VehicleVerdict

2017 Cadillac CTS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2017 Cadillac CTS is among the quieter years of the CTS on NHTSA's books: 32 complaints (78% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (28% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

32

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other CTS years?

CTS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted450 complaints2003: 450 complaints2004: 294 complaints2005: 396 complaints2006: 371 complaints2007: 314 complaints2008: 252 complaints2009: 222 complaints2010: 101 complaints2011: 148 complaints2012: 81 complaints2013: 106 complaints2014: 196 complaints2015: 65 complaints2016: 47 complaints2017: 32 complaints2018: 10 complaints2019: 16 complaints
CTS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CTS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Cadillac CTS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission928%
Steering722%
Tires & Wheels413%
Other413%
Airbags26%
Electrical System26%
Speed Control13%
Suspension13%
Seats13%
Engine13%

Does the 2017 Cadillac CTS have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V175000SteeringMarch 20, 2025 · 934 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.

19V086000SteeringFebruary 7, 2019 · 26,772 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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). ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 22, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V086000 (STEERING) AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. FITZGERALD CHEVROLET (114 BAUGHMANS LANE, FREDERICK, MD 21702) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 25, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 6, 2021

“4 FLAT TIRES IN WEEKS. DESIGN FLAW WITH THE WHEEL. TIRE SIDEWALL IS CUT BY THE WHEEL WHEN HITTING ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. THEY ARE LOW PROFILE TIRES BUT THEY DO NOT HANDLE BASIC ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. THE WHEEL AND TIRE COMBO RENDERS THE CAR UNRELIABLE FOR TRANSPORTATION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 16, 2018

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 7, 2025

2017 Cadillac CTS — common questions

Is the 2017 Cadillac CTS reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 32 NHTSA complaints, below the typical CTS year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2017 CTS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), steering (7 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints).

Does the 2017 Cadillac CTS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Cadillac CTS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac CTS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CTS years to avoid are 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2004, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among CTS years belongs to 2018.

How safe is the 2017 Cadillac CTS?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Cadillac CTS earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.