25 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 2015 Cadillac CTS problems
18 of the 49 complaints (37%) are about the transmission.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train · transmission
14
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
6
2
0
0
Unknown or Other
5
0
0
0
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · transmission
4
0
0
0
Engine
3
0
0
0
Suspension
2
0
0
0
Steering
2
0
0
0
Electrical System
2
0
0
0
Wheels
1
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
1
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module26V329000
Filed May 21, 20265,014 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC
Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler18V595000
Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats may be damaged over time, resulting in the seat heaters producing excessive heat.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the body control module, disabling the automatic activation of the heated seat when the vehicle is remotely started, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for the recall is 18286.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages15V358000
Filed Jun 9, 20152,163 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.
Risk. If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15352.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 20, 2026OR
Component Affected: SERVICE BRAKES Description of Safety Defect & Incidents: Experienced a recurring, systemic mechanical failure within its camshaft-driven brake vacuum assist system, creating an imminent crash hazard on public roadways. On two separate occasions while traveling at operational roadway speeds trying to slow down for an interchange, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of power brake assistance. The brake pedal instantly became completely rigid, hard pedal, requiring maximum physical exertion to slow the vehicle and drastically extending the emergency stopping distance.Repair History & Manufacturer Involvement: The primary brake vacuum pump was initially replaced by an authorized Cadillac dealership in July 2023. Following that service, the "Brake Assist" warning lamp remained persistently illuminated. I called the dealership to ask how I can reset the warning and no one called me back, so I just lived with it. After driving only approximately 5,000 miles over 3 years, the system completely failed again, causing the second aforementioned on-road moving brake failures.The vehicle was towed back to the authorized Cadillac dealership on June 29, 2026, and has remained continuously out of service in their possession for nearly four months (113+ days) as of late October 2026. Dealership technicians have hit a diagnostic wall. They have repeatedly replaced parts, brake vacuum pump, vacuum sensor hose, brake booster twice during this single visit, and the
Power Train
Filed Oct 6, 2026143,145 milesVA
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving, the air bag warning light and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Service Vehicle Soon" was displayed. Additionally, the rear end of the vehicle made an abnormal roaring sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a multi-point inspection was performed. The dealer replaced the purge valve due to a leak, an oil change was performed, and the check engine warning light was reset. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnose regarding the roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer determined that the rear differential was leaking due to a pinion bearing failure and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V038000 (Power Train) and 26V329000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 143,145.
Steering
Filed Aug 28, 2026TX
Dash board message power steering service message hard to steer traction assist light is on.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 25, 202572,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a loud grinding and squeaking sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was a high-pitched sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the water pump was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced, and the rear differential was leaking. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The water pump was replaced under the warranty. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced every two months. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Jul 16, 202598,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormally loud sound. The contact exited the highway and drove to the nearest mechanic shop at a gas station. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rear differential was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Steering
Filed May 2, 202592,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various slow speeds, the message "Driver Assist Unavailable" and the steering wheel was abnormally firm, requiring excess effort to drive the vehicle until the power steering functionality returned. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that there was no failure found with the vehicle, and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V175000 (STEERING); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (touch)screen/Monitor/Unit
Filed Oct 16, 2024GA
The car was taken to Hutchinson dealership in Macon Georgia, to have the oil changed and when I went to pick up the car the Cue Screen was cracked. I asked being the car was in their possession they should be liable for the repairs. They told me that there was nothing they can do because there was no Warranty. I asked why would the car need a Warranty in there possession. It's been two year and i can't pay to have it repaired. I'm [XXX] and can't afford to have it repaired. Very sad.....
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Oct 4, 2024125,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that there was an abnormal loud clunking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle while the vehicle was shifting into gears. The vehicle was taken to AMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care, where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000(Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Power Train
Filed Sep 22, 2024AR
The primary issue with the vehicle is the failure of the front transmission pump seal (part #24225543) and the torque converter seal ( part #242337534 ) which caused a significant transmission fluid leak. THe original repair of the torque converter seal was done in Jan 2024 by Andrews Cadillac In Mt Juliet Tn. Failure to properly repair the torque converter seal led to internal damage within the transmission, resulting in the need for a full transmission replacement. THe front pump seal was not replaced as recommended by the service repair manual at the time of the torque converter seal replacement. The faulty component is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the vehicle's hesitation to accelerate after stopping, a direct consequence of the low transmission fluid. This hesitation causes a sudden loss of power while driving, increasing the likelihood of an accident. THere is a delay and then a hard shift when off , a significant bump when shifting from first to second gear and when I stop it feels like I've been rear ended by another car. The issue has been confirmed by multiple service centers, including Parker Cadillac, ORR Cadillac, and Christian Brothers Automotive, all of which identified the transmission pump seal as the source of the leak and the resulting damage to the transmission. Additionally, Christian Brothers Automotive found that the torque converter seal was also leaking, further contributing to the vehic
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed May 28, 2024157,000 milesKS
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact also became aware of an abnormal sound near the brake pads; however, the contact stated that the sound was not coming from the brake pads. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who determined that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Power Train
Filed Feb 13, 2023TX
My rear differential gear is failing on my 2015 Cadillac CTS luxury 2.0T. I just reached approx 69,000 miles upon returning from an approx 2,200 mile trip to the east coast from Texas. I noticed a whine like noise after my drive back to Texas that seemed to get louder and louder coming from the rear of the vehicle. I took my vehicle to Firestone for inspection and it was confirmed the rear differential was failing. i was also advised the the seal were leaking as noted in the attached report. I was shown the drain plug which had an abundance of metal shavings present to confirm. The fluid was replaced and I was advised to follow up ASAP. Upon researching the issue I discovered this is a common issue confirmed on the Cadillac forums. This issue could’ve left me stranded or worse, caused an accident as I was traveling around the Christmas and the New Year to visit family during peak travel times. There were no warning signs or indications via my vehicle warning systems nor was there any contact from my Cadillac dealer or GM representatives. My vehicle is currently available for inspection as the issue has not been resolved.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Filed Dec 15, 202274,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and attempting to stop, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal became very difficult to depress. The failure almost caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the “Brake Assist" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Power Train
Filed Oct 17, 2022TN
Was simply driving my normally and out of no where there was a loud pop and driving the car all I heard was a loud grinding noise as I stepped on the gas, and the car would not shift into reverse. No lights or warnings had ever popped up into the dash. Also very strong burning and metal smell came from the car. I have taken the car to an independent repair shop and was determined the rear differential has gone bad. Apparently many other people with similar year vehicles have had the same issues with this make and model of car, to add on another car like mines came into the same shop with the same problem.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment
Filed Aug 10, 2022WI
The CUE system is variably unresponsive/frozen. Cannot turn on heat, cannot turn on navigation. Situation is distracting as driving and trying to touch the screen to turn on heat in winter, or to receive navigation information when highway shut down and detour was not yet posted. Nearly caused an accident. Dealer confirmed that system is broken. No one else has inspected the system. System never worked properly and had many glitches when vehicle purchased new.
Engine
Filed Jul 26, 2022RI
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brakes , emergency brake , engine overheating , How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car shut off in the highway while i was with my kids Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes it went in the shop 05/12/22 but problem with car still continued Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes i dont know how it passed due to emergency brake and engine & brakes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes first engie light came on then car shut off
Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2022KY
The vacuum pump failed and caused catastrophic engine failure. The vacuum pump was constructed with substandard design and the composition of the parts within the vacuum pumps internal components. The vacuum pump is an integral part of the emissions system, the braking system and the engine. This is not an isolated incident as the replacement vacuum pump, even if replaced, will fail again. The pump should have been designed with a shear pin so the engine camshaft would not have been destroyed.
Power Train
Filed Jun 22, 2022FL
The recall that was done on the 2014-2015 CTS-V should have been a recall on ALL models of CTS because all of the models in the timeframe received the dsame flawed rear differential. My 2015 CTS Luxury has only 80k miles on it and the differential has chunks of metal in its oil. It is the exactaame differential as is in the CTS-V. At any time my rear end will lock up once the dofferential fully eats itself. It is an extreme saftey hazard for anyone driving any type of CTS from 2014-2015.
Power Train
Filed Jun 1, 2022FL
2015 Cadillac CTS Luxury, 81k miles, rear differential has metal chunks in its fluid and makes load roaring sound. Dealership mecahnics said that the differential dailing that early is a known issue, and if it had progressed rhe differential would have seized up and the rear tires would have locked up. No parts available anywhere for differential replacement or overhaul.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed May 20, 2022CA
2015 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE EXHAUST WAS DAMAGED WHILE HAVING A SAFETY RECALL N192279370 REPAIRED.
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Mar 8, 2022SC
I purchased a Cadillac CTS 3.6, Performance Model, in late 2015 with Pirelli 245/40 R18 Pzero Run Flats as OEM tires. I replaced those tires with the exact same Pzero tires in February, 2019, after 35,250 miles on the OEM tires. I never had a problem with the OEM tires, and expected a similar driving experience and performance from the replacement Pzeros. To my surprise, the experience from the new replacement tires was completely different from the originals. I complained to the dealer on numerous occasions about the way the replacement tires rode and performed. I had the dealer re-check the front end alignment. I complained to the dealer that the tires lost air pressure to the extent of two psi per week. I complained to the dealer that the tires, as opposed to the driver, steered the car. I was at the Cadillac dealership on December 31, 2021, for a typical oil change and asked the dealer to check the front end alignment. At the time, the car had 48,458 miles on the odometer, and to my surprise, the dealer advised that there was no point in rotating and balancing the tires, or checking the alignment, because the wear on the tires was to the point of being dangerous to drive. Thus with 12,923 miles on these replacement tires, they needed replacement. I immediately complained to he tire dealer about the premature wear of the Pzero tires, They examined the tires, and agreed that there was obviously a defect resulting in the premature wear, and would file a claim with Pirelli on
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Feb 22, 202280,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the rear end of the vehicle without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they diagnosed the failure as a leak in the rear differential. The contact was initially informed that the repair would be covered under warranty; however, a few days later, the contact was informed otherwise. He was then informed that the vehicle would not be covered under warranty and was given an estimate for repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 20, 2022WI
Brake light system failed and had to be replaced. Infotainment screen failure.
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 21, 2021NC
The rear differential went out while I was driving.
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 20, 2021NY
In about mid November 2021 a grinding noise became noticeable from the rear of my car and quickly became louder. From experience, I thought it was probably bearing failure. The car was parked at that time and has not been driven since. Today is 12/20/21, so the car has been out of service for one and a half months at this point. An ASE certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and found the rear differential to be defective, it was identified as the obvious source of the noise and had metal particles in the fluid. Doing research I found that rear differential failure was common in Cadillac CTS's and a GM safety recall N192279370 had been issued with the bad units being replaced at "no charge". The Cadillac designated model in question is the CTS-V with the 3.6l twin turbo V6 engine. My car is a 2015 CTS with a 4L turbo engine. I haven't found a recall issued on this model and I don't understand why it hasn't been done. I feel that a differential failure in my vehicle would be just as dangerous as that in the designated recall vehicle, it's basically the same car with a different engine. The vehicle was inspected by one mechanic only, but his findings reveal an obvious fault. A review of the incidents with the designated vehicle involved show that very serious safety problem exists which would threaten the driver and passengers if this vehicle was put back in service. I expect that GM must recognize that this safety fault affects a wider range of their vehicles and it has to be
Power Train
Filed Sep 1, 2021TX
The rear differential started making a loud whining noise around 53,000 miles. It then turned into a grinding noise. I had it checked by a mechanic and he confirmed it was rear differential that needed replacing. He recommended not driving the vehicle since the differential could completely fail and cause an accident. Not having any mechanical experience, the noise was the only indication of a problem. No warning lights or sensor faults.
Power Train
Filed May 12, 202178,000 milesDE
THERE WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID HAS METAL SHAVINGS IN IT AND HE SAID THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO CALL GENERAL MOTORS AT (800) 222-1020 AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND GAVE ME FILE NUMBER 9-6712786810. IT IS AT IG BURTON, MILFORD, DE, NOW FOR DIAGNOSIS.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 12, 202125,000 milesOK
THE CUE SYSTEM IS CRACKING AND NON RESPONSIVE TO ANY TOUCH INPUT. I HAVE FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESETTING THE SYSTEM BUT THIS DOES NOT CORRECT THE LACK OF RESPONSE NOR THE SCREEN CRACKING.. I CANNOT CONTROL THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM, RADIO, SPECIFIC CLIMATE SETTINGS, LANGUAGE OF THE INSTRUMENTATION (CURRENTLY STUCK IN FRENCH). THIS IS NOT COVERED NOW THAT OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $2000.00+ TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT WITH AN IDENTICAL ONE THAT WILL DEVELOP THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND THESE SHOULD ALL BE RECALLED. NY WIFE IS DISABLED AND RELIED ON THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM TO FIND DIRECTIONS TO LOCATIONS.
