Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2019 Cadillac CTS with NHTSA between 2019 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 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 — 4
Against the median year of the Cadillac CTS. 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 — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2019 Cadillac CTS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Other & Unspecified
318.8%
Median failure at 8,200 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
318.8%
Engine & Cooling
318.8%
Median failure at 74,990 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
16.3%
Seats
16.3%
Wheels
16.3%
Fuel & Propulsion
16.3%
Suspension
16.3%
Steering
16.3%
Median failure at 59,000 miles
Electrical System
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.
Oct 2019peak 3Oct 2025
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 74,990 milesFort Worth, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact stated that upon cleaning the catalytic converter and driving for 50 miles, the warning light turned off. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,990.
NHTSA complaint #11695874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GA
POWER TRAIN
I believe it’s the transmission it’s not changing gears like it supposed to only have 52,000 miles on the dash. It’s have to be defective. No Incident
NHTSA complaint #11658018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GA
ENGINE
I believe it’s the transmission it’s not changing gears like it supposed to only have 52,000 miles on the dash. It’s have to be defective. No Incident
NHTSA complaint #11658018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesLexington, KY
STEERING
The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the trim on the steering wheel had started to peel off. Due to the failure, the edges of the steering wheel where the trim was located had started peeling off and were sharp, causing serious concerns while driving the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was scheduled for an appointment; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #11635641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, AL
POWER TRAIN
The rear differential started making noise and growling. Upon draining the differential, we found a lot of metal debris. Upon reading on this issue, we found that Cadillac has had this issue with past models. It seems that the original G.M. part is no longer available. This could be a safety risk if the rear wheels are to lock up due to debris. It has not been confirmed by the dealer, the vehicle is out of warrantee at 91,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11625811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cary, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The backup camera grid on our 2019 vehicle disappears most of the time when we start in reverse after turning on the engine. We have taken our vehicle into local Cadillac dealership service departments over the past 3 years and they have replaced cables, backup camera, radio equipment, interface screen, etc. with no resolution. This issue with the backup camera grid also seems to be tied to a problem with loading profiles upon startup, radio issues, etc. We are writing to NHTSA because we feel that the backup camera grid disappearing is a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11506022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cary, NC
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The backup camera grid on our 2019 vehicle disappears most of the time when we start in reverse after turning on the engine. We have taken our vehicle into local Cadillac dealership service departments over the past 3 years and they have replaced cables, backup camera, radio equipment, interface screen, etc. with no resolution. This issue with the backup camera grid also seems to be tied to a problem with loading profiles upon startup, radio issues, etc. We are writing to NHTSA because we feel that the backup camera grid disappearing is a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11506022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomingdale, IL
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle hard shifts in low gear and at low speeds. The hard shifting makes the car hard to handle in slow speed situations such as parking lots. Because the car lurches forward unexpectedly, it poses a safety concern toward nearby pedestrians.
NHTSA complaint #11472390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
SEATS
Seat is adjusting during driving. Moving between presets. Setting position 1 automatically all the way forward. Heat in the seat turning on.
NHTSA complaint #11425049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Seat is adjusting during driving. Moving between presets. Setting position 1 automatically all the way forward. Heat in the seat turning on.
NHTSA complaint #11425049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
ENGINE
Seat is adjusting during driving. Moving between presets. Setting position 1 automatically all the way forward. Heat in the seat turning on.
NHTSA complaint #11425049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayville, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2019 CTS Cadillac CUE screen shattered for no reason. I was not driving the car. I went out to the car on Thursday, May 27, 2021 and the screen had shattered over night. The system is still working but it is hard to see the screen. The car is leased and only has 20,586 miles. I have only had it 2 years and 5 months. Is this my responsibility to repair or is it covered by warranty?
NHTSA complaint #11419096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Coast, FL
WHEELS
BOUGHT A USED CAR FROM AUTO BOUTIQUE ON 10/15/19 WITH CAR FAX REPORT SHOWING NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. WHEN WE TEST DROVE THE CAR WE NOTICE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND A VIBRATION. WE WERE TOLD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY WOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE. WENT ON 10/18/19 FOR MY APPT, WAS THERE 8 HOURS TO NO AVAIL, WAS TOLD VIBRATION WAS FROM A BENT RIM AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE CAR TO A CADILLAC DEALER FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH RITCHEY'S CADILLAC ON 10/25/19 AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, THE GAS TANK ISN'T SAFE, 3 BENT RIMS, THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AND WERE NOT RESET PROPERLY, AND THIS WAS ONE CAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VIBRATION AND NOISE CAME FROM REAR SUSPENSION BENT IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS, ETC. I HAVE A REPORT FROM RICHIE'S CADILLAC STATING ABOVE, PLUS PICTURES AND A ESTIMATE TO FIX. I NOTIFIED AUTO BOUTIQUE THAT I WANTED TO RETURN CAR FRO REFUND BUT GOT THE RUN AROUND, ALL THEY SAID WAS ALL THERE CARS ARE SOLD AS IS, THE HAVE THE BUYERS GUIDE THAT IS SIGNED WITH NO BOXES CHECKED. THERE ARE NO SIGNS STATING CARS ARE SOLD AS IS. WE TRADED THE CAR IN ON A NEW VEHICLE AND ASKED FOR A REFUND FOR THE DIFFERENCE, $18,000, I WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE CAR AND THEY WOULD FIX THE ISSUES AND CALL ME WHEN IT WAS DONE, I STATED IT WAS TOO LATE FOR THAT BECAUSE I HAD TRADED IT FOR A NEW ONE BECAUSE IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE. WE HAVE AN ESTIMATE TO FIX, PHOTOS AND ALL PAPER WORK FROM THE SALE.
