Owners have filed 33 complaints
about the 2017 Cadillac CTS with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 17 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 — 9
Against the median year of the Cadillac CTS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 16
3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 92
54% 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 2017 Cadillac CTS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
927.3%
Median failure at 51,123 miles
Steering
824.2%
Median failure at 45,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
412.1%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Wheels
39.1%
Median failure at 15,100 miles
Airbags
26.1%
Electrical System
26.1%
Median failure at 15,000 miles
Seats
13.0%
Tires
13.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 15,000 mi
Suspension
13.0%
Engine & Cooling
13.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
646.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
430.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
215.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
17.7%
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.
May 2018peak 5Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2017 Cadillac CTS
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
25V175000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V086000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202514438 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the power steering system could cause it to turn off while driving. The power steering assist may return when the vehicle is restarted. Note: This is an expansion of recall N182182760 (Transport Canada recall no. 2019-056). Safety Risk: A loss of power steering assist would result in a sudden increase in steering effort, especially at low vehicle speeds. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the power steering gear assembly.
Recall 20190561,507 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: A problem with the power steering system could cause it to turn off while driving. The power steering assist may return when the vehicle is restarted. Safety Risk: A loss of power steering assist would result in a sudden increase in steering effort, especially at low vehicle speeds. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the power steering gear assembly replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 15,000 milesBloomfield, MICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT THE RPM' S INCREASED, THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT STATED AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HE TURNED OF THE VEHICLE, SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH NO MORE ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBURBAN CADILLAC OF TROY (1810 MAPLELAWN DR. TROY, MI) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, A YEAR LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED, JUMPING THE CURB BUMPER, CRASHING THROUGH A FENCE, AND COLLIDING WITH A WALL. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED AS THE SPEED WAS LOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BUMPER, RIGHT FRONT FENDER, AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER'S BODY SHOP. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND DAMAGE EXCEEDED $20,000. 11 WEEKS TO REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA complaint #11246443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 45,000 milesTumwater, WA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The service power steering message was displayed. The failure had occurred while the contact was in the middle of traffic. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
SEATS
The airbag warning light appeared 45 days ago. I immediately took my 2017 Cadillac to the dealer (Sewell Cadillac of Houston). The vehicle is covered under a Sewell Extended warranty until 2028. The dealer performed troubleshooting and determined that the passenger seat sensors/module (part # 84567224 ) was defective. The Inspector for the Sewell Extended warranty confirmed that the replacement was covered by the warranty. The dealer advised after 30 days (completing other services- Brakes/rotors/front tires/spark plugs & wires etc) that the part # was “Back-ordered” and Sewell did not know when the part would be available, if ever. The consequence explained that the passenger seat which contains GM Part # 84567224 should not be used as the airbag may not inflate. Now the dealer wants their “loaner car” back and for me to pick up my “unrepaired Safety defective seat in my car”. Today’s date: December 20, 2025. The car was purchased new 11/2016 from the same Sewell Cadillac dealer. I would expect that General Motors be compelled to supply critical safety related equipment (part # 84567224) for a 8 year old car.
NHTSA complaint #11706260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
AIR BAGS
The airbag warning light appeared 45 days ago. I immediately took my 2017 Cadillac to the dealer (Sewell Cadillac of Houston). The vehicle is covered under a Sewell Extended warranty until 2028. The dealer performed troubleshooting and determined that the passenger seat sensors/module (part # 84567224 ) was defective. The Inspector for the Sewell Extended warranty confirmed that the replacement was covered by the warranty. The dealer advised after 30 days (completing other services- Brakes/rotors/front tires/spark plugs & wires etc) that the part # was “Back-ordered” and Sewell did not know when the part would be available, if ever. The consequence explained that the passenger seat which contains GM Part # 84567224 should not be used as the airbag may not inflate. Now the dealer wants their “loaner car” back and for me to pick up my “unrepaired Safety defective seat in my car”. Today’s date: December 20, 2025. The car was purchased new 11/2016 from the same Sewell Cadillac dealer. I would expect that General Motors be compelled to supply critical safety related equipment (part # 84567224) for a 8 year old car.
