2018 Cadillac CTS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 27, 2026 · 8 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other CTS years
Not enough data 17th of 17 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Cadillac CTS. That ranks 17th out of 17 CTS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (3 complaints, 38%), typically at around 7,250 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Cadillac CTS
2014 Cadillac CTS photographed in Pointe-Claire , Quebec , Canada .. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2018 Cadillac CTS problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System3 · ~7,250 mi
Power Train3 · ~12,300 mi
Air Bags1
Engine1 · ~12,300 mi
Exterior Lighting1
Unknown or Other1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System338%7,250——
Power Train338%12,300——
Air Bags113%———
Engine113%12,300——
Exterior Lighting113%———
Unknown or Other113%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2025, with 2 complaints
2019: 1201912020: 1202012021: 1202112022: 1202212024: 1202412025: 2202522026: 120261

n = 8 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2018 Cadillac CTS recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Steering:electric power assist systemMar 20, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V175000 · 934 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Steering:electric power assist systemFeb 7, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V086000 · 26,772 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.

Electrical System · received Jan 27, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11713692

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…

Electrical System · received Dec 23, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11706788

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…

Air Bags · received Apr 17, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11655332

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…

Unknown or Other · received May 24, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11590522

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.

Power Train · received Sep 26, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11486548

Other Cadillac CTS years

← 2017 CTS · 2019 CTS →

See all Cadillac CTS problems by year, every Cadillac model, or the Cadillac VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Cadillac CTS?

Owners most often report electrical system, power train, air bags problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Cadillac CTS?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2018 Cadillac CTS a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other CTS model years, the 2018 has too little data to compare, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.