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2018 Cadillac CTSProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2018 Cadillac CTS, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-175 the manufacturer reports only 46% of affected cars repaired.

2018 Cadillac CTS
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 46%Owner complaints81 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage7kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 27, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2018 Cadillac CTS has problems

8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system30
Power train30
Air bags11
Engine10
Exterior lighting10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2018 Cadillac CTS recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

46%repaired · 2026 Q3

Steering: electric power assist system

Recall 25V-175 · Mar 20, 2025 · 934 vehicles · 430 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

85%repaired · 2020 Q4

Steering: electric power assist system

Recall 19V-086 · Feb 7, 2019 · 26,772 vehicles · 22,659 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.

Best & worst years

2018 vs. every other CTS year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CTS median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2018 Cadillac CTS safety ratings

2018 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2018 Cadillac CTS frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2018 Cadillac CTS side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2018 Cadillac CTS side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What CTS owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.
Complaint 11713692 · Jan 27, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? From 2018. The uauto start/stop system has failed 3 times. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? These components failing subjects the driver and surroundings to a stalled car that…
Complaint 11706788 · Dec 23, 2025
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 11341495 · Jul 26, 2020 · 7,250 miles

Own a 2018 CTS?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.