Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac CT6 vs FORD F 150
How the Cadillac CT6 and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Cadillac CT6 vs FORD F 150: The CT6 averages 15.4 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both have power train issues, but the F-150's are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac CT6 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac CT6
The Cadillac CT6 is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume—77 over five years—but the pattern shows recurring power train and brake issues that can be serious. Owners frequently report transmission problems like hard shifting and hesitation, and some describe brake booster failures that cause the brakes to not engage. With 13 recalls and 5 crash-related complaints, it's a car that demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a check for open recalls.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—over 11,600 in ten years—and a wide range of problems, especially with the power train and electrical system. Many owners report transmission issues like limp mode and stuck gears, often linked to the lead frame or output speed sensor. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, it's clear that many F-150s have had safety defects, so checking recall history is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac CT6 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 77 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Cadillac CT6
- 01POWER TRAIN47
- 02ENGINE8
- 03SERVICE BRAKES8
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE5
Owners report hard shifting, hesitation, and shuddering, often tied to the 8-speed automatic transmission. Some say the car randomly switches gears, which can be dangerous. A buyer should test drive at various speeds and check for transmission software updates or recalls.
Complaints include loss of propulsion, especially on the highway, and harsh jerking when the auto stop-start system restarts the engine. These issues can leave you stranded or cause a rear-end collision. Have a mechanic check for engine and transmission fault codes.
Some owners report the brake booster failing, causing the brakes to not engage at all. Others hear squealing that gets louder over time. This is a critical safety concern—test the brakes thoroughly and look for any brake-related recalls.
Complaints include hesitation when pressing the accelerator and transmission issues that may be electrical in nature. These can cause unpredictable driving behavior. Check for any electrical recalls or software updates.
“On several separate occasions, my Cadillac CT 6 which has been under recall for months by General Motors does not have an adequate repair for the repair shops authorized by the manufacturer, namely GM franchised Cadillac dealer repair shops and hence I am una…”
“On July 22, 2025, at 20,245 miles, I brought my 2019 Cadillac CT6-V to an authorized dealer while still under factory warranty, reporting hard shifting during both acceleration and deceleration — the exact symptom described in GM Special Coverage Bulletin N24…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission problems, including limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden downshifts or loss of power. This can happen at highway speeds and has led to near collisions. A pre-purchase inspection should include a transmission scan and test drive.
Many electrical complaints involve the lead frame and output speed sensor, causing limp mode and erratic shifting. There are also reports of rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered back windows. Check for recall 26S28 and inspect the rear window for cracks.
Some owners report the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, likely due to a short. This is a safety hazard. Inspect the rear window and defroster operation carefully.
Engine complaints are less frequent than power train but can include issues that trigger limp mode. Regular maintenance and checking for engine-related recalls are advised.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Cadillac CT6 — 13 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CT6 vehicles. The inboard child seat anchorage bars may have had excess structural adhesive applied during assembly, which can interfere with the installation of a child seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: If the child seat cannot be attached correctly to the anchorage bar, there is an increased the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, remove any excess adhesive, and apply anti-corrosion primer to the inboard child seat anchorage bars, free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer se…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cadillac CT6 vehicles manufactured July 21, 2016, to July 22, 2016. The bolt that connects the front passenger seat belt webbing to the seat's anchor plate may be missing. Without the bolt, the seat belt webbing may detach from the seat a…
The risk: If the seat belt webbing detaches from the seat anchor, the seat belt may not properly restrain the front seat passenger in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing front passenger seat belt webbing anchor bolt, or install a bolt if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on September 24, 2016. Owners may contact Cadillac customer se…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Cadillac CT6 vehicles. The Park/Position lights may be excessively bright. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: The excessive brightness may affect the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install right and left side in-line headlight jumper harnesses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this reca…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. Due to an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Brake System (ABS) may become disabled. Furthermore,…
The risk: If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or GMC customer se…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac CT6 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Cadillac CT6 has far fewer complaints per year (15.4 vs. 1162.1), but both vehicles have serious safety-related issues. The F-150's much higher volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, but the CT6's issues can be just as dangerous. In practice, the CT6 may be easier to live with day-to-day if properly maintained, while the F-150 requires more vigilance.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: CT6 averages 15.4 per year; F-150 averages 1162.1 per year—a huge difference in reported problems.
- Transmission issues: CT6 owners report hard shifting and hesitation; F-150 owners report limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures.
- Brake concerns: CT6 has reports of brake booster failure causing no brakes; F-150 has fewer brake-specific complaints but more electrical issues.
- Recalls: CT6 has 13 recalls; F-150 has 151 recalls, including engine, seat belts, and air bags.
- During test drive, check for hard shifting, hesitation, or shuddering, especially when accelerating or decelerating—this could indicate transmission problems.
- Test the brakes at low speed and listen for squealing; also ask if the brake booster has been replaced, as failure can cause complete brake loss.
- Scan for transmission fault codes, especially P0722 (output speed sensor), and confirm recall 26S28 has been performed.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks and test the defroster; if it shorts, the window can shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission and brakes for the CT6, and transmission and electrical for the F-150.
- During the test drive, accelerate and decelerate at various speeds to feel for shifting issues, and test the brakes firmly.
- For the F-150, ask if the lead frame and output speed sensor have been replaced, and verify recall 26S28 completion.
- For the CT6, ask about any transmission software updates or special coverage bulletins, and check for brake booster recalls.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Cadillac CT6 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 11 | 44 |
| 2019 | 17 | 52 |
| 2018 | 12 | 79 |
| 2017 | 26 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Cadillac CT6 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac CT6 vs FORD F 150
- Cadillac CT6 total complaints
- 77
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Cadillac CT6 total recalls
- 13
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Cadillac CT6 avg complaints/year
- 15.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac CT6
- Cadillac CT6 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN