2015 Cadillac Cts

Routine

Owners filed 47 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train13
000
Unknown or Other5
000
Service Brakes5
200
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit4
000
Engine3
000
Suspension2
000
Steering2
000
Electrical System2
000
Wheels1
000
Vehicle Speed Control1
000

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
Filed Sep 7, 201852,867 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
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.

20 of 47 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201910000Routine
20188200Routine
201727200Routine
201631410Routine
2015 — this page47320Routine
2014146600Routine
201373200Routine
201265200Routine
2011101230Routine
201067310Routine
2009167503Fatalities reported
2008175230Routine
2007217660Above average
2006269621Fatalities reported
2005277642Fatalities reported
2004224610Above average
20033134120Above average

Compare every Cts year →

Reading this record

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.