Vehicle 1

Cadillac CTS

513 complaints · 24 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Cadillac CTS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CTS averages 51.3 complaints per year, far fewer than the Silverado's 687.8. The Silverado has 98 recalls and 206 crash complaints, while the CTS has 24 recalls and 35 crash complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Cadillac CTS
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryCadillac CTSChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
513
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
24
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
35
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
51.3
✓ lower
687.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Cadillac CTS

1. POWER TRAIN169
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM89
3. STEERING52
4. AIR BAGS52
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER50

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,056
2. POWER TRAIN1,925
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,263
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,077
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER735
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Cadillac CTS has far fewer complaints per year (51.3) than the Chevrolet Silverado (687.8), suggesting a lower likelihood of issues for the average buyer. However, both vehicles have notable problem areas that should be inspected before purchase.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint volume, the Cadillac CTS is the better choice. If you need a truck's utility and can accept higher complaint rates, the Silverado may still be suitable, but focus on engine and powertrain checks.

Key Differences
  • Cadillac CTS averages 51.3 complaints/year vs Silverado's 687.8/year.
  • Silverado has 98 recalls vs CTS's 24 recalls.
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (2056 complaints); CTS's top is POWER TRAIN (169).
  • Silverado has 206 crash complaints; CTS has 35.
⚠ Watch on Cadillac CTS
  • Watch for power train issues (169 complaints) and electrical system problems (89 complaints).
  • Steering and air bag complaints (52 each) are also common.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine problems dominate with 2056 complaints; check for engine stalling or failure.
  • Powertrain (1925) and electrical system (1263) issues are also frequent.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on both vehicles using NHTSA's VIN lookup.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission hesitation or engine roughness.
  • Inspect electrical components: lights, windows, infotainment.
  • Review service history for any powertrain or engine repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Cadillac CTSChevrolet Silverado
2019
10
1932
2018
8
0
2017
26
1148
Cadillac CTS vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Cadillac CTS vs Chevrolet Silverado
Cadillac CTS total complaints
513
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
Cadillac CTS total recalls
24
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
Cadillac CTS avg complaints/year
51.3
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
Cadillac CTS
Cadillac CTS top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Cadillac CTSReliability & Problems

513 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Cadillac CTS or Chevrolet Silverado?

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