Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Cadillac CTS Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns across the Cadillac CTS, 2003–2019. Owners have filed 2,217 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2005 drew the most (277) and the 2018 the fewest (8).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls27campaignsCovering 2003–2019 model yearsSource: NHTSA Complaints2,217filedOwner reports across 17 model yearsSource: NHTSA ODI Crash tests5★overall★★★★★2019 model, latest ratedSource: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy25mpg combined2019 model, best configurationSource: EPA

Cadillac CTS complaints by model year

2,217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2018 · 8 complaints
  • 2019 · 10 complaints
  • 2017 · 27 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2005 · 277 complaints
  • 2006 · 269 complaints
  • 2007 · 217 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2010–2019. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Cadillac CTS owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Power train 92241384199933
Electrical system 1620102613410231
Air bags 1623611402210
Steering 5114101344801
Engine 101367944112
Unknown or other 74571384413
Suspension 12771754101
Service brakes 6697381000

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Cadillac CTS recalls (27)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one CTS model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Cadillac CTS
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
26V329000May 21, 2026Air Bag Inflator May Rupture2015, 2016—
25V175000Mar 20, 2025Loss of Power Steering Assist2016, 2017, 201843%
19V086000Feb 7, 2019Loss of Power Steering Assist2016, 2017, 201884.6%
18V595000Sep 7, 2018Damaged Seat Heaters Can Cause Fire2014, 2015, 201687.8%
15V358000Jun 9, 2015Brake Pedal Bracket may Fracture201599.5%
14V614000Oct 1, 2014Contamination of the Chassis Electronic Module2013, 201484.8%
14V542000Sep 9, 2014Fuel Pump Electrical Terminal Overheating2004–200757.3%
14V446000Jul 23, 2014Front Seats may not Remain Anchored in Vehicle201495%
14V394000Jul 2, 2014Ignition Switch may Turn Off2003–201464.8%
14V341000Jun 19, 2014Unintended Roof Rail Air Bag Deployment201184.7%
14V338000Jun 19, 2014Transmission Shift Cable Detachment/Rollaway Risk201497.9%
14V253000May 15, 2014Wiper System may become Inoperable201497.1%
11V536000Nov 2, 2011POWER VACUUM BRAKE2012—
11V089000Feb 11, 2011REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK2009, 2010—
10V644000Dec 17, 2010AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM2005, 2006, 2007—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Cadillac CTS (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2019★★★★★5★5★5★4 dr awd
2018★★★★★5★5★5★4 dr awd
2017★★★★★5★5★5★4 dr awd
2016★★★★★5★5★5★4 dr awd
2015★★★★★5★5★5★4 dr awd
2014★★★★★5★5★5★4 dr awd
2013★★★★★5★5★4★4 dr awd
2012★★★★★5★5★4★4 dr awd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

200617–19 mpg
200716–19 mpg
200819–21 mpg
200919–21 mpg
201014–22 mpg
201114–21 mpg
201214–21 mpg
201314–21 mpg
201414–23 mpg
201514–24 mpg
201617–25 mpg
201717–25 mpg
201819–25 mpg
201916–25 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

2019 Cadillac CTS report10 complaints · 0 campaigns →2018 Cadillac CTS report8 complaints · 2 campaigns →2017 Cadillac CTS report27 complaints · 2 campaigns →Every Cadillac modelCadillac models →

Cadillac CTS FAQ

How many recalls has the Cadillac CTS had?

NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns that cover at least one Cadillac CTS model year from 2003 to 2019. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Cadillac CTS year has the most complaints?

Among the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2005 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (277) and the 2018 the fewest (8). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Cadillac CTS problems?

Across the 2010–2019 model years, owners most often name the power train, electrical system, air bags in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Cadillac CTS get?

EPA rates the 2019 Cadillac CTS at 16 to 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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