CADILLAC

Cadillac Recalls, VIN Decoder & Reliability

Check any Cadillac's recalls, reliability and NHTSA safety — or decode its VIN free for full specs and MPG. Across all 32 Cadillac models (1981–2026).

Data · NHTSA & EPA · 32 models · 1981–2026 · Updated Jul 8, 2026 · 4.1 ★★★★★★★★★★ Brand Score
Quick answer

Cadillac's lineup has 652 recorded NHTSA recalls across 32 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.1/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Cadillac's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.

32
Models
1981
Since
1
Vehicle types
USA
Origin
1902
Founded
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FIG.01
4.1/5
★★★★★★★★★★
ForCar Brand Score
Average across 32 rated Cadillac models
Most reliable Cadillac models
Cadillac CT54.5Cadillac XT54.5Cadillac XT64.5Cadillac ATS4.5Cadillac Escalade IQ4.5Cadillac SRX4.5

Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.

Cadillac — VIN decoder & full model lineup

Cadillac, originating in Detroit, Michigan, has long been synonymous with American luxury and a commitment to powerful, comfortable vehicles. Traditionally, Cadillac vehicles have appealed to discerning buyers seeking a sophisticated and prestigious driving experience, often prioritizing space and smooth rides. ForCar.org allows you to decode any Cadillac VIN to uncover full vehicle specifications, including recall history and a wealth of detailed information about your car’s unique identity.

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All Cadillac models 32

Every Cadillac model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.

Cadillac SUVs & crossovers 9

Cadillac Cars & sedans 17

Cadillac More models 6

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Cadillac recalls

Across the Cadillac lineup, ForCar tracks 652 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Cadillac recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.

FIG.02
#Cadillac modelRecallsForCar Score
01Cadillac Escalade1014.0 /5
02Cadillac CTS614.0 /5
03Cadillac Deville483.5 /5
04Cadillac Fleetwood443.5 /5
05Cadillac SRX434.5 /5
06Cadillac Seville423.5 /5
07Cadillac Eldorado374.0 /5
08Cadillac Brougham353.0 /5
09Cadillac Escalade ESV294.5 /5
10Cadillac ATS214.5 /5
ROWS 10·SOURCE NHTSA

Most-recalled system across Cadillac: Fuel System, Gasoline. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.

Is Cadillac reliable?

Across rated models, Cadillac averages a 4.1/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 25 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.

Cadillac competes in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments against Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus and Audi, with stronger US dealer presence and weaker European/Asian footprint than its German rivals. The Escalade dominates the full-size luxury SUV segment with a market share consistently above 30%. Cadillac's 2025-2030 product cadence shifts the lineup to fully electric, with the gasoline CT4 and CT5 sedans expected to be the last ICE Cadillacs.

Cadillac models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):

FIG.03
#Cadillac modelOwner complaintsForCar Score
01Cadillac SRX3,2564.5 /5
02Cadillac Deville3,1313.5 /5
03Cadillac CTS2,1794.0 /5
04Cadillac Escalade1,9284.0 /5
05Cadillac Seville9143.5 /5
06Cadillac Eldorado6224.0 /5
07Cadillac Catera5534.0 /5
08Cadillac DTS5093.5 /5
09Cadillac Escalade ESV3874.5 /5
10Cadillac ATS3784.5 /5
ROWS 10·SOURCE NHTSA

Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.

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Most fuel-efficient Cadillac models

The most fuel-efficient Cadillac models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.

FIG.04
#ModelBest combined MPGType
01Cadillac Optiq105 mpgCar
02Cadillac Lyriq92 mpgCar
03Cadillac Vistiq86 mpgCar
04Cadillac XT681 mpgCar
05Cadillac Escalade IQ81 mpgCar
06Cadillac SRX81 mpgCar
07Cadillac Escalade ESV81 mpgCar
08Cadillac XT481 mpgCar
ROWS 8·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov

Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.

