AI DamageCadillac CTS: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Cadillac CTS across 4 model years: 76 owner complaints and 1,272 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 32% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 21% of all complaints
- 3 Steering 17% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 11% of all complaints
- 5 Wheels 8% of all complaints
- 6 Suspension 8% of all complaints
- 7 Air bags 7% of all complaints
- 8 Structure 4% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 24 complaints (32% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 404.
- Electrical system: 16 complaints (21% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 629.
- Steering: 13 complaints (17% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 91.
- Engine: 8 complaints (11% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 387.
- Wheels: 6 complaints (8% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 172.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2014–2019
- 2.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2005–2007
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2010–2014
- 3.2 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2003–2004
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2004–2019named in 1 complaints
- 3.6 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl 2014–2019named in 1 complaints
- 5.7 L · petrol · 8 cyl 2004–2005
- 6 L · petrol · 8 cyl 2006–2007
- 6.2 L · petrol · turbo · 8 cyl 2010–2019
- automatic, 5-speed 2003–2007
- automatic, 6-speed 2008–2015
- automatic, 8-speed 2014–2019
- manual, 5-speed 2003–2004
- manual, 6-speed 2004–2015
Drive: RWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 76 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 24 | 0 | 404 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 0 | 629 |
| Steering | 13 | 0 | 91 |
| Engine | 8 | 0 | 387 |
| Wheels | 6 | 0 | 172 |
| Suspension | 6 | 0 | 88 |
| Air bags | 5 | 1 | 26 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 108 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 24 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 20 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 506 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 122 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 120 |
| Backover prevention | 1 | 0 | 46 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
No — there were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem with the airbag system prior to the crash. The vehicle appeared to be functioning normally before the incident.
The contact stated while stopped at a light the rpm' s increased, the vehicle attempted to accelerate on its own. The contact stated as the brake pedal was depressed he turned of the vehicle, shifted to neutral, restarted the vehicle and was able to drive the vehicle with no more issues.
The service power steering message was displayed. The failure had occurred while the contact was in the middle of traffic. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure.
THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.
These components failing subjects the driver and surroundings to a stalled car that may not start again. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?
The airbag warning light appeared 45 days ago. I immediately took my 2017 Cadillac to the dealer ([dealer]). 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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent…
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic…
- This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic…
- This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent…
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- Wrecked 2017 Cadillac Cts Rebuild Part 1amount per author: 2,000 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- 2016 Cadillac CTS with a hard brake pedal
- 2019 CADILLAC CTS-V REBUILD PART 1
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.