Power Train
Filed Nov 1, 202049,000 milesMI
I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY LAST NIGHT, EITHER THE TRANSMISSION OR THE REAL AXLES BROKE AS I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH. NEVER INFORMED OF ANY RECALL AND I WANT ANSWERS, AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MY HOME LAST NIGHT. THIS OCCURRED IN BATTLE CREEK MICHIGAN ON M66 SOUTH
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 28, 2020125,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE DIFFERENTIAL EXPERIENCED A GRINDING AND RUBBING SOUND. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED CAPITAL CADILLAC (2210 COBB PKWY SE, SMYRNA, GA 30080, (770) 884-7397) AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 7, 2020GA
THE CUE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM WAS JUMP AND MOVE AROUND AND WILL NOT RESPOND WHEN TOUCHED. THE SCREEN IS CRACKED. IT WAS REPAIRED ONCE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS NOW DOING IT AGAIN NOW THAT IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS UNSAFE AND VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE OF ALL THE MOVEMENTS OF THE SCREEN
Power Train
Filed Jun 25, 2020AZ
THIS VEHICLE IS THE SUBJECT OF A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED IN JAN. THE DEALER ORDERED REPAIR PARTS ON MAY 11. NO ANSWER FROM CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE TO INQUIRE ABOUT PARTS AVAILABILITY. WHAT IS CONSIDERED "REASONABLE TIME" WHEN ADDRESSING A SAFETY RECALL? *TR
Power Train
Filed May 27, 2020AL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V038000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BARKLEY BUICK GMC CADILLAC, INC, (3575 SKYLAND BLVD E, TUSCALOOSA, AL 35405), WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REJECTED TO BE SERVICED DUE TO PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine
Filed Apr 24, 2020GA
ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE A TRUCK, WHILE DRIVING. JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. 30,000 MILES ON ODOMETER.
Suspension
Filed Jan 27, 202062,500 milesWA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V038000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO KNOWING ABOUT THE RECALL, THE SERVICE REAR AXLE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT CALLED CADILLAC OF BELLEVUE 600 116TH AVE NE, BELLEVUE, WA 98004 WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,500. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 20, 201963,000 milesAL
CUE SCREEN BEGINS SHAKING AND TOUCH SCREEN DOES NOT WORK. THIS SCREEN CONTROLS HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, RADIO, NAVIGATION, PHONE, SETTINGS. I HAD IT REPLACED AT 26,053 MILES WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND AT 63,000 MILES, OUT OF WARRANTY, IT IS DOING THE SAME THING.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 201940,000 milesFL
FLORIDA RESIDENT, BUT A SPEND SUMMER IN WYOMING. I LEAVE MY 2 CARS IN MY FLORIDA GARAGE FOR THE SUMMER. GARAGE IS NOT A/C SO IT GETS HOT. THIS YEAR WHEN I RETURNED, I NOTICED MY CADILLAC CUE SYSTEM WAS NOT RESPONDING WHEN I TOUCHED THE SCREEN. THE CUE SYSTEM CONTROLS ALMOST ALL FUNCTIONS OF THE CAR. THE CUE SYSTEM WOULD BE OPERATIONAL FOR A FEW SECONDS WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED AND THEN IT WOULD FREEZE OR LOCK UP. WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT WOULD CHANGE VARIOUS FUNCTIONS OF THE CAR. FOR EXAMPLE IT WOULD; 1) PROGRAM CURRENT RADIO STATION ON ADDITIONAL PRESETS, 2) CHANGE PRESET DRIVER SETTINGS SUCH AS SEAT, STEERING WHEEL AND MIRROR LOCATIONS, ETC., 3) TURN OFF AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT FUNCTIONS, 4) TURN OFF AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKING FUNCTIONS. BASICALLY ANY FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE THAT CAN BE CHANGED AS A USER FUNCTION THRU THE CUE SYSTEM, NOW IS SUBJECT TO BE CHANGED RANDOMLY WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. MOST OF THESE FUNCTIONS THAT ARE RANDOMLY CHANGED CANNOT BE ACCESSED EXCEPT THRU THE CUE SYSTEM. THUS I NO LONGER HAVE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. CALLED DEALER & MADE APPT FOR SERVICE -- TOOK CAR IN ON 10/17 -- DEALER SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER NEW RADIO, HAD TO MATCH VIN# (NOT TRUE) -- CALLED 10/24 TO SEE IF THEY HAD PART, THEY SAID NOT YET. -- WENT TO DEALER ON 10/31, DEALER SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD GET PART, WOULD CALL ME. -- SAID I WASN'T ALONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. -- DEALER SAID WOULD COST 1700 TO FIX PROBLEM -- AS OF 11/13 STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING. -- CALLED CADILLAC
Power Train
Filed Sep 25, 201967,000 milesIL
ON AUGUST 5, 2019, I WAS TRAVELLING DOWN A TWO LANE ROAD @ 35-40 MPH AND WITH A LOUD CLUNK FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR, THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP. I WENT INTO A SKID AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR SWERVED BACK AND FORTH ACROSS BOTH LANES. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER ON THE ROAD AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND STEERED INTO THE SKID AS THE FRONT OF THE CAR SWERVED BACK AND FORTH. FORTUNATELY, AN ONCOMING DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP HIS CAR IN TIME TO AVOID A HEAD-ON WHEN HE SAW ME SWERVE INTO HIS LANE. I CALLED THE DEALER, WHO SENT A TOW TRUCK. THE SERVICE MANAGER LOOKED AT THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND CONFIRMED THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS BAD--ALL KINDS OF METAL CHUNKS CAME OUT WITH THE OIL WHEN THEY DRAINED IT. HE TOLD ME THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE DIFFERENTIAL HAD PRETTY MUCH SELF-DESTRUCTED. THE CAR WAS WITHIN ITS POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, SO THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL. ALMOST TWO MONTHS LATER, THE DEALER HASN'T LOCATED A REPLACEMENT DIFFERENTIAL. THIS CAR IS A CADILLAC V-SPORT, A PERFORMANCE-ORIENTED MODEL WITH AN ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL. DURING THE YEARS THIS MODEL WAS IN PRODUCTION, GENERAL MOTORS MADE LESS THAN 1,000 PER YEAR, AND I BELIEVE THAT PERHAPS THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS A SPECIAL TYPE FOR THE V-SPORT, ALTHOUGH I AM NOT SURE. I DO KNOW OF OTHERS HAVING THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM--THEY HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM ON A CADILLAC V-SPORT USER'S GROUP FOUND AT CADILLACFORUMS.COM. THE ATTACHED PICTURES SHOW THE SKID MARKS MADE BY THE REAR WHEELS AND WHERE
Power Train
Filed Aug 25, 201938,000 milesCA
WHEN IDLING OR WHEN YOU COLD START THE CAR IT TENDS TO HAVE A SLIGHT SHAKE/TREMBLE FEEL ALL THROUGHOUT THE CAR EVEN PASSENGERS FELT IT ALSO WHEN ACCELERATING SLOWLY AND YOU HIT 15 MPH CAR TENDS TO SHIFT HARD INTO 2ND GEAR
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 201910,700 milesMO
WHEN IM GOING FORWARD OR REVERSING THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY SLAMS ON PARK BRAKE
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 11, 201842,200 milesSC
I HAD ADAPTIVE CRUISE ON, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, SO ADAPTIVE STOPPED, THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME MOVED BECAUSE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, SO TO ENGAGE THE CRUISE I GENTLY GAVE IT GAS AND I FELT THE CRUISE KICK SO I MOVED MY FOOT AND THEN THE CAR LUNGED INTO THE TRAILER HITCH OF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD NO TIME TO REACT, THE CRASH WARNING DID NOT FLASH NOR DID THE BRAKING ASSIST ENGAGE. LUCKILY THE GUY I HIT WAS NOT AFFECTED THE HITCH PREVENTED DAMAGE TO HIS TRUCK BUT MY CAR TOOK ALL THE DAMAGE. I WAS SO SHOOK THAT BEFORE I COULD APPLY BRAKES MY CAR STILL WAS TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN THOUGH IT HAD HIT THE HITCH. THIS WAS ON A HIGHWAY JUST AS IT WAS MERGING TO A STREET. I CONTACTED CADILLAC/GM AND SENT THEM PICTURES AND 2 DAYS LATER THEY CALLED AND SAID I HAD NO CASE, THEY DID NOT EVEN SEND ME TO A DEALER TO CHECK OUT THE SYSTEM BY A PROFESSIONAL.
