2018 Cadillac CTS: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
8 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
9,775 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 8 complaints (37.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 25.0% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 12.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Electrical System: 3; Power Train: 3; Air Bags: 1; Engine: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2019: 1; 2020: 1; 2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 2; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11170691 · 2019-01-18 (January 18, 2019)
THE CADILLAC DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS EXCEED AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION EYE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF 3000K COLOR TEMPERATURE OR LESS. THE CADILLAC LIGHTS ARE DAMAGING THE EYES OF DRIVERS OF ONCOMING VEHICLES AND OF PEDESTRIANS. THE GLARE CAUSED BY THE CADILLAC LIGHTS PREVENT DRIVERS OF ONCOMING VEHICLES FROM PROPERLY ASSESSING ROAD CONDITIONS AND SURROUNDINGS.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11170691 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11341495 · 2020-07-26 (July 26, 2020)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. 7,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 11341495 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11404668 · 2021-03-24 (March 24, 2021)
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. THIS IS A CONSISTENT ISSUE AND WITH MY CAR AND ONLY HAVING 12,000 MILES ON IT I FIND REALLY CONCERNING. THIS VIBRATION ONLY HAPPENS BETWEEN 50-60MPH AND THE ROUGH TRANSMISSION SHIFTING HAPPENS AS I DRIVE IT ALONG WITH VIBRATIONS ARE COMING FROM THE E…
Owner-reported narrative. 12,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11404668 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11486548 · 2022-09-26 (September 26, 2022)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11486548 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11590522 · 2024-05-24 (May 24, 2024)
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 that many Cadillac owners have reported to GM, yet the manufacturer refuses to take responsibility or remedy the situation. The cracked display screen severely compromises the vehicle's safety features and functionality, including the backup camera…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11590522 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11655332 · 2025-04-17 (April 17, 2025)
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 immediately following the accident. The lack of airbag deployment increased the risk of serious injury, especially due to the vehicle impacting a tree and being lodged several feet off the road in the woods. Although there were no major injuries in this case…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11655332 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11706788 · 2025-12-23 (December 23, 2025)
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 may not start again. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspection by vehicle deal…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11706788 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11713692 · 2026-01-27 (January 27, 2026)
THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11713692 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
19V086000 · Steering:Electric Power Assist System
Reported: 2019-02-07 (February 7, 2019)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V175000 · Steering:Electric Power Assist System
Reported: 2025-03-20 (March 20, 2025)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