Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2018 Cadillac CT6 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 43
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
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2018 Cadillac CT6
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
318.8%
Median failure at 22,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
318.8%
Median failure at 22,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
212.5%
Median failure at 35,500 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
212.5%
Median failure at 22,000 miles
Steering
212.5%
Median failure at 35,500 miles
Lights
16.3%
Suspension
16.3%
Body & Structure
16.3%
Brakes
16.3%
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.
Jan 2021peak 3Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2018 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2018535780 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles may be equipped with rear seat belt retractors that do not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 208 - Occupant Protection in Frontal Impacts. The automatic-locking retractors (ALR) of the rear seat belts may not switch to a locked position when the seat belt is fully pulled out of the retractor. If used to secure a child seat, a seat belt that is not properly locked could increase the risk of injury to the child in the event of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the rear seat belt retractors and replace them if necessary. Note: If the ALR is not working properly, a child seat should not be installed using the vehicle seat belt until this recall is completed.
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.
Dallas, TX
POWER TRAIN
When vehicle was purchased new there was a slight bearing wear noise at the front driver side, which grew louder with years. Noise synchronized with tire rolling rpm. Replacing (my self) front trans axle, the brake pads, shaving rotors, & wheel hub bearing did not fix noise. Next; Dealer shop reported that the AWD front transfer case (differential) had a bad bearing AND that this was a common problem with the model car. $1600 repair bill.
NHTSA complaint #11755395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
During refueling the gas station pumping nozzle would shut off indicating a full gasoline fuel tank; but, the dash board fuel gage indicated the fuel was not full. Had to dribble in fuel to fill. Dealer Mechanic found: Crash roll over gasoline vent safety valve was stuck in the crashed roll over cut off state. No gas tank ventilation. This caused back pressure in car gasoline tank to shut off gas station filler nozzle as though the car was full . Entire gas tank had to be replaced. Still under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11755393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, IL
ENGINE
Stuck Thermostat. Vehicle not achieving operating temperature in the correct time. ALL 3 of the people I know with CT-6's had the exact same issue this year.
NHTSA complaint #11745961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stroudsburg, PA
POWER TRAIN
Front differential case ripped in half and separated from the ring gear. The broken chunk of differential case and pinion was still attached to the driveshaft while coming to an abrupt stop. Damage done within driveshaft tunnel. No warning, no vibration, no cause for concern, just catastrophic failure. Differential and propeller shaft were replaced by an independent mechanic. Cadillac has not been notified as of today, receipt for repair available upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11707182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngstown, OH
STEERING
Yes my car was sold to me with structural damages, and I was told any of this when I purchased it!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11572148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngstown, OH
SUSPENSION
Yes my car was sold to me with structural damages, and I was told any of this when I purchased it!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11572148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngstown, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
Yes my car was sold to me with structural damages, and I was told any of this when I purchased it!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11572148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgewater, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY DRIVER FRONT HEAD LIGHT IS PARTLY NOT WORKING. I BELEIVE IT IS AN LED LIGHT AND THE FACT THAT IT NO LONGER WORKS IS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM LED, IT SHOULD LAST MUCH MUCH LONGER THAN 5 YEARS; AFTER ALL IT IS A CADILLAC AND IT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED. I REQUESTED CADILLAC CORPORATE TO ASSIST ME WITH THIS AND ALL THEY WOULD DO FOR ME IS GIVE ME A $250.00 CREDIT TOWARDS THE REPAIR THAT IS APROX. $1,800.00 THIS HEAD LIGHT IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY SHOULD DO GOOD BY ME, THIS IS MY 5TH. CAR WITH THEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11508275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capitol Heights, MD
ENGINE
The brake makes a rattling and metal grinding sound, the dealership said nothing is wrong with the brakes, still problematic. The transmission shifts too hard. Dealer said nothing wrong. Yet cat kicks too hard.
NHTSA complaint #11508253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capitol Heights, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake makes a rattling and metal grinding sound, the dealership said nothing is wrong with the brakes, still problematic. The transmission shifts too hard. Dealer said nothing wrong. Yet cat kicks too hard.
NHTSA complaint #11508253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,500 milesLoudon, TN
STEERING
ON MAR 1, 2021 WHILE DRIVING SUPER CRUISE MODE, MY CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT ALMOST STRIKING ANOTHER CAR. I WAS ON THE FL TURNPIKE ABOUT 20 MILES NORTH OF ORLANDO HEADING SOUTH. THE HIGHWAY WAS INCREASING FROM 2 LANE TO 3 LANE SOUTHBOUND AND I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE. WHEN I ENTERED THE LANE TRANSITION, THE CAR DRIFTED RIGHT . AS THE CAR CAME UPON THE NEW WHITE LINE THE CAR ABOUT CENTERED IT. THE CAR TURNED HARD LEFT, AND TURNED OFF SUPER CRUISE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GRAB THE STEERING WHEEL AND CORRECT THE TURN. WE DID NOT CRASH, BUT IT WAS MOST UNSETTLING.
NHTSA complaint #11398939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,500 milesLoudon, TN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
ON MAR 1, 2021 WHILE DRIVING SUPER CRUISE MODE, MY CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT ALMOST STRIKING ANOTHER CAR. I WAS ON THE FL TURNPIKE ABOUT 20 MILES NORTH OF ORLANDO HEADING SOUTH. THE HIGHWAY WAS INCREASING FROM 2 LANE TO 3 LANE SOUTHBOUND AND I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE. WHEN I ENTERED THE LANE TRANSITION, THE CAR DRIFTED RIGHT . AS THE CAR CAME UPON THE NEW WHITE LINE THE CAR ABOUT CENTERED IT. THE CAR TURNED HARD LEFT, AND TURNED OFF SUPER CRUISE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GRAB THE STEERING WHEEL AND CORRECT THE TURN. WE DID NOT CRASH, BUT IT WAS MOST UNSETTLING.
