Owners have filed 28 complaints
about the 2017 Cadillac CT6 with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 75
Against the median year of the Cadillac CT6. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
83% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
116.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
233.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
233.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
116.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2020peak 3May 2026
Recalls on the 2017 Cadillac CT6
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V759000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Cadillac CT6 vehicles. The Park/Position lights may be excessively bright. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The excessive brightness may affect the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
18V437000
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CT6 vehicles. The inboard child seat anchorage bars may have had excess structural adhesive applied during assembly, which can interfere with the installation of a child seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk: If the child seat cannot be attached correctly to the anchorage bar, there is an increased the risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2018348683 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 210.2 - Lower Universal Anchorage Systems for Restraint Systems and Booster Seats. A small amount of structural adhesive may have been inadvertently applied to the child seat anchorage bar during the assembly process. If this condition is present, the child seat would not be able to properly engage the lower universal anchorage system, which could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the inboard child seat anchorage bars for adhesive and remove it as necessary. Note: Child seats should be installed using the vehicle's rear seat belts in accordance with the vehicle owner’s manual and child seat manufacturer’s installation instructions until the recall is performed.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Clearlake, CA
POWER TRAIN
UNKNOWN, The transmission slips,it wont drive now and my wheel barrings nearly snapped
NHTSA complaint #11738945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearlake, CA
WHEELS
UNKNOWN, The transmission slips,it wont drive now and my wheel barrings nearly snapped
NHTSA complaint #11738945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearlake, CA
SUSPENSION
UNKNOWN, The transmission slips,it wont drive now and my wheel barrings nearly snapped
NHTSA complaint #11738945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richardson, TX
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experiences harsh shifting, surging, and jerking forward during normal driving conditions. The behavior has occurred repeatedly over several years and has been confirmed by the dealership. Multiple repair attempts, including transmission-related work, have not resolved the issue. The vehicle has surged forward unexpectedly, creating near-miss accident situations. I no longer feel the vehicle is safe to operate.
NHTSA complaint #11714281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richardson, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicle experiences harsh shifting, surging, and jerking forward during normal driving conditions. The behavior has occurred repeatedly over several years and has been confirmed by the dealership. Multiple repair attempts, including transmission-related work, have not resolved the issue. The vehicle has surged forward unexpectedly, creating near-miss accident situations. I no longer feel the vehicle is safe to operate.
NHTSA complaint #11714281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin Park, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My CT6 had a default engine light on,.Dealer reports broken EVAP line.Car has never been in an accident or damaged.Upon inquiry dealer reports no issues known to them with this problem.However ,this same vehicle had transmission issue when purchased new and the dealer stated same findings.Then recall was issued and transmission was repaired for a known problem and repaired under a recall notice.My concern is this may be similar situation with the fuel EVAP system.The vehicle is my primary car and a fuel vapor leak is a grave concern to me and I believe posses a risk, especially as the replacement parts are unavailable at this time.I have filed an inquiry with Cadillac/Gm #82543696 Steven Maffei(AI inquiry reveals known and past problems with Cadillac EVAP systems)
NHTSA complaint #11700820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paterson, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My vehicles transmission has a buzzing noise coming from the transmission oil pan and a gear shifting problem I took vehicle to Cadillac dealer whom can’t find the issue they changed the oil pan and the transmission lines . My vehicle is a 2017 Cadillac ct6 with 72027 miles . I’ve been to 4 Cadillac certified dealers and none can locate to problem . Thank you . Also I would like to add that Cadillac open road In New Jersey has taken off my splash guards and would not return them . I have a video of the manager claiming the car doesn’t come with guards and another stating the job he did not require him to remove splash guard but that is not true .
NHTSA complaint #11655564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Water is getting into my trunk where the amp is and now my radio does not work only the back up camera. I cannot control the AC or turn on the air conditioner. Or is that how I would like it to blow
NHTSA complaint #11649426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Water is getting into my trunk where the amp is and now my radio does not work only the back up camera. I cannot control the AC or turn on the air conditioner. Or is that how I would like it to blow
NHTSA complaint #11649426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
POWER TRAIN
These vehicles have an issue tbat GM is aware of, with their 8 speed automatic transmissions which are used in multiple GM vehicles and these cause safety issues because for instance my vehicle switches gears randomly almost causing a wreck, and shuttering, and even slipping and when this happens the cars traction control light is engaged shutting it off, active steering is also shut off due to these on going issues. Im in a cadillac group and hundreds of us have similar issues.
NHTSA complaint #11626548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
These vehicles have an issue tbat GM is aware of, with their 8 speed automatic transmissions which are used in multiple GM vehicles and these cause safety issues because for instance my vehicle switches gears randomly almost causing a wreck, and shuttering, and even slipping and when this happens the cars traction control light is engaged shutting it off, active steering is also shut off due to these on going issues. Im in a cadillac group and hundreds of us have similar issues.
NHTSA complaint #11626548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
These vehicles have an issue tbat GM is aware of, with their 8 speed automatic transmissions which are used in multiple GM vehicles and these cause safety issues because for instance my vehicle switches gears randomly almost causing a wreck, and shuttering, and even slipping and when this happens the cars traction control light is engaged shutting it off, active steering is also shut off due to these on going issues. Im in a cadillac group and hundreds of us have similar issues.
NHTSA complaint #11626548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, MI
POWER TRAIN
Transmission - Jerks and studders (hesitation) in the course of normal driving. Brakes - Makes a squealing noise which has gotten louder over time.
NHTSA complaint #11595865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
Transmission - Jerks and studders (hesitation) in the course of normal driving. Brakes - Makes a squealing noise which has gotten louder over time.