Structure › BodyFire
Filed Apr 6, 2018MI
APRIL 4, 2018 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THIS IS MY RECOLLECTION AT DISCOVERING THAT MY CADILLAC CTS 2015 GOT ON FIRE AT MY FRIENDS HOME IN SHELBY MICHIGAN ON MARCH 25TH, 2018. ON MARCH 24TH MY WIFE (LOURDES ROBLES) AND I ARRIVED AT OUR FRIENDS HOME AT 48307 RED OAK IN SHELBY MICHIGAN TO CELEBRATE OUR FRIENDS BIRTHDAY. AT THE PARTY THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 10 COUPLES FROM WHOM 5 WHERE STILL THERE AND WITNESSED THE EVENT. THE MAJORITY OF THEM WORK FOR THE AUTO INDUSTRY AND SOME ARE GENERAL MOTORS EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING ARTEMIO CORTEZ WHO IS A GLOBAL BUSINESS DIRECTOR FOR GM. AT 2:20 AM WE WHERE PREPARING TO LEAVE AND I USED THE ONSTAR APPLICATION TO REMOTELY TURN ON THE VEHICLE SO IT WOULD WARM UP BEFORE LEAVING. AFTER SAYING GOODBYE TO OUR FRIENDS AT 2:32 AM (ACCORDING TO THE MOTION CAMERA) WE ARE WALKING OUT OF THE HOME AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT MY CADILLAC WAS ON FLAMES. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND I RAN TOWARDS THE CAR UNTIL I NOTICED THAT THE FLAMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE WERE OVERWHELMING. I ASKED MY WIFE TO INFORM OUR FRIENDS AND HAVE THEM MOVE THE 2 CARS NEAR OUR CAR: A FORD FIESTA IN THE FRONT AND A CADILLAC XT5 IN THE BACK. MY WIFE NOCKED ON THE DOOR AND TOLD OUR FRIEND TO TELL THE REST OF THE GROUP SO THEY COULD MOVE THE VEHICLES. AT THE SAME TIME I WAS MAKING MY FIRST CALL TO 911 (2:33 AM) FOLLOWED BY A SECOND CALL AT 2:38 AM. THE OWNER OF THE CADILLAC XT5 MOVED HIS CAR TO A SAFE PLACE IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE, THE OWNER OF THE FORD FIESTA DIDN'T MOVE THE CAR
SeatsFire
Filed Feb 16, 2018IN
MY CAR WAS PARKED ON A NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD. I USED MY REMOTE START AND WHEN I WALKED OUT THE DOOR WITH MY 14 MONTH OLD SON ONLY 3-4 MINUTES LATER, MY CAR WAS ALREADY ON FIRE. I COULD SEE THE FLAMES THROUGH THE WINDOWS AND WITHIN MINUTES THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE. THE BACK DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD BUSTED AND THE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR DEEMED THE HEATED SEATS AS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AND BELIEVE IT WAS DUE TO A SHORT IN THE WIRING. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Feb 10, 201831,674 milesFL
WENT TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT, HIT THE BRAKE, THE CAR SPED UP HITTING ANOTHER PARKED CAR. I HAD A PROBLEM YESTERDAY, PUT CAR IN CRUISE CONTROL(50 MPH) ON THE HIGHWAY, WENT TO BRAKE TO TURN, CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISCONNECT, HAD TO SHUT THE SYSTEM OFF MANUALLY. SIMILAR PERIODIC PROBLEMS IN THE PAST.
