buick Cascada buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Buick Cascada. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cascada years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Cascada | 24 | – | ★★★★★ | 0 | 5 |
| 2017 Cascada | 23 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 16 |
| 2016 Cascada | 23 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 22 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →