Cadillac CTS Steering Problems
Owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Cadillac CTS across 16 model years. The 2003 model year has the most (28). The words owners use most often: “steering wheel seized” (6% of reports).
- 162steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 24mention a crash
- 13mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering wheel seized: mentioned in 9 of 162 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 112 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 162 complaints, 24 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 13 an injury.
Cadillac CTS steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 CTS | 1 | 10% | 59,000 |
| 2017 CTS | 8 | 30% | 45,000 |
| 2016 CTS | 4 | 13% | 27,500 |
| 2015 CTS | 4 | 8% | 50,500 |
| 2014 CTS | 13 | 9% | 40,400 |
| 2013 CTS | 10 | 14% | 16,000 |
| 2012 CTS | 4 | 6% | 27,000 |
| 2011 CTS | 11 | 11% | 32,200 |
| 2010 CTS | 5 | 7% | 37,500 |
| 2009 CTS | 12 | 7% | 46,500 |
| 2008 CTS | 13 | 7% | 98,000 |
| 2007 CTS | 16 | 7% | 50,000 |
| 2006 CTS | 4 | 1% | 153,360 |
| 2005 CTS | 15 | 5% | 71,080 |
| 2004 CTS | 14 | 6% | 65,000 |
| 2003 CTS | 28 | 9% | 70,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018
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 system
Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018
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.
Steering:linkages
Model years: 2004
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Steering
Model years: 2003
Problem: Some passenger vehicles have a condition in which the intermediate steering shaft bolt may be loose.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Dash board message power steering service message hard to steer traction assist light is on.
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The service power steering message was displayed. The failure had occurred while the contact was in the middle of traffic. The dealer was…
I have taken my vehicle or rather had my vehicle towed back to my dealership on three different occasions for repair of a Shift Cable Replacement I can have a very bad accident in my vehicle or lose my life or injure someone else the first time I didn't understand why my vehicle shutdown while I…
The contact owns 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
The power steering went out on the vehicle. I was not driving at the time. There was a recall on these vehicles pertaining to the EPS module.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Cadillac CTSs have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 162 owner complaints about steering for the Cadillac CTS. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Cadillac CTS steering?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Cadillac CTS?
The most frequent phrase is “steering wheel seized”, in 9 of 162 complaints.
Other Cadillac CTS problems
- Power Train problems (462)
- Electrical System problems (383)
- Air Bags problems (378)
- Engine problems (236)
- Service Brakes problems (194)
- Suspension problems (119)
- Structure problems (113)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (111)
See all Cadillac CTS problems.