VinSpectorAI Logo
HomeHow It Works Pricing Vehicle StatsBlog Garage VIN Search Inspection Guide
LoginDemo
Vehicle Stats/Cadillac/CTS Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Aug 2026Methodology

Cadillac CTS Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 514 complaints and 26 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Cadillac CTS options? We analyzed 10 model years (2010–2019) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

514
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
26
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
35
Crash-Related
crash complaints
6
Fire-Related
fire complaints
28
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2010–2019

Free VIN check

Found a Cadillac CTS? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac CTS has 514 owner complaints and 26 safety recalls across model years 2010–2019. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2014 drew the most complaints; 2010 drew the fewest.

Cadillac CTS — key reliability facts
Make
Cadillac
Model
CTS
Model years analyzed
2010–2019 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
514
Safety recall campaigns
26
Crash-related complaints
35
Fire-related complaints
6
Worst model year (by complaints)
2014 (144 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2010 (1 complaints)
Top reported issue area
POWER TRAIN
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Aug 10, 2026
This CTS has 26 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Cadillac CTS: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2014144 complaints2011108 complaints201372 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20101 complaints20188 complaints201910 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2014 Cadillac CTS? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

20192019 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
20182018 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
20172017 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The CADILLAC CTS has 514 NHTSA complaints and 26 recalls on record. 35 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 514 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 26 federal recall campaigns
  • 35 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2010
1
2011
108
2012
67
2013
72
2014
144
2015
47
2016
31
2017
26
2018
8
2019
10

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

26 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

#19V086000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMJuly 2, 2019
Safety recall

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

#19V086000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMJuly 2, 2019
Safety recall

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

#19V086000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMJuly 2, 2019
Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

#18V595000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLERJuly 9, 2018
Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

#18V595000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLERJuly 9, 2018
Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

#18V595000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLERJuly 9, 2018
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

#15V358000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGESSeptember 6, 2015
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V394000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONFebruary 7, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V394000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONFebruary 7, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V394000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONFebruary 7, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

#14V614000ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 10, 2014
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

#11V536000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUMFebruary 11, 2011
Safety recall

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

#25V175000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Safety recall

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

#25V175000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Safety recall

AIR BAGS

#14V341000AIR BAGS
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#26V329000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

#25V175000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#26V329000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

#14V253000VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Safety recall

SEATS

#14V446000SEATS

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2010–2019. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 514 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
POWER TRAIN169 complaints
02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM90 complaints
03
STEERING53 complaints
04
AIR BAGS52 complaints
05
UNKNOWN OR OTHER50 complaints
06
ENGINE46 complaints
07
SUSPENSION42 complaints
08
SERVICE BRAKES34 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

514 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOct 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact stated that upon cleaning the catalytic converter and driving for 50 miles, the warning light turned off. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,990.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINEApr 2025

I believe it’s the transmission it’s not changing gears like it supposed to only have 52,000 miles on the dash. It’s have to be defective. No Incident

STEERINGJan 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the trim on the steering wheel had started to peel off. Due to the failure, the edges of the steering wheel where the trim was located had started peeling off and were sharp, causing serious concerns while driving the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was scheduled for an appointment; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

POWER TRAINNov 2024

The rear differential started making noise and growling. Upon draining the differential, we found a lot of metal debris. Upon reading on this issue, we found that Cadillac has had this issue with past models. It seems that the original G.M. part is no longer available. This could be a safety risk if the rear wheels are to lock up due to debris. It has not been confirmed by the dealer, the vehicle is out of warrantee at 91,000 miles.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTIONFeb 2023

The backup camera grid on our 2019 vehicle disappears most of the time when we start in reverse after turning on the engine. We have taken our vehicle into local Cadillac dealership service departments over the past 3 years and they have replaced cables, backup camera, radio equipment, interface screen, etc. with no resolution. This issue with the backup camera grid also seems to be tied to a problem with loading profiles upon startup, radio issues, etc. We are writing to NHTSA because we feel that the backup camera grid disappearing is a safety issue.

POWER TRAINJul 2022

The vehicle hard shifts in low gear and at low speeds. The hard shifting makes the car hard to handle in slow speed situations such as parking lots. Because the car lurches forward unexpectedly, it poses a safety concern toward nearby pedestrians.

Read 14 more owner reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,ENGINEJul 2021

Seat is adjusting during driving. Moving between presets. Setting position 1 automatically all the way forward. Heat in the seat turning on.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 2021

My 2019 CTS Cadillac CUE screen shattered for no reason. I was not driving the car. I went out to the car on Thursday, May 27, 2021 and the screen had shattered over night. The system is still working but it is hard to see the screen. The car is leased and only has 20,586 miles. I have only had it 2 years and 5 months. Is this my responsibility to repair or is it covered by warranty?

SUSPENSION,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMDec 2019

BOUGHT A USED CAR FROM AUTO BOUTIQUE ON 10/15/19 WITH CAR FAX REPORT SHOWING NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. WHEN WE TEST DROVE THE CAR WE NOTICE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND A VIBRATION. WE WERE TOLD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY WOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE. WENT ON 10/18/19 FOR MY APPT, WAS THERE 8 HOURS TO NO AVAIL, WAS TOLD VIBRATION WAS FROM A BENT RIM AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE CAR TO A CADILLAC DEALER FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH RITCHEY'S CADILLAC ON 10/25/19 AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, THE GAS TANK ISN'T SAFE, 3 BENT RIMS, THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AND WERE NOT RESET PROPERLY, AND THIS WAS ONE CAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VIBRATION AND NOISE CAME FROM REAR SUSPENSION BENT IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS, ETC. I HAVE A REPORT FROM RICHIE'S CADILLAC STATING ABOVE, PLUS PICTURES AND A ESTIMATE TO FIX. I NOTIFIED AUTO BOUTIQUE THAT I WANTED TO RETURN CAR FRO REFUND BUT GOT THE RUN AROUND, ALL THEY SAID WAS ALL THERE CARS ARE SOLD AS IS, THE HAVE THE BUYERS GUIDE THAT IS SIGNED WITH NO BOXES CHECKED. THERE ARE NO SIGNS STATING CARS ARE SOLD AS IS. WE TRADED THE CAR IN ON A NEW VEHICLE AND ASKED FOR A REFUND FOR THE DIFFERENCE, $18,000, I WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE CAR AND THEY WOULD FIX THE ISSUES AND CALL ME WHEN IT WAS DONE, I STATED IT WAS TOO LATE FOR THAT BECAUSE I HAD TRADED IT FOR A NEW ONE BECAUSE IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE. WE HAVE AN ESTIMATE TO FIX, PHOTOS AND ALL PAPER WORK FROM THE SALE.

UNKNOWN OR OTHEROct 2019

I LEASED A CADILLAC 2019 CTS IN DECEMBER 2018. THE CAR'S ENGINE ACCELERATES SPORADICALLY ON ITS OWN. IT HAPPENED TO ME APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEED, DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND AS I WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPOT. THREE SUCH EVENTS OCCURRED WITHIN TEN MINUTES WHILE INCHING MY WAY TO MERGE AND ENTER THE QUEEN'S MIDTOWN TUNNEL IN NY. EACH TIME I MANAGED TO STOP THE CAR BY LEANING VERY HEAVILY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVING THE TRANSMISSION INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE DEALER UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, AND THE CAR WAS IN HIS SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR OVER 20 DAYS. CADILLAC CLAIMS THAT THEY UNAWARE OF ANY SUDDEN ENGINE ACCELERATION PROBLEM. THE LATEST PROPOSAL THAT CADILLAC OFFERED IS TO INSTALL A DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE IN THE CAR WITH THE HOPE THAT THE FAULT WILL SHOW UP. IN THE MEANWHILE CADILLAC EXPECTS ME TO DRIVE THE CAR, ENDANGERING MYSELF, INNOCENT PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER FELLOW DRIVERS.

AIR BAGS,SEATSDec 2025

The airbag warning light appeared 45 days ago. I immediately took my 2017 Cadillac to the dealer (Sewell Cadillac of Houston). The vehicle is covered under a Sewell Extended warranty until 2028. The dealer performed troubleshooting and determined that the passenger seat sensors/module (part # 84567224 ) was defective. The Inspector for the Sewell Extended warranty confirmed that the replacement was covered by the warranty. The dealer advised after 30 days (completing other services- Brakes/rotors/front tires/spark plugs & wires etc) that the part # was “Back-ordered” and Sewell did not know when the part would be available, if ever. The consequence explained that the passenger seat which contains GM Part # 84567224 should not be used as the airbag may not inflate. Now the dealer wants their “loaner car” back and for me to pick up my “unrepaired Safety defective seat in my car”. Today’s date: December 20, 2025. The car was purchased new 11/2016 from the same Sewell Cadillac dealer. I would expect that General Motors be compelled to supply critical safety related equipment (part # 84567224) for a 8 year old car.

STEERINGNov 2025

The power steering went out on the vehicle. I was not driving at the time. There was a recall on these vehicles pertaining to the EPS module.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2025

The Cadillac CUE screen cracks and becomes unresponsive. When driving this is effecting anything related to system including navigation, radio, hvac, phone and all other functions creating a distraction to the driver that could lead to an accident. This is not the first time that this has happened to me and I’ve noticed that each time the issue is created is during hot days in southern states. This has never happened during the winter. This is my 2nd Cadillac in a row that has had this problem repeatedly. Happens every 2 to 3 years. This might not seem like an issue but it poses a major safety hazard to all people in vehicles around them and an immediate recall and investigation should be taken seriously. A lawsuit was settled for some owners but all owners should be notified and repairs should be completed at the manufacturers expense regardless of age or mileage.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINESep 2025

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 the dealer and as per a service bulletin, they flushed the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission fluid. This was only a temporary fix because 30,000 miles later the same issues started occurring again and have gotten worse to the point that you can smell the transmission clutches burning and the transmission overheating, possibly causing the number four piston rings to come apart, resulting in an engine replacement as well. I’ve had to replace engine as possible result, but the transmission problem is still there and it has also caused the check engine light to come on intermediately. This could result in a complete transmission failure, causing a vehicle to lose propulsion leading to a possible accident and injuries. This issue needs to be investigated and repairs or replacement made at the manufacturers expense.. This is a four-cylinder turbo engine and an eight speed automatic transmission. In my opinion, the transmission issue caused my engine failure. There should be investigated and an immediate recall issued.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2025

OnStar is unable to communicate with my vehicle. When I bought the car 2 years ago, it connected fine. Not OnStar is unable to ping my car. Appears the. Module goes out on a lot of cars since I was told it is on back order and not sure if that was the true peoblem

POWER TRAINJul 2025

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 to 4 different places where they all stated the rear differential is the problem. I never had a service engine light come on. We found out that there was a recall on this part for other Cadillac CTS vehicles but my VIN did not come up as one that has a recall. I have had my rear differential fluid serviced and changed right before 30K miles. I now have a little over 95K miles and am told there is a back order for this part due to how many other Cadillac CTS vehicles are having the same issue. This could make car lock up at any time while driving. I transport my grandchildren and elderly Mother in this vehicle regularly. We have been told that it will take over $6K to fix and since the part is on back order, it will be several months before it can be fixed. This is not only a dangerous and possibly deadly circumstance, but extremely inconvenient and expensive. This part needs to be recalled for all Cadillac CTS vehicles and the parts need to be available as soon as possible.

STEERING,POWER TRAINJul 2025

Unknown I have been driving my car for 2 years now. For about the last year the steering in has been handling horrible and I have checked all parts every think is in good condition. I have read online it's a common problem and I see it as a safety concern especially since it's recalled on the same vehicle different vin. So when driving down the highway it's hard to stay centered and the car pulls different directions and the steering gets stiff to where it feels locked up. It is electrical power steering and I have experience from a prior experience with a 2009 pontiac g6. All these parts should of been recalled and not just a handful.

AIR BAGSMar 2025

Passenger sensing device for the passenger seat is failing intermittently. Service airbag light is coming on periodically, and, when it does, the passenger "Airbag ON" light fails to illuminate even if a passenger over 100 lbs is in the seat. This is a long recurring issue with all GM cars where the sensing pad goes bad.

STEERINGMar 2025

Power steering went out and exhibited the same symptoms as GM recall N182182760, but my vin is not included in the recall.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELSMar 2025

My dream car…2017 Cadillac CTS 3.6L prem. Lux. I’ve noticed a lot of complaints with very low miles under 30,000 service suspension system, car has new Perelli tires 19” and the driver front tire went flat. What’s going on, I don’t want the dealer to take advantage of me. I can’t understand why this vehicle would be giving me problems so soon purchased from Calstar Mercedes dealer on [XXX] of 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Showing 20 of 514 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Cadillac CTS

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Cadillac CTS, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Cadillac CTS has 514 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Cadillac CTS has 26 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 35 of the Cadillac CTS's 514 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Cadillac CTS vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Cadillac CTS vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Cadillac CTS has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

Compare

Buyers also compare

How does the Cadillac CTS stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.

Toyota Camry reliability Ford F 150 reliability Chevrolet Silverado reliability
Cadillac CTS vs Toyota CamryCadillac CTS vs Ford F 150Cadillac CTS vs Chevrolet Silverado

Explore

Other Cadillac models

Compare vs Honda Accord
All Cadillac Models

By state

Check a Cadillac CTS by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Cadillac CTS.

VIN check in CaliforniaVIN check in TexasVIN check in FloridaVIN check in New YorkVIN check in PennsylvaniaVIN check in IllinoisVIN check in OhioVIN check in GeorgiaFree VIN check

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

All Cadillac reliability statsSafest car brandsBest value carsMost accident-prone carsVIN check by stateAll vehicle stats

Cadillac CTS reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Cadillac CTS reliable?

Poor. The Cadillac CTS has 514 NHTSA owner complaints and 26 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Cadillac CTS years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2014 (144 complaints), 2011 (108 complaints), 2013 (72 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Cadillac CTS problems?

Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (169 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (90 complaints); STEERING (53 complaints).

Does the Cadillac CTS have recalls?

Yes — 26 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Cadillac CTS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

VinSpectorAI

The world's most advanced AI-powered vehicle history platform. Comprehensive insights, fraud detection, and smart analysis for any vehicle.

5M+
Reports
50+
Brands
AI
Powered
Check Any VIN Free
Product
  • Free VIN Check
  • Free Recall Check
  • VIN Search
  • VIN Search by State
  • Vehicle Reliability Stats
  • AI Analysis
  • Pricing
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Affiliate Program
Support
  • FAQ
Legal
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy

© 2026 VinSpectorAI. All rights reserved.

contact@vinspectorai.com
Made with for car enthusiasts