Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac CTS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Cadillac CTS vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the CTS averaged 51.9 complaints per year and had 26 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year and had 101 recalls. The Silverado also reported 3 deaths and 160 injuries, versus 0 deaths and 28 injuries for the CTS. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac CTS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac CTS
The Cadillac CTS is a luxury sedan that averages about 52 complaints per year over a 10-year span, with 26 recalls. The most common owner-reported issues involve the power train, electrical system, and steering, often resulting in jerking, warning lights, and loss of steering assist. While it has far fewer complaints than the Silverado, the CTS still has notable safety-related problems, including 35 crash-related reports and 28 injuries.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates an average of 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls over the same period. Owners frequently report engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, indicating a higher volume of severe incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac CTS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 519 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 51.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 28 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 CTS
- 01POWER TRAIN169
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM90
- 03STEERING55
- 04AIR BAGS52
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER51
Owners report transmission jerking when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds, as well as a humming noise that persists after replacing tires, brakes, and control arms. These issues can lead to costly repairs and affect drivability.
Complaints include repeated failure of the auto start/stop system and touchscreen failure, which can distract the driver and require expensive replacements. These electrical glitches may also affect other vehicle functions.
Owners describe the steering wheel seizing without warning, making it difficult to steer, and a general deterioration in steering feel. This is a serious safety concern, especially at higher speeds.
The airbag warning light may illuminate, and in at least one case, the airbags failed to deploy in a crash. This means occupants may not be protected in a collision, and repairs can be costly.
“I purchased this vehicle is certified preowned Cadillac and during the warranty time I had a transmission issue that was causing the transmission to jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds, it would start jerking nonstop. I took it to th…”
“I began hearing a “hum” when driving my vehicle and dismissed it thinking it was the type of low profile, no flat tires. After a getting new tires, brakes, brake pads, and control arms, we still heard the “hum” and it continued to get louder. We took the car…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' as well as diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave drivers stranded and pose safety risks.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission problems, even at low speeds. This can cause loss of power and control, especially in traffic or parking situations.
Owners describe severe loss of braking effectiveness and engine shut-offs while driving, with screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. This significantly increases the risk of a crash.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
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 CTS — 26 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
The risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
The risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac CTS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Cadillac CTS has far fewer complaints per year (about 52) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (26 vs. 101). In practice, this means CTS owners report fewer problems overall, but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints that require attention.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 8,000 complaints in 10 years, while the CTS has about 519, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the truck.
- Silverado owners frequently report engine shutdowns and brake loss, which are severe safety issues; CTS owners more often report transmission jerking and steering seizure.
- The CTS has 26 recalls, many for steering assist, while the Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, brakes, and other systems.
- The Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 28 injuries for the CTS, though these figures depend on many factors.
- Check for transmission jerking or hesitation when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds; this is a common owner complaint.
- Test the steering for any stiffness, seizing, or unusual noise, and verify that any open recalls for the electric power steering assist have been addressed.
- Look for signs of engine shutdowns or electrical glitches, such as warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and check for brake pedal firmness and braking effectiveness.
- Ask about diesel particulate filter issues if considering a Duramax diesel, and verify that recalls for fuel pump and brake systems have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
- Take a thorough test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers to check for transmission, steering, and brake issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the power train, electrical system, and brakes, and scan for any stored trouble codes.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes and engine operation, and ask about any history of sudden shutdowns or loss of braking.
- For the CTS, check the airbag system, touchscreen functionality, and steering feel, and ask about any prior repairs to these components.
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 CTS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 8 | 597 |
| 2017 | 27 | 1154 |
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 CTS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac CTS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac CTS total complaints
- 519
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Cadillac CTS total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Cadillac CTS avg complaints/year
- 51.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac CTS
- Cadillac CTS top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE