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
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
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 | Not rated | 0 | 15 |
| 2016 Cascada | 23 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 22 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →