CADILLAC

Cadillac Problems

12,964 owner complaints across 40 Cadillac models. Below — what fails first, how often it ends in a crash, and which models draw the most reports.

NHTSA owner complaints · 12,964 reports · 40 models · Updated Aug 5, 2026
Quick answer

Cadillac owners have filed 12,964 complaints with NHTSA across 40 models. On average the car was 6.00 years old when the problem happened, and 30.6% of reports fall inside the first three years — while the factory warranty was still running.

What breaks on Cadillac

The systems Cadillac owners report most, and how often each failure ended in a crash.

FIG.01·Cadillac — what breaks
SystemComplaintsShare of CadillacEnded in a crash
Exterior Lighting1,60612.4%1.2%
Electrical System1,0127.8%1.1%
Air Bags9707.5%22.7%
Power Train8076.2%2.9%
Engine7265.6%0.7%
Engine And Engine Cooling6655.1%0.6%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5404.2%10.7%
Unknown Or Other4553.5%1.3%
ROWS 8·SOURCE NHTSA owner complaints

When Cadillac problems show up

FIG.02·Cadillac — when problems appear
MeasureValueWhat it means
Average age at failure6.00 yearsHow old the car was when the problem happened
Reported inside 3 years30.6%Share of complaints filed while the factory warranty was likely still running
Complaints describing a crash839Of 12,964 total
Complaints describing a fire299Of 12,964 total
ROWS 4·SOURCE NHTSA owner complaints

A low average age does not automatically mean a fragile car: a brand with a young fleet on the road will always skew early. Read it next to the share reported inside three years.

Which Cadillac models draw the most complaints

Volume follows sales, so a bestseller will always top this list. The columns worth reading are age at failure and how many reports ended in a crash.

FIG.03·Cadillac models by owner complaints
ModelComplaintsShare of CadillacAvg age at failureCrashes
SRX3,00223.2%6.3 yrs148
DEVILLE2,21517.1%6.4 yrs183
CTS1,88214.5%6.4 yrs156
ESCALADE1,45011.2%6.1 yrs72
SEVILLE6495%6.3 yrs44
DTS4673.6%6.6 yrs30
ESCALADE ESV4393.4%4.2 yrs25
ATS3572.8%4.7 yrs18
STS3422.6%6.6 yrs38
CATERA3342.6%4.5 yrs15
XT52762.1%3.5 yrs16
XTS1981.5%5.1 yrs4
ALLANTE1741.3%9.6 yrs6
ELDORADO1601.2%9.7 yrs5
LYRIQ1501.2%0.5 yrs21
ROWS 15·SOURCE NHTSA owner complaints

Cadillac complaints by model year

A bad generation shows up here as a block of years, not as a single spike. Recent years look quiet simply because those cars are young and still under warranty.

FIG.04·Cadillac complaints by model year
Model yearComplaintsCrashesFires
2026411
20256931
2024226232
202326111
202215691
202119381
202015792
201913373
201813554
2017302143
2016355226
2015609208
2014683296
2013697318
2012474344
2011594304
2010484215
2009277172
20084673216
20076254817
20066715117
20056005315
20046666013
20034964313
2002316299
ROWS 25·SOURCE NHTSA owner complaints

What Cadillac owners report

Grouped by the system owners named. Open any row for the full reports, in their own words — one per model so the same fault does not repeat.

Exterior Lighting 12% 1,606 Read
2014 Cadillac SRX · crash

Complaint: 2014 Cadillac SRX Dim Headlights Subject: URGENT SAFETY HAZARD AND DEFECT: Severely Dim Headlights on 2014 Cadillac SRX (Affecting 2010-2016 Model Years) – Failure to Act Despite Class Action and NHTSA Complaints Vehicle Information: * Year: 2014 * Make: Cadillac * Model: SRX * VIN [XXX] 4 * Owner/Complainant [XXX] r * Contact [XXX] [XXX] m 1. The Defect and Safety Hazard The headlights on my 2014 Cadillac SRX have become severely and progressively dim, constituting a major safety hazard for night driving. * Hazard: The lack of adequate light output dramatically reduces visibility, compromises the driver's ability to see obstacles, and increases the risk of a severe accident during operation at night, dusk, or in poor weather. This is a critical failure of a core safety component. * Cause: The root cause is a well-documented design flaw in the headlight assembly (affecting 2010-2016 models) that allows moisture to enter the sealed unit. This moisture degrades the internal reflective coating, permanently destroying the light's effective output. 2. Failure to Act Despite Known Issues General Motors (GM) and the appropriate safety regulators have been aware of this critical defect for years, yet no mandatory safety recall has been issued: * NHTSA Complaint History: According to public records, complaints regarding this exact issue have been "pouring in" for the last five years or more. The high volume of complaints clearly demonstrates a systemic, widespre

