Cadillac CT6 Best and Worst Years (2016–2020)
Avoid the 2016 and 2020 Cadillac CT6, which rank worst with complaint index scores of 100 and 75. The 2018 is the Best year with a 0 complaint index and no recalls, while 2017 is rated Good.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- 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.
Cadillac CT6 problems and recalls by year
CT6 years to avoid: what went wrong
2016 Cadillac CT6 Index 100 · 11 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2016 CT6 has the highest complaint index (100) of any model year and ranks worst overall. Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 55% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 9,875 miles, including reports of long delays before acceleration during slow rolling stops. Owners also reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes, at a median mileage of 58,000 miles, in incidents involving injuries and one death. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year covering electrical system lighting, structure & body child seat anchors, and seat belts.
2020 Cadillac CT6 Index 75 · 11 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2020 CT6 ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 75. Transmission & Powertrain problems account for 55% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 81,000 miles, tied to a recall for internal transmission damage on 10-speed equipped vehicles. Brake complaints followed, at a median mileage of 900 miles, including reports of unexpected automatic emergency braking activation and one crash. NHTSA lists two recalls for this year, covering transmission control module software and incorrect TPMS sensors on accessory wheels.
Most common Cadillac CT6 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Cadillac CT6 years should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint and recall data point to 2016 and 2020 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 75, the two worst of the five model years covered.
- What is the best year for the Cadillac CT6?
- 2018 is rated Best, with a complaint index of 0, only 9 complaints, and no recall campaigns. 2017 is rated Good with a complaint index of 25.
- What is the most common problem on the Cadillac CT6?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues are the top problem area across all CT6 years, accounting for 39 of 65 total complaints, or 60%.
- Does the Cadillac CT6 have transmission recalls?
- Yes. The 2019-2020 CT6 with a 10-speed transmission was recalled (campaign 25V148000) for internal damage that can cause loss of drive, and GM is installing monitoring software as the remedy.
- Is the 2019 Cadillac CT6 reliable?
- 2019 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 50 and four recall campaigns, placing it in the middle of the CT6 lineup rather than among the worst or best years.