Is the Cadillac CTS Reliable?
2003–2019 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other luxurys — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Cadillac CTS? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Cadillac CTS Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 7 | — | — | 82 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 6 | — | — | 82 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 13 | — | — | 82 | Good |
| 2016 | 3 | 21 | — | — | 73 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 31 | — | — | 68 | Good |
| 2014 | 3 | 109 | 8 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2013 | 2 | 53 | 10 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2012 | 2 | 36 | 5 | — | 58 | Fair |
| 2011 | 1 | 95 | 4 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2010 | 2 | 50 | 2 | — | 57 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the CTS Compares to Similar Vehicles
The CTS scores 2 points above the average luxury — a strong result.
Known Cadillac CTS Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 421 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cadillac CTS reliable?+
The Cadillac CTS scores 72/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 17 recall campaigns and 421 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year CTS is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2019 CTS achieved the highest reliability score of 82/100 with 0 recalls and 7 complaints.
How many miles does a CTS last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Cadillac CTS owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used CTS will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Cadillac CTS Research
Check a Specific Cadillac CTS VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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