2020 Cadillac ESCALADE · crash

Cadillac Escalade was struck in a rear end collision in Georgia. Driver of trailing car stated that the Escalade "suddenly stopped". After reviewing dash cam footage from the trailing car it can be seen that the Escalade was very slowly decelerating for ~4 seconds before suddenly stopping, the trailing driver did not react to the initial deceleration, only the sudden stop. Closer inspection of the footage suggests the non-standard brake lights of the Escalade contributed to the crash. The vertical stripes do not register as brake lights easily, especially as they blend into the structure of the vehicle. Screenshots of dashcam footage showing this are attached

Electrical System 8% 1,012 Read
2014 Cadillac ESCALADE · fire

On Saturday June 26, 2021 I open the driver door to the vehicle and the passenger seat caught. On fire and burned a hole in the side of the seat

2012 Cadillac SRX · fire

The contact owns a 2012 cadillac srx. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph smoke began to suddenly fill the cabin of the vehicle. The contact indicated that the smoke was present coming from the ceiling of the vehicle. After stopping and shutting off the engine the smoke seized. The vehicle was then driven to a nearby fire department who examined the vehicle and determined the burning was due to an electrical failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. No fire report was taken. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 73,000

2009 Cadillac DTS · fire

The contact owns a 2009 cadillac dts. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off. On several occasions, the engine could not be restarted. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear fuse box located under the backseat was very hot and a burning odor was present. The contact replaced the fuel pump relay and the vehicle operated normally for several days; however, the failure recurred. The failures were not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (gerry lane cadillac, 10945 reiger rd, baton rouge, la) were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 105,000. *tt consumer stated burning fuel rear fuel box under rear seat is causing car to shut off anytime

Air Bags 7% 970 Read
1991 Cadillac SEVILLE · crash · fire

Vehcle was hit in the front right side at 55mph by another vehicle and ran into a guardrail. Driver's side airbag did not deploy. Car was totaled. Dealer did not see

2015 Cadillac SRX · crash

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, they struck a hog in a T-boned crash. The vehicle was towed to an autobody facility. After the crash, the airbag signal turned off. The driver noticed smoke emerging from the front of the vehicle, but no fire was present. A police report was filed. There was an air releasing sound detected, and the driver hesitated to exit the vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to her chest and had soreness, but medical attention was not provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The contact indicated that the vehicle may be a total loss

2016 Cadillac CT6 · crash

The contact's husband owned a 2016 Cadillac CT6. The contact stated that while her husband was making a left turn, the vehicle was struck on the front passenger side by another vehicle. The contact stated that her husbands air bag did not deploy. Medical attention was needed, and the contact's husband was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to the tow lot, where it was deemed a total loss. The contact stated that there were no additional injuries. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was unknown

Power Train 6% 807 Read
2020 Cadillac CT5 · crash

While slowing down vehicle felt as if it was put into park momentarily, which cause car to slide on ice. After reading the recall, I am certain that the transmission failed. Car was towed to Ray Skillman cheverolet on south post road in Indianapolis, to which they already ran the vin and agreed to perform the recall. After they realized it was a more serious problem than software, they refused to work on the vehicle. So they worked on it long enough to find out they would have to cover it, then denied that they would do any work. They stated that the title is branded. The BMV has no brands listed on title. The service guy Ryan laughed at me today when I stated that it was dangerous, and told me good luck getting some one to help if I filed a complaint. Regardless they won’t touch the car

2017 Cadillac ESCALADE ESV · crash

I parked my 2017 Cadillac in a parking spot put the car in park shut it off and put the brake on went in side the pharmacyand my daughter was in the passenger seat with the windows downwind the car went Forward and hit a pole then rolled back and wrecked in the two cars with the car shut off in park a man tryed to stop it and the brake pedal was hard as a rock and the car was still in park . I got in to move the car and it was still in park .. I had the keys in my pocket in side the pharmacy

2018 Cadillac XT5 · crash

I was stopped by a road crew. There were 3 cars in front of me and as I waited for them to let us through about 10 cars were stopped behind me. I was listening to the radio when I had the weird sensation that I was going backwards instead of being stopped. I looked around, realized I was going backwards and went to hit the break but my car had already hit the car behind me. The man in the car behind me told the police officer that responded that he did not see back up lights or any indicator that the car was in reverse. I didn't touch the gear shift. There is no reason for the car to go in reverse. The photo below shows the damage done to the car my vehicle hit

Engine 6% 726 Read
2007 Cadillac ESCALADE · fire

I started the car and noticed a smell. Then my red battery light came on and a notification that my battery was not charging. I drove less than a mile and noticed smoke under my hood. I pulled over to a safe place and opened the hood to see flames around my alternator

2010 Cadillac SRX · fire

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the engine compartment was on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the fire. The vehicle was occupied during the fire; however, no injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not necessary. The contact stated that a Police and Fire Department report was filed. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000

2023 Cadillac ESCALADE ESV · crash

I was on highway and car all the sudden started slowing down and stopped completely and I wasn’t able to start it back. I had to tow it to closest dealership It happened [XXX] 9/16/2024 car was transferred to another dealership cadillac of Manhattan. And it had been there and as of today 1/21/2025 isn’t fixed. On a top dealership made me pay $440 out the pocket and I’m gonna have to pay $2590 for fuel tank even though car is still under manufacture warranty and should be covered bumper to bumper. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine And Engine Cooling 5% 665 Read
2006 Cadillac STS · fire

