VehicleVerdict

2018 Cadillac CTS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2018 Cadillac CTS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

10

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other CTS years?

CTS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CTS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Cadillac CTS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System330%
Transmission330%
Airbags110%
Engine110%
Lighting110%
Other110%

Does the 2018 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.

“Rear differential failure confirmed by the dealer at 41,000 miles. Told not to drive it as rear wheels could lock up causing accident. Rear was making load noise 2 days prior to failure with fluid leak upon inspection. Dealer states failure is under warranty but no parts available for 3-6 months.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 23, 2022

“CUE DISPLAY PANEL SUDDENLY HAS STRANGE WEB-LIKE DEFECTS IN RIGHT SIDE OF PANEL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MOSTLY PARKED IN SHADED DRIVEWAY DUE TO COVID-19 CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS. DRIVEN 2 -3 TIMES A WEEK ON GROCERY TRIPS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 14, 2020

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 CADILLAC CTS BETWEEN 50-60MPH AND I LIGHTLY TAPPED ON THE GAS AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING AND VIBRATING. FELT LIKE IT COULD BE A TRANSMISSION OR A ENGINE MISFIRE. MY CARS TRANSMISSION ALSO SHIFTS VERY VERY ROUGH KINDLY JERKY WHICH CREATES A UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT WHILE IN MOTION.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 23, 2021

“The airbag system failed to deploy during a single-vehicle accident in which the car left the service road and struck a tree. The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage. The driver lost consciousness or experienced disorientation and was unable to recall the events leading up to or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 15, 2025 · crash

“To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding a known issue with the 2018 Cadillac CTS that poses a significant safety risk. The LCD/backup display screen in my 2018 Cadillac CTS has cracked on its own, taking up the entire display. This is a well-documented problem…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 3, 2024

2018 Cadillac CTS — common questions

Is the 2018 Cadillac CTS reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 CTS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), engine (1 complaints).

Does the 2018 Cadillac CTS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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 2018 Cadillac CTS?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 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.