NHTSA complaint #11595865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pawleys Island, SC
POWER TRAIN
The car is equipped with an 8-Speed Automatic Transmission which is frequently very hard shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. The car has been to my local Cadillac Dealer twice for this problem; they reply this is a know problem, and a normal condition, but the problem is getting worse. I'm concerned for the future and afraid of an accident because of a transmission failure.
NHTSA complaint #11532575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allen, TX
TIRES
SIDEWALL CRACKING ISSUE WITH ALL FOR TIRES - PIRELLI P ZERO NERO 245/40/R20 While traveling out of town (Dallas to San Antonio) we experienced some tire issues which led to us needing to replace all 4 tires. Several weeks prior, we began to noticed a very slight loss of tire pressure and had the tires checked twice for any objects or other damage – Nothing found. We also had the tires rotated to trouble shoot and rule out any issues with sensors – none. Both times, the service shops did not mention or recognize any tire damage or issues. During our 5 hour drive to San Antonio, we started to see tire pressure issues again along with a noticeable sound from the tires. With this concern, we took vehicle to Firestone for diagnosis and to our surprise they found severe damage and cracks to the side walls of the tires. Firestone confirmed the tire damage was not safe to drive on and due to the location of the damages, we would need to replace all 4 tires. We were shocked to see such severe cracking damage and were at a loss for how this could occur. The tires were in very good condition and still had significant tire tread with even wear. After some research we discovered that this type of side wall tire cracking has been know to happen and even Pirelli has recalled tires for this issue. We did not see a specific recall to this size tire but did find that Pirelli had another recall on tires made in 2016 saying "THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A PRODUCTION ERROR (INCORRECT CARCASS COMPONENT), AND THE TIRES MAY SHOW SURFACE CRACKING IN THE LOWER SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE...". Please review this claim and confirm receipt. We are hoping to get some kind of reimbursement for the damages that we believe are a result of faulty or defective tires - this is what the Firestone technician also stated on video recording (I can provide video if needed). Thanks in advance for your consideration [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11530777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, NC
POWER TRAIN
While driving the vehicle with auto stop engaged, the auto stop was malfunctioning. When I get to a red light or stop sign vehicle would engage auto stop, once I let my feet off the gas pedal and accelerate, the vehicle would jerk out of gear then slip /drag then engage with a loud hit as if someone rear-ended me. The problem was duplicated and confirmed by the dealership. There has been no outside inspection other than the dealership. No warning lights messages prior to failure. In addition, the Auto-stop working with a week of this complaint shortly therafter.
NHTSA complaint #11488585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, NC
POWER TRAIN
I was driving the vehicle heading to the interstate, and my speed was about 15 MPH, as I merge onto the highway and accelerated I felt the transmission shudder, and lag with a humming noise. It felt like the transmission mission was slipping and shaking with no acceleration power. I had to keep hitting the gas pedal to try and make the transmission engage. Very Dangerous! The transmission would also throw you back and jerk when accelerating violently. The transmission lunges forward and jerks into gears when starting from 0 mph.
NHTSA complaint #11488586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesHouston, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac CT6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they initially changed the transmission fluid and reprogrammed the transmission module; however, the failure persisted. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer and she was informed that the torque converter was defective; but that the cost to replace the transmission was expensive. She was advised to bring the vehicle back to dealer each time the hesitation occurred to have the transmission fluid replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #11458017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac CT6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they initially changed the transmission fluid and reprogrammed the transmission module; however, the failure persisted. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer and she was informed that the torque converter was defective; but that the cost to replace the transmission was expensive. She was advised to bring the vehicle back to dealer each time the hesitation occurred to have the transmission fluid replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #11458017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grass Lake, MI
STEERING
Steering rack bound up and became extremely difficult to move, causing vehicle to leave roadway. Power assist failed and manual mode would not allow steering to left making it nearly impossible to control direction of vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11422881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesWellton, AZ
POWER TRAIN
MY 2017 CADILLAC CT6 3.0 TT PREMIUM LUXURY HAS HAD THIS ISSUE SINCE I PURCHASED IT. DEALERSHIP STATE THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND I SHOULD LIVE WITH IT. IF I KNEW THIS BEFORE I PURCHASE THIS $98,000 VEHICLE I WOULD HAVE GONE MERCEDES-BENZ. THE ISSUES WITH THE 8-SPEED 8L90 GM TRANSMISSION ARE TWO-FOLD. FIRST, THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS FREQUENTLY. SECONDLY, THE SHIFTS ARE VERY HARSH BETWEEN FIRST TO SECOND, AND THEN SECOND DOWN TO FIRST, ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING AND THE TRANSMISSION IS UPSHIFTING OR DECELERATING AND THE TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING. THESE CONDITIONS ARE MOST COMMONLY OBSERVED UNDER LIGHT AND MEDIUM THROTTLE APPLICATIONS, AND AS OFTEN DURING FULL THROTTLE APPLICATIONS. I HAVE HAD THE TSB 18-NA-335 DONE AND ISSUES STILL REMAIINS.
NHTSA complaint #11405442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN YOU PT IN THE REVERVE THE OUT SIDE MIRRORS DID NOT TILTED , AND SOME TIME THE PARKING BREAK LIGHT ON
NHTSA complaint #11396532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN YOU PT IN THE REVERVE THE OUT SIDE MIRRORS DID NOT TILTED , AND SOME TIME THE PARKING BREAK LIGHT ON
NHTSA complaint #11396532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN YOU PT IN THE REVERVE THE OUT SIDE MIRRORS DID NOT TILTED , AND SOME TIME THE PARKING BREAK LIGHT ON
NHTSA complaint #11396532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.