1G6KP5R69JU1164782018 CADILLAC CT6Platinum (CSAV)
2018 CADILLAC CT6 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 10 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2018 CADILLAC CT6
2018 CADILLAC CT6 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 10 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
10 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (50%), Electrical (20%), Steering (20%).
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- CADILLAC
- Model
- CT6
- Year
- 2018
- Trim / Series
- Platinum (CSAV)
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Drive Type
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 3L
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Assembly
- DETROIT HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
- Base MSRP
- $84,295
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: DETROIT HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Exterior/Other
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2018 CADILLAC CT6 report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
2 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~61%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
CADILLAC completes recalls at a fair rate (87%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
SummaryGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."Read full details...
~37% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
SummaryGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CT6 vehicles. The inboard child seat anchorage bars may have had excess structural adhesive applied during assembly, which can interfere with the installation of a child seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."Read full details...
~42% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
Complaint Intelligence
10 complaints analyzed across 4 system categories
40% of complaints filed in Feb & Jan — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME10 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Stuck Thermostat. Vehicle not achieving operating temperature in the correct time. ALL 3 of the people I know with CT-6's had the exact same issue this year.
Front differential case ripped in half and separated from the ring gear. The broken chunk of differential case and pinion was still attached to the driveshaft while coming to an abrupt stop. Damage done within driveshaft tunnel. No warning, no vibration, no cause for concern, just catastrophic failure. Differential and propeller shaft were replaced by an independent mechanic. Cadillac has not been notified as of today, receipt for repair available upon request.
Yes my car was sold to me with structural damages, and I was told any of this when I purchased it!!!!
The brake makes a rattling and metal grinding sound, the dealership said nothing is wrong with the brakes, still problematic. The transmission shifts too hard. Dealer said nothing wrong. Yet cat kicks too hard.
MY DRIVER FRONT HEAD LIGHT IS PARTLY NOT WORKING. I BELEIVE IT IS AN LED LIGHT AND THE FACT THAT IT NO LONGER WORKS IS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM LED, IT SHOULD LAST MUCH MUCH LONGER THAN 5 YEARS; AFTER ALL IT IS A CADILLAC AND IT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED. I REQUESTED CADILLAC CORPORATE TO ASSIST ME WITH THIS AND ALL THEY WOULD DO FOR ME IS GIVE ME A $250.00 CREDIT TOWARDS THE REPAIR THAT IS APROX. $1,800.00 THIS HEAD LIGHT IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY SHOULD DO GOOD BY ME, THIS IS MY 5TH. CAR WITH THEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ON MAR 1, 2021 WHILE DRIVING SUPER CRUISE MODE, MY CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT ALMOST STRIKING ANOTHER CAR. I WAS ON THE FL TURNPIKE ABOUT 20 MILES NORTH OF ORLANDO HEADING SOUTH. THE HIGHWAY WAS INCREASING FROM 2 LANE TO 3 LANE SOUTHBOUND AND I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE. WHEN I ENTERED THE LANE TRANSITION, THE CAR DRIFTED RIGHT . AS THE CAR CAME UPON THE NEW WHITE LINE THE CAR ABOUT CENTERED IT. THE CAR TURNED HARD LEFT, AND TURNED OFF SUPER CRUISE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GRAB THE STEERING WHEEL AND CORRECT THE TURN. WE DID NOT CRASH, BUT IT WAS MOST UNSETTLING.
MY CADILLAC CT6 (2018) QUIT WORKING WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, IN GEORGIA. THIS MADE FOR A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER GOING TO THE WHEELS WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 75 MPH. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET AROUND TRAFFIC TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER AS THERE WAS 0 POWER. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK FROM CADILLAC ARRIVED WE WERE TOLD WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO RIDE IN THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF COVID. WE WERE MADE SIT IN THE RAIN IN 40 DEGREE WEATHER WHILE I SPOKE WITH MY HOME CADILLAC DEALER AS WELL AS THE NEAREST TO WHERE I WAS. BOTH DEALERS WERE EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL, MY CAR IS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY AND WAS JUST IN FOR TRANSMISSION WORK ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR (I'VE TAKEN THE CAR IN THREE TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND IT STILL HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I WAS TOLD BY BOTH CADILLAC DEALERS THAT THEY WOULD NOT HELP BECAUSE THEY NEEDED TO 'DIAGNOSE' THE CAR AND COULDN'T UNTIL FIVE DAYS LATER. I WAS OFFERED AN UBER RIDE IN A CITY THAT HAD 0 ZERO UBER, TAXI OR LIFT SERVICES. I WAS HUNG UP ON BY THESE PEOPLE, THEY WERE RUDE AND THIS WAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE. I HAD TO WALK TO A CAR RENTAL COMPANY AND PAY OVER $400 DOLLARS SO I COULD SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH MY FAMILY.
MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND THIS IS THE 15TH TIME I HAVE BOUGHT MY CAR IN FOR VARIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS LIKE ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. THE CAR WOULD JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RIDE OR JERKING AS I DRIVE IT. I HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAS STALLED BEFORE AS I DRIVE. I HAVE HAD THESE PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2018
LOSS OF ALL VEHICLE POWER WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE, POWER LIMITED, AND ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERHEAT WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. THE COMBUSTION ENGINE WILL NOT START, AND BATTERY POWER AVAILABILITY GOES TO ZERO. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY DUE TO INSTANTANEOUS LOSS OF COMBUSTION ENGINE AND ELECTRIC BATTERY POWER WHILE IN FAST-MOVING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. THERE ARE SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THIS SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING IN MANY CADILLAC OWNERS FORUMS, SO GENERAL MOTORS KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR CT6 PHEV TRANSMISSIONS. THE FIX SEEMS TO BE REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO A BAD CLUTCH PACK, BUT PEOPLE COULD GET HURT IF THIS ISSUE IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE WITHOUT A PERMANENT SOLUTION.
RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE, THE NAV SCREEN KEPT FLICKERING, CAUSING A DISTRACTED DRIVER SITUATION AND A HAZARD. THE DEALER DID EVERYTHING THEY COULD PER GM GUIDELINES, BUT EVEN AFTER THE 1ST SERVICE VISIT, THE CAR WOULD SHUT DOWN IN DRIVE MODE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF USING THE POWER OFF BUTTON. GM IS TELLING THE DEALER, THE NAV FLICKERING SCREEN IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD, HOWEVER I BEG TO DIFFER IF EVERY 2 MINS, A DRIVER IS FIXATED, FOCUSED ON THE SCREEN MORE SO THAN ON THE ROAD, WHICH HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD A FEW TIMES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND ELECTRICAL CONCERN THAT GM DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE ABOUT EVEN AFTER 60+ DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP.
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 10 NHTSA complaints on file for the CADILLAC CT6 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2018 to 2026.
The amber reliability line averaged 98/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 97/100 in 2025.
Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage
1 known program match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN
8-speed automatic transmissions (8L90 and 8L45) exhibit a shuddering or shaking sensation during light acceleration, especially at highway speeds. GM issued multiple TSBs and extended coverage programs. The fix involves a fluid exchange with a revised fluid formulation and, in persistent cases, torque converter replacement.
Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $35,955 (~$599/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Estimated Market Value
Depreciation-based estimate from original MSRP
Based on original MSRP of $84,295 with luxury depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2018 CADILLAC CT6 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1G6KP5R69JU116478. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1G6KP5R69JU116478 |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Make | CADILLAC |
| Model | CT6 |
| Trim | Platinum (CSAV) |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS LLC |
| Assembly City | DETROIT HAMTRAMCK |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1G6 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 9 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | J |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | U |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 116478 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 10 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/2/2026, 3:41:50 AM.