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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2003–2019

Cadillac CTS recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns and 2,217 owner complaints for the Cadillac CTS, covering model years 2003 to 2019. The 2003 model year drew the most complaints (313), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Cadillac CTS VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 27 recall campaigns on file
  • 2,217 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 17 model years with data (2003–2019)
  • most complaints: 2003 (313 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (461 complaints)
  • latest recall 26V329000 (reported May 21, 2026)
  • 187 complaints reporting a crash (8.4%)
  • 35 complaints reporting a fire (1.6%)
  • 126 complaints reporting an injury (5.7%)
  • 6 complaints reporting a death (0.3%)

Cadillac CTS complaints by model year

17 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2003 model year has the most complaints: 313 of 2,217, or 14.1%. Next come 2005 (277) and 2006 (269). The fewest are for 2018, with 8 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Cadillac CTS owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2003–2019Column chart of 2,217 complaints across 17 model years. The highest is 2003 with 313. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2003: 313 complaints31320032004: 224 complaints22420042005: 277 complaints27720052006: 269 complaints26920062007: 217 complaints21720072008: 175 complaints17520082009: 167 complaints16720092010: 67 complaints6720102011: 101 complaints10120112012: 65 complaints6520122013: 73 complaints7320132014: 146 complaints14620142015: 47 complaints4720152016: 31 complaints3120162017: 27 complaints2720172018: 8 complaints820182019: 10 complaints102019
Show the figures for all 17 model years
Cadillac CTS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Cadillac CTS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
20033132912170
2004224251210
2005277254232
2006269232111
2007217266130
200817512360
200916710073
2010672140
201110111360
2012656060
20137310070
20141464040
2015472200
2016310110
2017271000
201881000
2019100000
All model years2,217187351266

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Cadillac CTS components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 461 complaints (20.8% of all 2,217), followed by Electrical System (383) and Air Bags (377).

Components named most often in Cadillac CTS complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Cadillac CTS complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train46120.8%
Electrical System38317.3%
Air Bags37717.0%
Engine23610.6%
Service Brakes1948.8%
Steering1627.3%
Suspension1195.4%
Unknown or Other1195.4%
Structure1135.1%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1115.0%
Exterior Lighting1064.8%
Vehicle Speed Control1034.6%
Engine and Engine Cooling964.3%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)683.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System652.9%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Cadillac CTS recalls

27 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name CTS, newest first. The 27 campaigns cover model years 2003 to 2018. 5 model years tie for the most campaigns (6 each).

  • 27 recall campaigns
Cadillac CTS recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2003: 4 campaigns2004: 6 campaigns2005: 6 campaigns2006: 6 campaigns2007: 6 campaigns2008: 2 campaigns2009: 5 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 2 campaigns2012: 2 campaigns2013: 2 campaigns2014: 6 campaigns2015: 3 campaigns2016: 4 campaigns2017: 2 campaigns2018: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 26V329000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2015–2016

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 25V175000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model years 2016–2018

    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V086000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model years 2016–2018

    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V595000

    Reported

    Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler

    Model years 2014–2016

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats may be damaged over time, resulting in the seat heaters producing excessive heat.

    Consequence:
    In cold ambient temperatures, the seat heaters in these vehicles can turn on automatically when the vehicle is remotely started. If a damaged seat heater is turned on while no one is inside the vehicle, the damaged seat heater can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the body control module, disabling the automatic activation of the heated seat when the vehicle is remotely started, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for the recall is 18286.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 15V358000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages

    Model year 2015

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.

    Consequence:
    If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15352.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 14V614000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model years 2013–2014

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.

    Consequence:
    If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM’s number for this recall is 14515.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 14V542000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2004–2007

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module may overheat resulting in the melting of the flange material.

    Consequence:
    If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14405.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 14V446000

    Reported

    Seats

    Model year 2014

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

    Consequence:
    A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 14V394000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition

    Model years 2003–2014

    This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

    Consequence:
    If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 14V341000

    Reported

    Air Bags; Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

    Model year 2011

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured October 18, 2010, to June 2, 2011. In the affected vehicles, vibrations from the drive shaft may cause the vehicle's roll over sensor to command the roof rail air bags to deploy.

    Consequence:
    If the roof rail air bags deploy unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of crash and injury to the occupants.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear drive shaft assembly, free of charge. General Motors distributed an interim letter to owners on August 27, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14233.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Show 17 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 14V338000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 2014

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.

    Consequence:
    If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 14V253000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor; Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring

    Model year 2014

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off with wiper functionality left on and the wipers then become restricted, such as when covered in ice or snow, and the vehicle's battery goes dead and needs to be jump started, upon being jump started, the wipers will be inoperative.

    Consequence:
    An inoperative windshield wiper system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2104. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14157.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 11V536000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model year 2012

    GM is recalling certain model year 2012 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured from October 21, 2011, through October 26, 2011. These vehicles may have a condition in which the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut may not be torqued to the proper specification. If the nut is not torqued to the proper specification, the nut could loosen and allow the pushrod to separate from the brake pedal.

    Consequence:
    This could result in a loss of ability to brake and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
    Remedy:
    Cadillac dealers will inspect the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut, and if necessary, torque the nut to the proper specification. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 1, 2011. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 11V089000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear

    Model years 2009–2010

    General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Cadillac CTS vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which a wax coating on the rear suspension toe link jam nuts may allow the nut(s) to loosen. If a nut sufficiently loosens, the toe link could separate and the rear wheel would be able to turn inboard or outboard. Owners may hear a metallic clanking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle that may warn of a loosening nut.

    Consequence:
    The driver may experience sudden changes with vehicle handling and may not be able to control the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will clean all wax residue from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts. If necessary the rear suspension toe link may be replaced. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before March 24, 2011. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 10V644000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

    Model years 2005–2007

    General Motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which repeated flexing of the passenger sensing system mat in the front passenger seat may cause the mat to kink, bend, or fold. This flexing can break the connections in the mat. If this occurs, the sensor may not detect the presence of a front seat passenger and will disable the air bag.

    Consequence:
    Non-deployment of the front passenger air bag in the event of a crash necessitating that air bag's deployment may reduce protection of the passenger and increase the risk or severity of injury to them.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the passenger sensing system free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about March 15, 2011. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 10V414000

    Reported

    Equipment

    Model years 2009–2010

    GM is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Cadillac CTS all wheel drive and CTS-v vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "occupant crash protection."

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the front passenger may be at an increased risk of leg injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 20, 2010. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 10V240000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model years 2008–2009

    GM is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, lucerne; Cadillac DTS; Hummer H2; model year 2008-2009 Buick Enclave; Cadillac CTS; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet Avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC Acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon XL; Saturn Outlook; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles equipped with a heated washer fluid system (HWFS). A recall was implemented in 2008 to add a fuse to the control circuit harness to address the potential consequences of a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical short. However, there have been new reports of thermal incidents on HWFS modules after this improvement was installed. These incidents resulted from a new failure mode attributed to the device's thermal protection feature. The significance varies from minor distortion to considerable melting of the plastic around the HWFS fluid chamber.

    Consequence:
    It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently disabled and removed from the vehicle. The safety recall began on June 11, 2010. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and Hummer at 1-800-732-5493 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 10V105000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2003–2007

    General Motors has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS vehicles currently registered in or originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the front brake hose fitting at the caliper may corrode due to snow or water, containing road salt or other contaminants, entering and being retained in the routing sleeve. If the fitting corrodes significantly, the brake hose-tube interface may develop a leak.

    Consequence:
    The brake hose-tube interface may rupture suddenly without prior warning and increase vehicle stopping distance may occur increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers are to replace both front brake hose assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 08V582000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2009

    GM is recalling 12,662 MY 2009 Cadillac CTS vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' Under certain conditions, a software condition within the passenger sensing system may disable the front passenger air bag when it should be enabled or enable it when it should be disabled.

    Consequence:
    In a vehicle crash, if the front passenger air bag does not operate as designed, increased personal injury could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will reprogram the passenger sensing system module free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2008. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 07V589000

    Reported

    Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft › Seal

    Model years 2005–2007

    On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak.

    Consequence:
    A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of control increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2008. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006 or http://www.Cadillac.com; Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.Pontiac.com; and Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or http://www.Saturn.com.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  11. NHTSA campaign 07V468000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars

    Model year 2007

    Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 118, 'power operated window, partition, and roof panel systems.' Under the standard, the sunroof may only be closed when the ignition is on, or after the ignition is turned off, but before either of the front doors are opened. The affected vehicles may exhibit a condition where the sunroof can be closed after the ignition is turned off and the doors are opened.

