Cadillac CTS years to avoid (and the best years)
500 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recalls across 8 model years, 2011 to 2019. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 500complaints
- 12recalls
- 34reported crashes
- 6reported fires
- 28reported injuries
Which Cadillac CTS years should you avoid?
No Cadillac CTS model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Cadillac CTS year has 56 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2014 (146) and 2011 (101).
What are the best Cadillac CTS years?
The Cadillac CTS years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2019 (10), 2017 (27) and 2016 (31). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 0.2× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2017 | 27 | 0.5× | 2 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2016 | 31 | 0.6× | 4 | 0 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2015 | 47 | 0.8× | 3 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2014 | 146 | 2.6× | 6 | 4 | 5 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2013 | 73 | 1.3× | 2 | 10 | 8 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2012 | 65 | 1.2× | 2 | 6 | 8 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2011 | 101 | 1.8× | 2 | 11 | 6 | Some concerns to check | Airbags |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 101 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain27 (27%)
- Electrical & infotainment21 (21%)
- Airbags & seat belts15 (15%)
- Other systems15 (15%)
- Steering, suspension & tires10 (10%)
Recalls (12)
Airbags · 26V329000 · May 2026 · model years 2015, 2016
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Steering · 25V175000 · Mar 2025 · model years 2016, 2017
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 19V086000 · Feb 2019 · model years 2016, 2017
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 18V595000 · Sep 2018 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
In cold ambient temperatures, the seat heaters in these vehicles can turn on automatically when the vehicle is remotely started. If a damaged seat heater is turned on while no one is inside the vehicle, the damaged seat heater can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Brakes · 15V358000 · Jun 2015 · model year 2015
If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 14V614000 · Oct 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 14V446000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Electrical system · 14V394000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 14V341000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2011
If the roof rail air bags deploy unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of crash and injury to the occupants.
Transmission · 14V338000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2014
If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Body & glass · 14V253000 · May 2014 · model year 2014
An inoperative windshield wiper system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 11V536000 · Nov 2011 · model year 2012
THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ABILITY TO BRAKE AND a vehicle CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.