Cadillac CTS years to avoid and best years
Newer Cadillac CTS years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 11 (73 complaints). 2012 through 2014 are in that same range. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 1 (from 8 complaints), 2019 at 1 (from 10 complaints), and 2016 at 2 (from 31 complaints). On the 2013 Cadillac CTS, 15 of 73 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
Cadillac CTS reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Cadillac CTS. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 → Fewest | 1 | 10 | 0 | Powertrain | 22.4 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 1 | 8 | 2 | Electrical system | 22.8 |
| 2017 → | 3 | 27 | 2 | Powertrain | 22.6 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 2 | 31 | 4 | Powertrain | 22.8 |
| 2015 → | 2 | 48 | 3 | Powertrain | 19.6 |
| 2014 → | 8 | 146 | 6 | Powertrain | 18.9 |
| 2013 → Most | 11 | 73 | 2 | Electrical system | 19 |
| 2012 → | 6 | 67 | 2 | Electrical system | 19 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Coupe, Wagon
- Oil
- 5W-30 (all temps); 0W-30 below -29°C · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/55R17, 235/50R18, 245/45R19 (sedan/wagon); coupe/V staggered fronts 235/50R18–255/40R19 front / 235/55R17, 235/50R18, 245/45R19 (sedan/wagon); coupe/V staggered rears 265/45R18–285/35R19 rear
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 (all temps); 0W-30 below -29°C · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/45R17, 245/40R18, 255/35R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 19V-086 covers certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS vehicles (and ATS/Camaro/Corvette years named in the campaign): the electric power steering assist system may fail, requiring higher steering effort especially at low speeds. Dealers replace the power steering gear assembly. Recall 25V-175 covers certain 2016-2018 CTS vehicles among other GM models for the same EPS assist failure mode; dealers replace the power steering gear assembly.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac CTS years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 1 (from 8 complaints), 2019 at 1 (from 10 complaints), and 2016 at 2 (from 31 complaints).
Which Cadillac CTS year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 11 (73 complaints). 2012 through 2014 are in that same range. On the 2013 Cadillac CTS, 15 of 73 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Cadillac CTS owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Cadillac CTS years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall.
What oil does a Cadillac CTS take?
US notes list 5W-30 for all temperatures, with 0W-30 as an alternative below -29°C (about 6.0 qt with filter).
Does recall 19V-086 cover the Cadillac CTS?
It covers certain 2016-2018 CTS vehicles (and ATS/Camaro/Corvette years named in the campaign): electric power steering assist may fail; dealers replace the EPS assembly as directed.
What generation is a 2015 Cadillac CTS?
3rd generation (2014-2019). Model years 2012-2013 are 2nd generation in this catalog.