    Consequence:
    This standard specifies requirements for power operated window, partition, and roof panel systems to minimize the likelihood of death or injury from their accidental operation.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a wire harness. The recall began on May 29, 2008. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  12. NHTSA campaign 06V020000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery

    Model years 2005–2006

    Certain vehicles equipped with V6 engines may have a condition where fuel is no longer supplied to the engine. This condition occurs without the illumination of the fuel level low indicator light or the warning chime.

    Consequence:
    If the engine stops running, the operator will not be able to restart the vehicle which could increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module (ecm) with new software free of charge. Owners were notified in December 2005 and asked to maintain at least 1/4 of a tank fuel level to avoid this condition until the parts are available. The parts are now available, owner renotification began on March 23, 2006. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  13. NHTSA campaign 05V024000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 2004

    On certain passenger vehicles, an interaction between the sensing and diagnostic module and vehicle's electrical system may cause the driver's frontal air bag and/or roof-mounted side impact air bag to deploy when the ignition key is turned to the "on" position.

    Consequence:
    A person positioned for driving may receive minor injuries, such as abrasions, from contact with a deploying air bag.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2005. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  14. NHTSA campaign 04V273000

    Reported

    Steering › Linkages

    Model year 2004

    On certain passenger vehicles involved in this campaign, the lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers were made of the wrong material. The washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, reducing clamp load. Separation of the control arm ball stud and steering knuckle, due to disengagement of the tapered attachment and retaining nut, is possible.

    Consequence:
    If the control arm separates from the knuckle, the affected corner of the vehicle will drop and the control arm would be forced downward, contacting the wheel. The affected wheel could tilt outward and create a dragging action that would tend to slow the vehicle and create a tendency for the vehicle to turn in the direction of the affected wheel. In extreme situations, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel;s hydraulic brake hose and result in diminished braking performance of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the ball stud joints and measure the torque of the nut for all front lower control arms in all models affected as well as the rear lower control arms on the XLR and corvette. If the torque is not at specification, the dealers will replace the ball stud, the knuckle, and the nut. If the torque is at specification, the dealers will replace the nut/washer assembly only. The recall will begin on August 25, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  15. NHTSA campaign 03V346000

    Reported

    Seats

    Model year 2004

    Certain passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "seating systems." One or both front anchor tabs for the front bucket seats are not engaged in the floor pan reinforcement slots. A seat with only one tab engaged or neither engaged would not meet the static rearward loading test requirements of the standard.

    Consequence:
    In some crash conditions, the seat could pivot rearward and its occupant or a rear seat occupant could be injured more severely.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will ensure that both front anchor tabs are fully seated in the floor pan reinforcement slots. Owner notification began September 19, 2003. Owners should contact GM at 1-800-458-8006.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  16. NHTSA campaign 03V250000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual

    Model year 2003

    Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." The owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.

    Consequence:
    This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began August 18, 2003. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  17. NHTSA campaign 03V115000

    Reported

    Steering

    Model year 2003

    Some passenger vehicles have a condition in which the intermediate steering shaft bolt may be loose.

    Consequence:
    An improperly tightened bolt could loosen, resulting in separation of the upper and lower steering shafts causing a loss of vehicle control. If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could result without prior warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect for the presence of the intermediate steering shaft bolt and ensure that it is tightened to the proper specification. Owner notification began March 20, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Cadillac CTS questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Cadillac CTS have?

NHTSA lists 27 vehicle recall campaigns for the Cadillac CTS, covering model years 2003 to 2019. The most recent, 26V329000, was reported on May 21, 2026 and is filed under “Air bags”.

Which Cadillac CTS model year has the most complaints?

The 2003 model year, with 313 of the 2,217 complaints in NHTSA’s file (14.1%). The next are 2005 (277) and 2006 (269). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Cadillac CTS complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 461 complaints, or 20.8% of all 2,217. Electrical System (383) and Air Bags (377) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Cadillac CTS?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Cadillac dealer.

How many Cadillac CTS complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 2,217 complaints, 187 report a crash, 35 a fire, 126 at least one injury and 6 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Cadillac models

8 models · most complaints first

The Cadillac models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Cadillac VIN decoder with every Cadillac model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Cadillac models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.