NHTSA complaint #11706260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
STEERING
The power steering went out on the vehicle. I was not driving at the time. There was a recall on these vehicles pertaining to the EPS module.
NHTSA complaint #11701088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tahlequah, OK
POWER TRAIN
I purchased this vehicle is certified preowned Cadillac and during the warranty time I had a transmission issue that was causing the transmission to jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds, it would start jerking nonstop. I took it to the dealer and as per a service bulletin, they flushed the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission fluid. This was only a temporary fix because 30,000 miles later the same issues started occurring again and have gotten worse to the point that you can smell the transmission clutches burning and the transmission overheating, possibly causing the number four piston rings to come apart, resulting in an engine replacement as well. I’ve had to replace engine as possible result, but the transmission problem is still there and it has also caused the check engine light to come on intermediately. This could result in a complete transmission failure, causing a vehicle to lose propulsion leading to a possible accident and injuries. This issue needs to be investigated and repairs or replacement made at the manufacturers expense.. This is a four-cylinder turbo engine and an eight speed automatic transmission. In my opinion, the transmission issue caused my engine failure. There should be investigated and an immediate recall issued.
NHTSA complaint #11688656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tahlequah, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Cadillac CUE screen cracks and becomes unresponsive. When driving this is effecting anything related to system including navigation, radio, hvac, phone and all other functions creating a distraction to the driver that could lead to an accident. This is not the first time that this has happened to me and I’ve noticed that each time the issue is created is during hot days in southern states. This has never happened during the winter. This is my 2nd Cadillac in a row that has had this problem repeatedly. Happens every 2 to 3 years. This might not seem like an issue but it poses a major safety hazard to all people in vehicles around them and an immediate recall and investigation should be taken seriously. A lawsuit was settled for some owners but all owners should be notified and repairs should be completed at the manufacturers expense regardless of age or mileage.
NHTSA complaint #11688654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tahlequah, OK
ENGINE
I purchased this vehicle is certified preowned Cadillac and during the warranty time I had a transmission issue that was causing the transmission to jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds, it would start jerking nonstop. I took it to the dealer and as per a service bulletin, they flushed the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission fluid. This was only a temporary fix because 30,000 miles later the same issues started occurring again and have gotten worse to the point that you can smell the transmission clutches burning and the transmission overheating, possibly causing the number four piston rings to come apart, resulting in an engine replacement as well. I’ve had to replace engine as possible result, but the transmission problem is still there and it has also caused the check engine light to come on intermediately. This could result in a complete transmission failure, causing a vehicle to lose propulsion leading to a possible accident and injuries. This issue needs to be investigated and repairs or replacement made at the manufacturers expense.. This is a four-cylinder turbo engine and an eight speed automatic transmission. In my opinion, the transmission issue caused my engine failure. There should be investigated and an immediate recall issued.
NHTSA complaint #11688656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Louis, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
OnStar is unable to communicate with my vehicle. When I bought the car 2 years ago, it connected fine. Not OnStar is unable to ping my car. Appears the. Module goes out on a lot of cars since I was told it is on back order and not sure if that was the true peoblem
NHTSA complaint #11685188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canyon Lake, TX
POWER TRAIN
I began hearing a “hum” when driving my vehicle and dismissed it thinking it was the type of low profile, no flat tires. After a getting new tires, brakes, brake pads, and control arms, we still heard the “hum” and it continued to get louder. We took the car to 4 different places where they all stated the rear differential is the problem. I never had a service engine light come on. We found out that there was a recall on this part for other Cadillac CTS vehicles but my VIN did not come up as one that has a recall. I have had my rear differential fluid serviced and changed right before 30K miles. I now have a little over 95K miles and am told there is a back order for this part due to how many other Cadillac CTS vehicles are having the same issue. This could make car lock up at any time while driving. I transport my grandchildren and elderly Mother in this vehicle regularly. We have been told that it will take over $6K to fix and since the part is on back order, it will be several months before it can be fixed. This is not only a dangerous and possibly deadly circumstance, but extremely inconvenient and expensive. This part needs to be recalled for all Cadillac CTS vehicles and the parts need to be available as soon as possible.