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Safest Cadillac models

Cadillac models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.

Cadillac modelNHTSA safetyForCar Score
Cadillac CT5 ★★★★★ 4.5 /5
Cadillac XT5 ★★★★★ 4.5 /5
Cadillac XT6 ★★★★★ 4.5 /5
Cadillac ATS ★★★★★ 4.5 /5
Cadillac SRX ★★★★★ 4.5 /5
Cadillac XTS ★★★★★ 4.5 /5
Cadillac Escalade ESV ★★★★★ 4.5 /5
Cadillac XT4 ★★★★★ 4.5 /5

Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.

How much is Cadillac insurance?

Across 17 Cadillac models with real loss data, a typical driver pays about $1,534 a year on full coverage. The XT5 is cheapest to insure (≈ $1,196/yr) and the CTS priciest (≈ $1,950/yr) — from real HLDI insurance-loss indices.

FIG.07
01
XT583% of avg$1,196
02
XT485% of avg$1,227
03
SRX91% of avg$1,303
04
DTS98% of avg$1,409
05
CT599% of avg$1,419
06
XT699% of avg$1,421
07
Lyriq102% of avg$1,471
08
XTS105% of avg$1,514
09
ATS106% of avg$1,530
10
STS108% of avg$1,553
11
CT6109% of avg$1,566
12
Escalade109% of avg$1,569
13
XLR110% of avg$1,575
14
ELR121% of avg$1,733
15
Escalade ESV124% of avg$1,786
16
CT4130% of avg$1,862
17
CTS136% of avg$1,950
TOP 17·UNIT est. $/yr (US avg)·SOURCE HLDI × NAIC

Cadillac insurance cost by model & state →

Estimate = US-average premium × each model's HLDI loss index (100 = average car). Your rate varies with state, age, record & coverage.

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Cadillac hybrids & electric models

Cadillac's electrified lineup — 3 hybrids and 10 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.

Cadillac hybrids 3

Cadillac electric & plug-in 10

Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.

CADILLAC

Get a Cadillac window sticker by VIN

Recreate any Cadillac's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.

Cadillac window stickers →
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How to read a Cadillac VIN

Every Cadillac built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:

FIG.05
1–3 · WMI1HG
4–8 · VDSCM826
9 · Check5
10 · YearR
11 · PlantA
12–17 · Serial004352
  • WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Cadillac and the country it was built in.
  • VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
  • Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
  • Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
  • Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
17 CHARS·SOURCE SAE / ISO 3779

Where to find your Cadillac VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.

About Cadillac

Henry Leland founded Cadillac Automobile Company in 1902 from the remains of Henry Ford's failed second venture. Leland's 1908 demonstration — disassembling three Cadillacs, scrambling the parts and rebuilding three running cars — won the Royal Automobile Club Dewar Trophy and established interchangeable parts as a manufacturing standard. The 1915 Type 51 V8 made Cadillac the first volume manufacturer of a V8-engine production car. The 1949 Coupe de Ville defined post-war American luxury.

FIG.06
AttributeDetail
Founded1902
HeadquartersWarren, USA
Parent companyGeneral Motors
Slogan"Dare Greatly"
Models tracked32 (1981–2026)
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar Editorial
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Cadillac — frequently asked

How do I decode a Cadillac VIN for free?

Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.

How many Cadillac models are there?

ForCar tracks 32 Cadillac models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.

Where is Cadillac made?

Cadillac is headquartered in Warren, USA, founded in 1902. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.

How do I check Cadillac recalls?

Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Cadillac model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.

Which Cadillac is most reliable?

Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.

What's the Cadillac warranty?

New Cadillac vehicles come with a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Cadillac dealer.

Model data and search demand from ForCar's catalog of 32 Cadillac models. Recalls, complaints and safety ratings sourced from NHTSA; MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Brand facts compiled by ForCar Editorial. Last updated Jul 2026. Reviewed by Denis Kataev, founder of ForCar.
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