Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac CTS vs Toyota Camry
How the Cadillac CTS 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 CTS vs Toyota Camry: The CTS has 519 complaints over 10 years (about 52 per year) and 26 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (about 206 per year) and 31 recalls. The CTS reports steering and transmission issues, while the Camry has engine and brake complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac CTS or Toyota Camry 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 can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, owners filed 519 complaints, averaging about 52 per year, with the most common issues in the power train, electrical system, and steering. Many complaints describe transmission jerking, failed start/stop systems, and steering problems that could affect safety. Recalls for the electric power steering assist system suggest a known steering defect that buyers should check.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for dependability, but it still has its share of problems. With 2,056 complaints over 10 years (about 206 per year), it has more reported issues than the Cadillac CTS, though it also sells in much higher numbers. Common trouble spots include the power train, engine, and brakes, with owners reporting shuddering, delayed acceleration, and brake noise. Recalls for seats and air bag sensors are also noted.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac CTS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 519 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 51.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 28 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 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, and a humming noise that may indicate internal damage. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and affect drivability.
Complaints include repeated failures of the auto start/stop system and a touchscreen that stops working. These problems can be frustrating and costly to fix, and may affect other electronic features.
Drivers describe the steering wheel seizing or becoming difficult to steer without warning. This is a serious safety concern, and multiple recalls for the electric power assist system confirm a pattern.
Some owners report airbag warning lights and cases where airbags failed to deploy in a crash. This raises concerns about occupant protection in an accident.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and the car hesitating or shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause costly repairs.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This can be a safety risk when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area. Brake problems can affect stopping reliability.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction at once. This can be distracting and potentially dangerous if it happens while driving.
“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 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…
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 CTS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac CTS has far fewer complaints per year (about 52) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry sells in much larger numbers, so the rate per vehicle may be lower. In practice, the CTS has more severe steering and transmission complaints, while the Camry's issues are more varied but often less critical. Buyers should weigh the lower complaint volume of the CTS against the potential for costly luxury car repairs.
Key differences
- The Cadillac CTS has 519 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- Steering problems are a major concern for the CTS, with multiple recalls for the electric power assist system, while the Camry's steering issues are less prominent.
- The Camry has more complaints about engine hesitation and brake problems, while the CTS suffers from transmission jerking and electrical glitches.
- The CTS has 0 deaths reported in complaints, while the Camry has 1 death, but these numbers are not directly comparable due to different sales volumes.
- Check for transmission jerking or hesitation during a test drive, especially when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear or at highway speeds.
- Listen for a humming noise from the drivetrain and test the steering for any stiffness or seizing, as these are common complaints.
- Test the ignition key to ensure it doesn't get stuck, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration.
- Try the electronic parking brake to make sure it disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for steering on the CTS and seats/air bags on the Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and steering system on the CTS, and the engine and brakes on the Camry.
- During a test drive, pay attention to how the car shifts, steers, and brakes, and note any unusual noises or warnings.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records to see if known issues have been addressed.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been repaired by checking with a dealership using the VIN.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 395 |
| 2018 | 8 | 744 |
| 2017 | 27 | 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 CTS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac CTS vs Toyota Camry
- Cadillac CTS total complaints
- 519
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Cadillac CTS total recalls
- 26
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac CTS avg complaints/year
- 51.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac CTS
- Cadillac CTS top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN