How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2015 Cadillac CTS?

NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 CTS, which is 40% of the 47 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do 2015 Cadillac CTS transmission problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 78,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2015 Cadillac CTS rear differential or powertrain?

No related recall is tied to this specific complaint category in the data, but several owners reference a separate powertrain recall, campaign 20V038000, and reported that repair parts were not available.

How does the 2015 CTS compare to other CTS model years for this problem?

Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 40% of total complaints for 2015, higher than 2016 (29%), 2017 (33%), and 2013 (18%), but lower than 2014 (58%) among the years listed.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2015 CTS shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

2015 Cadillac CTS Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Cadillac CTS, 40% of its 47 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 78,000. No related recall is listed for this specific area entry, though owners reference a separate powertrain recall (campaign 20V038000) that lacked available parts.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 19; 40% of 47
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 78,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the rear differential developing a loud whining or roaring noise that progresses into grinding, often traced to metal shavings or chunks in the differential fluid.
Some describe the rear axle or differential area failing suddenly at highway speed, causing loss of control or a near-accident.
Others report a slight shake or tremble felt throughout the car during idle or cold start, along with a hard shift into 2nd gear during slow acceleration.
One owner reported the vehicle rolling on its own while in park with the emergency brake engaged and the engine off.
Several owners mention being notified of a powertrain recall (campaign 20V038000) but were unable to get the repair completed due to parts unavailability.

When 2015 Cadillac CTS transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 10, 2017, latest Jul 16, 2025.

19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2017 to Jul 2025; peak Jun 2022 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2015 Cadillac CTS

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by CTS model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200582 (30%)
200645 (17%)
200733 (15%)
200821 (12%)
200928 (17%)
20109 (13%)
201122 (22%)
20124 (6%)
201313 (18%)
201484 (58%)
201519 (40%)
20169 (29%)
20179 (33%)
20183 (38%)
20193 (30%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2015 Cadillac CTS?: NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 CTS, which is 40% of the 47 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2015 Cadillac CTS transmission problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 78,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Cadillac CTS rear differential or powertrain?: No related recall is tied to this specific complaint category in the data, but several owners reference a separate powertrain recall, campaign 20V038000, and reported that repair parts were not available.
How does the 2015 CTS compare to other CTS model years for this problem?: Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 40% of total complaints for 2015, higher than 2016 (29%), 2017 (33%), and 2013 (18%), but lower than 2014 (58%) among the years listed.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2015 CTS shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.