Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac CT6 vs Toyota Camry
How the Cadillac CT6 and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The CT6 averages 15.4 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. CT6 issues often involve severe power train and brake failures, whereas Camry complaints are more numerous but sometimes less critical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac CT6 or Toyota Camry 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 rate of about 15 per year, but the complaints it does have often involve serious powertrain and brake problems. Owners report hard shifting, hesitation, and even sudden loss of power, which can be frightening on a highway. Recalls are frequent, and some owners say repairs are delayed because parts or fixes aren't available. If you're considering one, be prepared for potential transmission and brake issues that could be costly and inconvenient.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has a much higher total number of complaints, but that's partly because it's a very popular car sold over many years. The complaint rate is about 206 per year, which is higher than the CT6, but many issues are less severe, like key stuck in ignition or brake noise. However, there are also reports of hesitation, shuddering, and multiple system malfunctions that could affect safety. Overall, the Camry's problems are more numerous but often less catastrophic than the CT6's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac CT6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 77 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 158 |
| 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 frequently report hard shifting, hesitation, and shuddering, especially with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Some say the car shifts gears randomly, which could cause a loss of control. This is the most common complaint area and can lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include loss of propulsion, harsh jerking when the auto stop-start engages, and delayed throttle response. These issues can happen at high speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Buyers should test drive and check for any hesitation or unusual noises.
Reports of brake booster failure causing the brake system to not engage, as well as squealing noises that get louder over time. Brake failure is a critical safety concern, so a pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough brake check.
Owners describe hesitation upon acceleration and random gear changes linked to transmission control issues. These electrical glitches can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, potentially leading to costly repairs.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Common complaints include the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Also, hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Owners report delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal results in several seconds of no movement. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. The issue may be intermittent and difficult to reproduce.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Also, a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which Toyota says is common but owners find abnormal. Brake problems can affect safety and lead to unexpected repair bills.
Multiple system malfunctions have been reported, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance all failing at once. This could overwhelm a driver and increase crash risk.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac CT6 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac CT6 has fewer complaints per year (15.4 vs. 205.6), but its issues tend to be more severe, such as power loss and brake failure. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints, but many are less critical, though some like key stuck and brake noise are still annoying. In practice, the CT6 may spend more time in the shop for major repairs, while the Camry may have more frequent but smaller problems.
Key differences
- The CT6 has a much lower complaint rate (15.4/year) compared to the Camry (205.6/year), but CT6 complaints often involve severe powertrain and brake failures.
- Camry owners frequently report key stuck in ignition and electronic parking brake failure, while CT6 owners report hard shifting and brake booster failure.
- The CT6 has 13 recalls over 5 years, while the Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, but the Camry's recalls include air bag sensors and seats.
- Both have engine hesitation and shuddering complaints, but the CT6 also has reports of sudden loss of propulsion, which is more dangerous.
- During test drive, check for hard shifting, hesitation, or shuddering, especially when accelerating or decelerating, as these are common transmission complaints.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and listen for squealing noises; ask for service records related to brake booster or ABS repairs.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could be a sign of the reported defect that requires battery disconnection.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the CT6's power train and brake recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems for both cars.
- During test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic and highway merging to feel for hesitation, shuddering, or delayed acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- For the Camry, test all electronic systems including blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, and stability control to ensure they function.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 11 | 274 |
| 2019 | 17 | 395 |
| 2018 | 12 | 744 |
| 2017 | 26 | 148 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac CT6 vs Toyota Camry
- Cadillac CT6 total complaints
- 77
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Cadillac CT6 total recalls
- 13
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac CT6 avg complaints/year
- 15.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac CT6
- Cadillac CT6 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN