Cadillac CTS Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
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.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac CTS has 517 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.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- CTS
- Model years analyzed
- 2010–2019 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 517
- Safety recall campaigns
- 26
- Crash-related complaints
- 35
- Fire-related complaints
- 6
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2014 (146 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2010 (1 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
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.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP 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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe CADILLAC CTS has 517 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.
- 517 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 26 federal recall campaigns
- 35 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- 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
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
26 recalls foundSafety 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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
SEATS
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 517 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
517 totalThese 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.
My 2013 has only 75k miles on it and all the dash lights flash and the car fails every couple of days. It has a brand new battery but the gauges on the dash continue to dance. I’m not sure what the problem is but it’s a huge safety factor in drivability.
driving to work on very busy highway. The engine light and Service Battery charging system came on, then went to battery saver almost instantly. Radio cut off, heat cutt off and the Car cut off in the middle of the highway before I could safely get over. this caused me to fear for my life as the cars behind me barely had time to stop. a hair probably could not have fit between us. I did eventually safely get off the highway, had the car towed to a service center. There was 14 different codes.(low voltage, engine running lean, low voltage and more. battery was checked and was 95 %, Alternator fine. was told it was the ECM. After looking on google some sites say there is a recall for 2013 cts some say there is not. there are multiple complaints on this issue and it is not safe. I called Cadillac gave my vin number and was told there was not a recall. Cadillac/GMC really need to issue a recall before something tragic happens, as it almost was me. Thank God that it wasn't.
I noticed that on the dash a message that service is needed on one of the airbags. I then scheduled appointment to have the problem corrected. I was informed by the dealership’ service department that I need a passenger airbag replacement on the passenger side of the car, and they also informed me that GM no longer manufactures the airbag that I need. I was not given any assistance on how to replace this safety feature in the car, nor was I notified by the manufacturer that airbag was discontinued.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the transmission fluid was leaking, and the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission fluid was significantly low. The transmission was topped off. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to the residence; however, on arrival the transmission fluid level was abnormally low. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Found a crack along the tab of my subframe along the rear control arm pocket. Searching for solutions and repairs, I found several hundred people who broke the tab while driving on CTSVowners, ctsvforum and various Facebook groups This seems to impact both the base model and V series CTS.
Cracked subframe. The CTS-V is known for this. Many of the guys on the news groups have the same issue. I had mine welded and replaced the lower control arms as a result.
Read 14 more owner reports
Air bags didn’t come out
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the electronic stability control and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic cleaned the transmission; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DEER WHICH CAUSED AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MESSAGE; THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED ONLY AN ODD SMELLING POWDER EMITTED FROM THE AIR BAG LOCATION. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING IN TORSO, AND SWELLING IN EYES DUE TO POWDER; MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL TOW LOT WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BEING DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
THE NIPPENDENSO FUEL PUMP NECK IS CRACKED AND IS LEAKING FUEL. $3200 BUCKS FOR THE DEALER TO REPLACE. BOUGHT ON LINE AND REPLACED FOR $1256 BUCKS. EVERY CTS V HAS THIS ISSUE. I CANNOT IMAGINE THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL. PUMPING ON THE GROUND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CHECK THE FORUMS AND YOU WILL SEE ALL OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A FUEL LEAK PROBLEM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IDLING WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM WIRING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE WIRING WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND ECM. THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE HEADLIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE CADILLAC, INC. (303 W ROOSEVELT RD, LOMBARD, IL 60148) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAL ON THE HEADLIGHTS WERE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND THAT THERE WAS A COST TO REPAIR THE HEADLIGHTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ON
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2013 CADILLAC, SUFFERING A SEVERED LIP, REQUIRING 24 STITCHES IN MY BOTYOMLIP, LOST TOOTH, AND SUFFERED NECK AND BACK PAIN DUE TO AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING.
I WAS DRIVING ALONG HIGHWAY 70 DOWNTOWN ST LOUIS WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN ALL 4 CEILING/CURTAIN AIRBAGS WENT OFF ONLY, NO OTHER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, JUST THE ONES STATED. I PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY HOUSE WHERE IT REMAINS. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 19, 2019. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 3 WEEKS AGO. THE DEALERSHIP IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS WHERE I PURCHSED IT. THERE IS NO BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, LIKE I SAID THE AIRBAGS JUST WENT OFF FOR NO REASON.
THE ELECTRICALLY ADJUSTABLE STEERING WHEEL HAS TWO BOLTS THAT HOLD THE UP DOWN BRACKET ON THE STEERING WHEEL. ONE BOLT FELL OUT AND THE OTHER ONE WAS LOOSE. THE LOCKTITE BLUE WAS ONLY ON ONE THREAD. IF YOU CHECK THE NEWS GROUPS IT SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE CTS. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL DUE TO THE FACT IF THE OTHER BOLT FELL OUT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD FLOP AROUND CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT WATER WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FALKNER CADILLAC (447 E. ST RD, TREVOSE, PA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO PREVENT THE WATER FROM LEAKING INSIDE THE ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
TAKATA, SERVICE AIR BAG IS ON ACROSS STEREO CONSOLE & LIGHT ON DASH. IT CAME ON WITHIN LAST 4 WEEKS WHILE DRIVING & AFTER A BUMP IN ROAD. WON'T GO OFF. DEEPLY CONCERNED. ALSO DRIVER POWER SEAT MODULE DOESN'T WORK TO RAISE NOT GREAT FOR SOMEONE SHORT.
EVAPORATING SYSTEM AND LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL
THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN EVEN AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE ENGINE HAS JUST STARTED TO ACCELERATE IN THIS POSITION IN THE LAST FEW DAYS. THE BACKUP CAMERA HAS STOPPED WORKING AND THE REVERSE LIGHTS ARE ON AT ALL TIMES (EVEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD). AS OF YESTERDAY THE POWER SEATS TO BE LAGGING, SOME OF THE BUTTONS TAKES SEVERAL TRIES TO WORK.
Showing 20 of 517 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.
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 517 complaints on record across 10 model years.
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.
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 517 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Cadillac CTS reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac CTS reliable?
Poor. The Cadillac CTS has 517 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 (146 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 (54 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.