What year Cadillac CT6 should I avoid?

Avoid the 2016 and 2019 Cadillac CT6. The 2016 has a complaint index of 100 and the 2019 has a complaint index of 75, both driven mostly by transmission and powertrain complaints.

What is the best year for the Cadillac CT6?

The 2018 Cadillac CT6 is the best year, with a complaint index of 0, only 9 complaints, and no recalls on record.

Does the Cadillac CT6 have transmission problems?

Yes. Transmission and Powertrain issues account for 60% of all complaints across the 2016-2020 CT6, making it the top problem area for the model overall.

Is the 2020 Cadillac CT6 reliable?

The 2020 CT6 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 50 and 2 recalls, landing between the worst years (2016, 2019) and the best year (2018).

Are there recalls on the Cadillac CT6?

Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns across the 2016-2020 CT6, covering transmission control software, brake control module software, electrical lighting, and structural child seat anchorage issues.

Cadillac CT6 Best and Worst Years (2016–2020)

Avoid the 2016 and 2019 Cadillac CT6, which post complaint index scores of 100 and 75, the highest in the lineup, driven mainly by transmission and powertrain issues. The 2018 model is the best year with a complaint index of 0 and zero recalls.

Avoid 2016 Avoid 2019 Best 2018

Model years: 5; 2016–2020
NHTSA complaints: 65
Recall campaigns: 8
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain

CT6 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Cadillac CT6 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2016	Avoid	100	11	3	3	Transmission & Powertrain	21	—
2017	Good	25	17	0	1	Transmission & Powertrain	23	—
2018	Best	0	9	0	0	Engine	23	—
2019	Avoid	75	17	0	4	Transmission & Powertrain	21	—
2020	Caution	50	11	1	2	Transmission & Powertrain	19	—

CT6 years to avoid: what went wrong

2016 Cadillac CT6 Index 100 · 11 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2016 CT6 carries the highest complaint index (100) of any year, with transmission and powertrain complaints making up 55% of its issues at a median 9,875 miles. Owners reported delayed acceleration during slow rolling stops and harsh downshifts. Airbag non-deployment was reported in crashes at a median 58,000 miles, including one fatality. Three recalls cover electrical (bright park lights), structure (child seat anchorage adhesive), and seat belt anchor bolts.

2019 Cadillac CT6 Index 75 · 17 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2019 CT6 has a complaint index of 75, the second-worst year, with transmission and powertrain problems accounting for 82% of complaints at a median 65,000 miles. Owners reported hard shifting, wheel lockups, and traction control warnings. Brake complaints appeared much earlier, at a median 1,800 miles, including brake booster failure. Four recalls address the 10-speed transmission control module, EBCM brake software, and turn-signal cancellation.

Most common Cadillac CT6 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Transmission & Powertrain39 (60%)
Brakes8 (12%)
Engine8 (12%)
Electrical System6 (9%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (9%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (8%)
Fuel System4 (6%)
Other4 (6%)
Steering3 (5%)
Structure & Body3 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Cadillac CT6 should I avoid?: Avoid the 2016 and 2019 Cadillac CT6. The 2016 has a complaint index of 100 and the 2019 has a complaint index of 75, both driven mostly by transmission and powertrain complaints.
What is the best year for the Cadillac CT6?: The 2018 Cadillac CT6 is the best year, with a complaint index of 0, only 9 complaints, and no recalls on record.
Does the Cadillac CT6 have transmission problems?: Yes. Transmission and Powertrain issues account for 60% of all complaints across the 2016-2020 CT6, making it the top problem area for the model overall.
Is the 2020 Cadillac CT6 reliable?: The 2020 CT6 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 50 and 2 recalls, landing between the worst years (2016, 2019) and the best year (2018).
Are there recalls on the Cadillac CT6?: Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns across the 2016-2020 CT6, covering transmission control software, brake control module software, electrical lighting, and structural child seat anchorage issues.