Cadillac CTS Best and Worst Years (2005–2019)
Cadillac CTS years to avoid: 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009. Best years: 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Based on 1,680 NHTSA owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns across 15 model years (2005–2019).
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2005Avoid 2006Avoid 2007Avoid 2009Best 2016Best 2017Best 2018Best 2019
- Model years
- 15
- 2005–2019
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,680
- Recall campaigns
- 22
- Crashes reported
- 133
- Fires reported
- 22
- Top problem area
- Transmission & Powertrain
CTS 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 CTS problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Avoid | 93 | 277 | 25 | 4 | 6 | Transmission & Powertrain | 19 | — |
| 2006 | Avoid | 79 | 269 | 23 | 2 | 6 | Airbags | 19 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 86 | 217 | 26 | 6 | 6 | Airbags | 19 | — |
| 2008 | Caution | 71 | 175 | 12 | 3 | 2 | Electrical System | 20 | — |
| 2009 | Avoid | 100 | 167 | 10 | 0 | 5 | Engine | 20 | — |
| 2010 | Good | 36 | 67 | 2 | 1 | 3 | Electrical System | 21 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 64 | 101 | 11 | 3 | 2 | Electrical System | 21 | — |
| 2012 | Good | 43 | 65 | 6 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 50 | 73 | 10 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 57 | 146 | 4 | 0 | 6 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 29 | 47 | 2 | 2 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Best | 21 | 31 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Electrical System | 24 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Best | 14 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 24 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Best | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 24 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Best | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
CTS years to avoid: what went wrong
2009 Cadillac CTS Index 100 · 167 complaints · 5 recalls
Owners filed 167 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Cadillac CTS, led by engine (60), electrical system (28), and transmission & powertrain (28). NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 10 crashes.
2009 engine problems →2009 electrical system problems →2009 transmission & powertrain problems →
2005 Cadillac CTS Index 93 · 277 complaints · 6 recalls
Owners filed 277 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Cadillac CTS, led by transmission & powertrain (82), airbags (74), and electrical system (44). NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 25 crashes and 4 fires.
2005 transmission & powertrain problems →2005 airbags problems →2005 electrical system problems →
2007 Cadillac CTS Index 86 · 217 complaints · 6 recalls
Owners filed 217 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Cadillac CTS, led by airbags (64), brakes (62), and electrical system (45). NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 26 crashes and 6 fires.
2007 airbags problems →2007 brakes problems →2007 electrical system problems →
2006 Cadillac CTS Index 79 · 269 complaints · 6 recalls
Owners filed 269 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Cadillac CTS, led by airbags (87), brakes (62), and electrical system (48). NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 23 crashes and 2 fires.
2006 airbags problems →2006 brakes problems →2006 electrical system problems →
Most common Cadillac CTS problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Transmission & Powertrain384 (23%)
- Electrical System345 (21%)
- Airbags315 (19%)
- Engine307 (18%)
- Brakes266 (16%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires144 (9%)
- Other128 (8%)
- Steering120 (7%)
- Structure & Body116 (7%)
- Fuel System77 (5%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Cadillac CTS should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009 Cadillac CTS have the highest Complaint Index among 15 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2009 model year ranks worst with 167 complaints and 5 recalls.
- What is the best year for the Cadillac CTS?
- The 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Cadillac CTS have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2018 at 8 complaints and 2 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
- What are the most common problems with the Cadillac CTS?
- Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are transmission & powertrain (384, 23%), electrical system (345, 21%), and airbags (315, 19%).
- How many recalls does the Cadillac CTS have?
- NHTSA lists 22 distinct recall campaigns covering Cadillac CTS model years 2005–2019. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.