NHTSA complaint #11672975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo, CO
POWER TRAIN
Unknown I have been driving my car for 2 years now. For about the last year the steering in has been handling horrible and I have checked all parts every think is in good condition. I have read online it's a common problem and I see it as a safety concern especially since it's recalled on the same vehicle different vin. So when driving down the highway it's hard to stay centered and the car pulls different directions and the steering gets stiff to where it feels locked up. It is electrical power steering and I have experience from a prior experience with a 2009 pontiac g6. All these parts should of been recalled and not just a handful.
NHTSA complaint #11673062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo, CO
STEERING
Unknown I have been driving my car for 2 years now. For about the last year the steering in has been handling horrible and I have checked all parts every think is in good condition. I have read online it's a common problem and I see it as a safety concern especially since it's recalled on the same vehicle different vin. So when driving down the highway it's hard to stay centered and the car pulls different directions and the steering gets stiff to where it feels locked up. It is electrical power steering and I have experience from a prior experience with a 2009 pontiac g6. All these parts should of been recalled and not just a handful.
NHTSA complaint #11673062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
AIR BAGS
Passenger sensing device for the passenger seat is failing intermittently. Service airbag light is coming on periodically, and, when it does, the passenger "Airbag ON" light fails to illuminate even if a passenger over 100 lbs is in the seat. This is a long recurring issue with all GM cars where the sensing pad goes bad.
NHTSA complaint #11648358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SC
STEERING
Power steering went out and exhibited the same symptoms as GM recall N182182760, but my vin is not included in the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11646390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simi Valley, CA
WHEELS
My dream car…2017 Cadillac CTS 3.6L prem. Lux. I’ve noticed a lot of complaints with very low miles under 30,000 service suspension system, car has new Perelli tires 19” and the driver front tire went flat. What’s going on, I don’t want the dealer to take advantage of me. I can’t understand why this vehicle would be giving me problems so soon purchased from Calstar Mercedes dealer on [XXX] of 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11645851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simi Valley, CA
STEERING
My dream car…2017 Cadillac CTS 3.6L prem. Lux. I’ve noticed a lot of complaints with very low miles under 30,000 service suspension system, car has new Perelli tires 19” and the driver front tire went flat. What’s going on, I don’t want the dealer to take advantage of me. I can’t understand why this vehicle would be giving me problems so soon purchased from Calstar Mercedes dealer on [XXX] of 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11645851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simi Valley, CA
SUSPENSION
My dream car…2017 Cadillac CTS 3.6L prem. Lux. I’ve noticed a lot of complaints with very low miles under 30,000 service suspension system, car has new Perelli tires 19” and the driver front tire went flat. What’s going on, I don’t want the dealer to take advantage of me. I can’t understand why this vehicle would be giving me problems so soon purchased from Calstar Mercedes dealer on [XXX] of 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11645851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savage, MD
POWER TRAIN
Rear differential failed on a vehicle with 60,000 miles and required a $4,200 repair. The manufacturer warranty covers up to 70,000 miles, but the age of the vehicle voided the warranty. Five Year manufacturer warranty and the vehicle is 7 years old, but within the mileage. Without the repair the vehicle is worthless, whereas it is worth @$14,000 {Kelly Blue Book}. Checked online and it is not uncommon for this model and the newer CT-5/6 models to have this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11619823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
POWER TRAIN
The rear differential has failed in my vehicle, and I was told by the dealer it is a safety hazzard & could lock up, leave me stranded or cause an accident. (this is the same safety issue as thousands of other vehicles most from 2014 & 2015 that IS on a recall).
NHTSA complaint #11604960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,188 milesFallbrook, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac CTS. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for maintenance. The contact was advised by the dealer that the differential was leaking and diagnosed the differential and determined that the roll pins and pinion gear were showing unusual wear. The contact had the vehicle repaired. The contact stated that one year later the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and the contact was advised that the differential was leaking. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the two failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 105,188.
