Cadillac CTS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Cadillac CTS model year (2003–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Cadillac CTS Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 210 complaints
33 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 298
2 recalls · 222 complaints
14 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 256
4 recalls · 198 complaints
19 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 248
Best Cadillac CTS Years to Buy
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 6
0 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 7
0 recalls · 13 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 13
Found the right year? Verify that specific CTS with a free VIN report.
Cadillac CTS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 7 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 6 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 13 | — | — | 13 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 21 | — | — | 21 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 2 | 31 | — | — | 37 | Good |
| 2014 | 5 | 109 | 8 | — | 140 | Caution |
| 2013 | 2 | 53 | 10 | — | 79 | Good |
| 2012 | 2 | 36 | 5 | — | 52 | Good |
| 2011 | 2 | 95 | 4 | — | 109 | Caution |
| 2010 | 3 | 50 | 2 | — | 63 | Good |
| 2009 | 5 | 117 | 9 | 4 | 170 | Caution |
| 2008 | 2 | 101 | 6 | — | 119 | Caution |
| 2007 | 4 | 173 | 17 | — | 219 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 4 | 198 | 19 | — | 248 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 4 | 210 | 33 | 2 | 298 | Avoid |
| 2004 | 4 | 141 | 19 | — | 191 | Caution |
| 2003 | 2 | 222 | 14 | — | 256 | Avoid |
All 17 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Cadillac CTS Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2018Recent CTS models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2018 stands out with just 6 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade CTS units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder CTS models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year CTS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2005 Cadillac CTS if possible. It has 4 recalls, 210 owner complaints, and 2 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 298 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year CTS to buy?+
The 2018 Cadillac CTS is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 6. It has only 0 recalls and 6 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which CTS has the fewest problems?+
The 2018, 2019, 2017 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Cadillac CTS Research
Check a Specific Cadillac CTS VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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