Wheels
Filed Sep 7, 201730,000 milesMI
SAFETY HAZARD: DEFECTIVE PIRELLI TIRES; PZERO NERO; WITHIN A TIMEFRAME OF ONLY 15K MILES 5 PZERRO NERO TIRES NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO TIRE PULLING AWAY FROM RIM, THEN BULGING AND FINAL SIDEWALL WOULD BLOW OUT. REGARDLESS, IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY THIS WILL OCCUR WITH EACH TIRE. FIRST 3 TIRES WERE COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASE WITH PIRELLI. TIRE 4 & 5 WAS REJECTED TO BE REPLACED BY PIRELLI UNTIL THE TIRES ACTUALLY BLOW OUT. TWO VERY LARGE BULGES IN THE FRONT & REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRES. MY CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE (CUE WAS REPLACED MALFUNCTIONED) AND I WAS NOTIFIED THAT PIRELLI REJECTED REPLACING THE TIRES EVEN THOUGH I PURCHASED THE WARRANTY. I REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP WITH 2 TWO TIRES THAT HAVE A BULGE AT THE SIDEWALL READY TO BLOW OUT AT ANYTIME. THE DEALERSHIP PROVIDED ME A LOANER CAR WHILE I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH GM CONCERNING THESE DEFECTIVE TIRES THAT ARE ON THESE CADILLAC'S. GM'S CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM IS MANAGED POORLY TO SAY THE LEAST. I GOT A CASE# 8-3230449470 AND I WAS TOLD THERE WILL BE RESOLUTION WITHIN 48 HRS, THAT WAS ON AUG 31, 2017. IT IS NOW SEPT 7, 2017 AND I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THE TEAM AND IT IS NOT RESOLVED. MY CAR STILL REMAINS AT THE DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO DRIVE. SINCE I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY SERVICE FROM THE CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM I RAISED THE ISSUE TO THE GM EXECUTIVE SERVICE TEAM. ANOTHER CASE# 8-3253040006. I ADVISE THE TEAM OF THE SAFETY HAZARD OF THESE TIRES. I WILL NOT ENDANGER ANY O
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 20, 201728,734 milesCA
I PURCHASED THIS CAR 15MAR16 FROM DUBLIN CADILLAC IN DUBLIN, CA. THE DRIVER SIDE BLIND SPOT DETECTION WAS NOT WORKING. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, BUT TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT AND THAT "I WOULD JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITHOUT IT". SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE, I THOUGHT THEY SHOULD HAVE CORRECTED IT UNDER WARRANTY. THEY HAVE REFUSED, SO I AM BRINGING THIS TO YOU ATTENTION AND REQUESTING HELP TO GET IT WORKING CORRECTLY. I HAVE HAD TWO CLOSE CALLS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS DUBLIN CADILLAC, 4200 JOHN MONEGO COURT,DUBLIN, CA.
Power Train
Filed Jan 10, 201715,100 milesPA
THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHEN IT WAS IN PARK, WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. HOME SECURITY CAMERA CAPTURED THE ENTIRE INCIDENT ON FILM. WOULD BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE THE NHTSA WITH THE FOOTAGE.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 1, 20169,000 milesNY
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, LEFT OR RIGHT, OF THE VEHICLE, THERE IS A LOUD METAL-ON-METAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TWICE TO MCGUIRE CADILLAC WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS "NO FIX AT THIS TIME." I HAVE CONTACTED CADILLAC HEADQUARTERS NUMEROUS TIMES AND, UNFORTUNATELY, NO ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN GIVEN. ON DECEMBER 30, 2015, WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE RIGHT LANE OF A HIGHWAY, I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE VEERED ACROSS TO THE LEFT ACROSS THREE LANES ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE DID A 360 COMING TO REST FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHERE I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE BRAKE OR GAS PEDALS IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER COMING TO A HALT, I WAS THEN ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION.
Suspension
Filed Oct 13, 20156,038 milesLA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,038.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 17, 2015TX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FROM 35 TO 45 MPH INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PERIOD OF ACCELERATION BRIEFLY OCCURRED THEN THE VEHICLE RESUMED OPERATING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSES FAILED IN THE TRANSMISSION (TCN). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 21, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.