NHTSA complaint #11398939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,500 milesLoudon, TN
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
ON MAR 1, 2021 WHILE DRIVING SUPER CRUISE MODE, MY CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT ALMOST STRIKING ANOTHER CAR. I WAS ON THE FL TURNPIKE ABOUT 20 MILES NORTH OF ORLANDO HEADING SOUTH. THE HIGHWAY WAS INCREASING FROM 2 LANE TO 3 LANE SOUTHBOUND AND I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE. WHEN I ENTERED THE LANE TRANSITION, THE CAR DRIFTED RIGHT . AS THE CAR CAME UPON THE NEW WHITE LINE THE CAR ABOUT CENTERED IT. THE CAR TURNED HARD LEFT, AND TURNED OFF SUPER CRUISE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GRAB THE STEERING WHEEL AND CORRECT THE TURN. WE DID NOT CRASH, BUT IT WAS MOST UNSETTLING.
NHTSA complaint #11398939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesLawrencville, GA
POWER TRAIN
MY CADILLAC CT6 (2018) QUIT WORKING WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, IN GEORGIA. THIS MADE FOR A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER GOING TO THE WHEELS WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 75 MPH. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET AROUND TRAFFIC TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER AS THERE WAS 0 POWER. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK FROM CADILLAC ARRIVED WE WERE TOLD WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO RIDE IN THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF COVID. WE WERE MADE SIT IN THE RAIN IN 40 DEGREE WEATHER WHILE I SPOKE WITH MY HOME CADILLAC DEALER AS WELL AS THE NEAREST TO WHERE I WAS. BOTH DEALERS WERE EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL, MY CAR IS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY AND WAS JUST IN FOR TRANSMISSION WORK ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR (I'VE TAKEN THE CAR IN THREE TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND IT STILL HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I WAS TOLD BY BOTH CADILLAC DEALERS THAT THEY WOULD NOT HELP BECAUSE THEY NEEDED TO 'DIAGNOSE' THE CAR AND COULDN'T UNTIL FIVE DAYS LATER. I WAS OFFERED AN UBER RIDE IN A CITY THAT HAD 0 ZERO UBER, TAXI OR LIFT SERVICES. I WAS HUNG UP ON BY THESE PEOPLE, THEY WERE RUDE AND THIS WAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE. I HAD TO WALK TO A CAR RENTAL COMPANY AND PAY OVER $400 DOLLARS SO I COULD SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH MY FAMILY.
NHTSA complaint #11389316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesLawrencville, GA
ENGINE
MY CADILLAC CT6 (2018) QUIT WORKING WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, IN GEORGIA. THIS MADE FOR A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER GOING TO THE WHEELS WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 75 MPH. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET AROUND TRAFFIC TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER AS THERE WAS 0 POWER. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK FROM CADILLAC ARRIVED WE WERE TOLD WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO RIDE IN THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF COVID. WE WERE MADE SIT IN THE RAIN IN 40 DEGREE WEATHER WHILE I SPOKE WITH MY HOME CADILLAC DEALER AS WELL AS THE NEAREST TO WHERE I WAS. BOTH DEALERS WERE EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL, MY CAR IS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY AND WAS JUST IN FOR TRANSMISSION WORK ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR (I'VE TAKEN THE CAR IN THREE TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND IT STILL HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I WAS TOLD BY BOTH CADILLAC DEALERS THAT THEY WOULD NOT HELP BECAUSE THEY NEEDED TO 'DIAGNOSE' THE CAR AND COULDN'T UNTIL FIVE DAYS LATER. I WAS OFFERED AN UBER RIDE IN A CITY THAT HAD 0 ZERO UBER, TAXI OR LIFT SERVICES. I WAS HUNG UP ON BY THESE PEOPLE, THEY WERE RUDE AND THIS WAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE. I HAD TO WALK TO A CAR RENTAL COMPANY AND PAY OVER $400 DOLLARS SO I COULD SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH MY FAMILY.
NHTSA complaint #11389316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesLawrencville, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CADILLAC CT6 (2018) QUIT WORKING WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, IN GEORGIA. THIS MADE FOR A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER GOING TO THE WHEELS WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 75 MPH. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET AROUND TRAFFIC TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER AS THERE WAS 0 POWER. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK FROM CADILLAC ARRIVED WE WERE TOLD WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO RIDE IN THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF COVID. WE WERE MADE SIT IN THE RAIN IN 40 DEGREE WEATHER WHILE I SPOKE WITH MY HOME CADILLAC DEALER AS WELL AS THE NEAREST TO WHERE I WAS. BOTH DEALERS WERE EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL, MY CAR IS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY AND WAS JUST IN FOR TRANSMISSION WORK ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR (I'VE TAKEN THE CAR IN THREE TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND IT STILL HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I WAS TOLD BY BOTH CADILLAC DEALERS THAT THEY WOULD NOT HELP BECAUSE THEY NEEDED TO 'DIAGNOSE' THE CAR AND COULDN'T UNTIL FIVE DAYS LATER. I WAS OFFERED AN UBER RIDE IN A CITY THAT HAD 0 ZERO UBER, TAXI OR LIFT SERVICES. I WAS HUNG UP ON BY THESE PEOPLE, THEY WERE RUDE AND THIS WAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE. I HAD TO WALK TO A CAR RENTAL COMPANY AND PAY OVER $400 DOLLARS SO I COULD SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH MY FAMILY.
NHTSA complaint #11389316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.