NHTSA complaint #11565178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMiami, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V086000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11548294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesArnaudville, LA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and making a turn, the rear of the vehicle was dragging. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear tires were bowed out. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear differential was leaking and needed to be resealed. The mechanic ordered new seals and pins from the dealer. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11531916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reading, MA
TIRES:SIDEWALL
The tire sidewall blew out prematurely. 245 40 r18
NHTSA complaint #11476878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
our 2017 Cadillac CTS-V has all of a sudden a cracked CUE screen. The car is garage kept and only has 14395 miles. It just spontaneously cracked. The dealer that is fixing it is making us pay $125 deductible to get it fixed even though there is a class action law suit currently for others that have this same issue. The whole CUE screen cracks in a spider web like formation and makes the screen very difficult to read.
NHTSA complaint #11470804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesSaint Gabriel, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CADILLAC CUE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM WORKS MAYBE 25% OF THE TIME. THE OTHER 75% THE SYSTEM IS UNRESPONSIVE AND GLITCHY. I CAN NOT ACCESS SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES. THESE SAME FEATURES ARE THE REASON FOR THE INITIAL PURCHASE. BUT BEING THAT I CAN'T USE THEM WHEN I NEED THEM, I AM NOW REGRETTING THE PURCHASE. THIS IS TOO NICE OF A CAR FOR THE BASIC CONTROLS NOT TO BE WORKING MAJORITY OF THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11394913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesDouglasville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CADILLAC CUE COMPUTER SCREEN WHICH CONTROLS THE BLUETOOTH, RADIO & GPS, FROZE IN SEPT 2019. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF STATE OUR BLUETOOTH & GPS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALERSHIP COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THIS WAS HAPPENING IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, A COMPLETE OFF & ON WITH THE SCREEN GOING BLACK. DEALERSHIP AGAIN & THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AN HOUR DRIVE EACH WAY. I LEFT FRUSTRATED & AND IT WENT OFF AGAIN. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP & IT WAS PLAYING WHEN I GOT THERE. WHILE WE WERE DISCUSSING THE ISSUE, THE RADIO WENT OFF. WE WAITED AND IN A COUPLE OF MINUTES IT CAME BACK ON. THEY DIDN'T HAVE A LOANER VEHICLE AVAILABLE SO I HAD TO COME BACK SEVERAL DAYS LATER. I MADE THE TRIP AGAIN AND LEFT MY CAR WITH THEM. WHEN THE RADIO WORKED FINE AGAIN, ONE OF THE SERVICE GUYS WONDERED IF IT MIGHT BE THE BLUETOOTH RELATED. HE LINKED HIS APPLE IPHONE TO MY CAR'S BLUETOOTH & WAITED. THE RADIO WENT OFF & IN A FEW MINUTES CAME BACK ON. HE HAD FOUND THE PROBLEM. HE CALLED GM CORPORATE & THEY CONTACTED APPLE. APPLE IS AWARE THAT THEIR LATEST UPDATE IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE & ARE WORKING ON AN UPDATE TO FIX IT. THIS REVELATION ANSWERED THE ISSUE THAT THIS DEALERSHIP WAS HAVING WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES IN THEIR SERVICE CENTER THAT HAD A DIFFERENT VERSION OF THE CUE. SO FOR NOW I HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN HAVING GPS & A RADIO OR HAVING MY IPHONE BLUETOOTHED & HANDS FREE. IT IS NOW DECEMBER 2019 AND APPLE HASN'T CORRECTED THE ISSUE. HOW MANY 'HANDS FREE' VIOLATIONS AND ACCIDENTS WILL THERE BE BEFORE THIS GETS FIXED? I REALIZE THIS IS AN APPLE ISSUE RATHER THAN A GM ISSUE BUT I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR 7 MONTHS AGO & THE SAFETY FEATURES, INCLUDING GPS & BLUETOOTH PLAYED A BIG PART IN MY DECISION. I'M REALLY FRUSTRATED IN NOT BEING ABLE TO USE ALL OF FEATURES OF THE CUE SYSTEM. I'M WRITING THIS IN THE HOPE THAT GM WILL PROGRESSIVELY WORK WITH APPLE TO GET THIS RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #11290335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.