NHTSA complaint #11287413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Coast, FL
SUSPENSION
BOUGHT A USED CAR FROM AUTO BOUTIQUE ON 10/15/19 WITH CAR FAX REPORT SHOWING NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. WHEN WE TEST DROVE THE CAR WE NOTICE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND A VIBRATION. WE WERE TOLD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY WOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE. WENT ON 10/18/19 FOR MY APPT, WAS THERE 8 HOURS TO NO AVAIL, WAS TOLD VIBRATION WAS FROM A BENT RIM AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE CAR TO A CADILLAC DEALER FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH RITCHEY'S CADILLAC ON 10/25/19 AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, THE GAS TANK ISN'T SAFE, 3 BENT RIMS, THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AND WERE NOT RESET PROPERLY, AND THIS WAS ONE CAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VIBRATION AND NOISE CAME FROM REAR SUSPENSION BENT IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS, ETC. I HAVE A REPORT FROM RICHIE'S CADILLAC STATING ABOVE, PLUS PICTURES AND A ESTIMATE TO FIX. I NOTIFIED AUTO BOUTIQUE THAT I WANTED TO RETURN CAR FRO REFUND BUT GOT THE RUN AROUND, ALL THEY SAID WAS ALL THERE CARS ARE SOLD AS IS, THE HAVE THE BUYERS GUIDE THAT IS SIGNED WITH NO BOXES CHECKED. THERE ARE NO SIGNS STATING CARS ARE SOLD AS IS. WE TRADED THE CAR IN ON A NEW VEHICLE AND ASKED FOR A REFUND FOR THE DIFFERENCE, $18,000, I WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE CAR AND THEY WOULD FIX THE ISSUES AND CALL ME WHEN IT WAS DONE, I STATED IT WAS TOO LATE FOR THAT BECAUSE I HAD TRADED IT FOR A NEW ONE BECAUSE IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE. WE HAVE AN ESTIMATE TO FIX, PHOTOS AND ALL PAPER WORK FROM THE SALE.
NHTSA complaint #11287413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Coast, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BOUGHT A USED CAR FROM AUTO BOUTIQUE ON 10/15/19 WITH CAR FAX REPORT SHOWING NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. WHEN WE TEST DROVE THE CAR WE NOTICE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND A VIBRATION. WE WERE TOLD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY WOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE. WENT ON 10/18/19 FOR MY APPT, WAS THERE 8 HOURS TO NO AVAIL, WAS TOLD VIBRATION WAS FROM A BENT RIM AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE CAR TO A CADILLAC DEALER FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH RITCHEY'S CADILLAC ON 10/25/19 AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, THE GAS TANK ISN'T SAFE, 3 BENT RIMS, THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AND WERE NOT RESET PROPERLY, AND THIS WAS ONE CAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VIBRATION AND NOISE CAME FROM REAR SUSPENSION BENT IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS, ETC. I HAVE A REPORT FROM RICHIE'S CADILLAC STATING ABOVE, PLUS PICTURES AND A ESTIMATE TO FIX. I NOTIFIED AUTO BOUTIQUE THAT I WANTED TO RETURN CAR FRO REFUND BUT GOT THE RUN AROUND, ALL THEY SAID WAS ALL THERE CARS ARE SOLD AS IS, THE HAVE THE BUYERS GUIDE THAT IS SIGNED WITH NO BOXES CHECKED. THERE ARE NO SIGNS STATING CARS ARE SOLD AS IS. WE TRADED THE CAR IN ON A NEW VEHICLE AND ASKED FOR A REFUND FOR THE DIFFERENCE, $18,000, I WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE CAR AND THEY WOULD FIX THE ISSUES AND CALL ME WHEN IT WAS DONE, I STATED IT WAS TOO LATE FOR THAT BECAUSE I HAD TRADED IT FOR A NEW ONE BECAUSE IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE. WE HAVE AN ESTIMATE TO FIX, PHOTOS AND ALL PAPER WORK FROM THE SALE.
NHTSA complaint #11287413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,200 milesMelville, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I LEASED A CADILLAC 2019 CTS IN DECEMBER 2018. THE CAR'S ENGINE ACCELERATES SPORADICALLY ON ITS OWN. IT HAPPENED TO ME APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEED, DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND AS I WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPOT. THREE SUCH EVENTS OCCURRED WITHIN TEN MINUTES WHILE INCHING MY WAY TO MERGE AND ENTER THE QUEEN'S MIDTOWN TUNNEL IN NY. EACH TIME I MANAGED TO STOP THE CAR BY LEANING VERY HEAVILY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVING THE TRANSMISSION INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE DEALER UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, AND THE CAR WAS IN HIS SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR OVER 20 DAYS. CADILLAC CLAIMS THAT THEY UNAWARE OF ANY SUDDEN ENGINE ACCELERATION PROBLEM. THE LATEST PROPOSAL THAT CADILLAC OFFERED IS TO INSTALL A DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE IN THE CAR WITH THE HOPE THAT THE FAULT WILL SHOW UP. IN THE MEANWHILE CADILLAC EXPECTS ME TO DRIVE THE CAR, ENDANGERING MYSELF, INNOCENT PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER FELLOW DRIVERS.
NHTSA complaint #11276926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.