The vehicle caught fire without cause at a walmart parking lot. When I came out of the store my car was on fire. The fire started in the door panel of the drivers side. I have no idea what caused the fire. Sterling heights fire dept was on the seen and put the fire out. My car was totaled

2007 Cadillac CTS · fire

The contact owns a 2007 cadillac cts. The contact stated that the engine exploded. The contact was driving 78 mph when the cruise control inadvertently disengaged. A loud booming noise emitted from the engine while a flash of fire and smoke emitted from the rear exhaust. Smoke then began to rise from the engine. The contact also stated that a rattling chain sound also began to come from the engine. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to inspect the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that this was a known failure. The failure and current mileages were 38,991

1998 Cadillac DEVILLE · crash

Customer was driving vehicle down road, all of a sudden coming up to a stoplight car suddenly died, at the same time white smoke came billowing out the back of the car, it caused a traffic hazard in which nobody could see her car, she was rearended, as well as the guy that rearended her. The occupant of the vehicle that rearended her ended up getting his nose broken when he hit his steering wheel. Vehicle taken to dealership and was determined that the rear head bolts had pulled from the block causing the head to separate from the block of the vehicle, quoted $4500 to repair and was told they could not warranty repair because it is a northstar engine. Vehicle then brought to me to get it repaired

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 4% 540 Read
2019 Cadillac XT5 · crash

The contact's wife owned a 2019 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while the wife was driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would vibrate upon depression without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact then stated that while his wife was driving at 55 MPH, the brakes failed to operate upon depression without warning. The contact wife stated that a loud, grinding sound emitted from the vehicle during the failure. To avoid crashing into another vehicle, the contact's wife intentionally drove into the highway's side guardrail. After the vehicle hit the guardrail, the vehicle spun into oncoming traffic before coasting into a ditch by the highway median. The air bags deployed upon impact as the front driver-side tire detached from the vehicle; the rear driver-side tire was left dangling off the vehicle. The contact's wife was taken to the hospital via an ambulance where she was kept overnight for observation. Several test were performed but no major injuries were discovered, the contact's wife was treated for soreness around the chest and a scratch to the left shoulder. A police report was filed. The guardrail was damaged as a result of the accident. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The vehicle was deemed a total loss as a result of the accident. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6

2024 Cadillac LYRIQ · crash

The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac Lyriq. The contact stated while driving at approximately 3 MPH as she was entering her garage to park the vehicle, she depressed the brake pedal, however, the vehicle continued forward and crashed into a tool chest located at the back of the garage wall. The contact stated that the front of the grill and the front bumper were damaged and had to be replaced. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that failure reoccurred when she was parking the vehicle in a parking lot. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS system had failed and caused a loss of braking ability. The contact was advised by the dealer that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V589000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact had the recall completed at that time. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,000

2005 Cadillac CTS · crash

2005 cadillac cts. Consumer writes in regards to brake system repair issues. *smd the consumer stated the brake failed and essentially she lost control of the vehicle, hit a guardrail and another vehicle after bouncing off the guardrail. Prior to the accident, work was performed on the ABS dash light, several times. *jb

Unknown Or Other 4% 455 Read
2015 Cadillac SRX · fire

My vehicle caught fire while driving it. There was no warning…no engine lights on, no smoking engine. The fire seemed to start behind the dashboard of the passenger side. Less than 5 minutes and the car was completely engulfed in flames. My insurance company said there was too much damage to tell me what caused the fire

2009 Cadillac CTS · crash

To whom it may concern, My name is [XXX] . I am writing this correspondence with regard to a purchase of a 2009 Cadillac CTS . I purchased the vehicle for my mother in Missouri December 2022. I reside in California and had the vehicle shipped to California when my mother relocated to California. The vehicle had not been driven frequently. In September of 2024, my mother was driving on the freeway when she heard what sounded like metal hitting the underside of the car. My mother stopped twice on the freeway and contacted me to inform of the sound. I asked my mom if she was close to our residence, and she stated that she was close. I advised that she attempt to drive slowly home. My mom made her way to the residence, pulled into the driveway, and the vehicle accelerated with no prompting on the gas through my residence. I contacted General Motors to inform of the concern. GM sent out a representative who has determined the accident was intentional citing my mother hit the gas pedal. This incident has caused medical concerns with my mother. She has had to seek medical care on an ongoing basis (with her legs swelling, constant headaches, back concerns, and etc.). I am writing because I was not made aware by GM there had been a recall, and other individuals were experiencing the same concerns with this particular vehicle. GM claimed the issue with the recall of this vehicle had been rectified, but failed to give a date of the repair. I am writing this with concerns to prev

2024 Cadillac LYRIQ · fire

We leased a Cadillac Lyriq on [XXX] for our Daughter [XXX] old) on [XXX] with my Son [XXX] ) while driving on [XXX] the car accelerator failed and my daughter pulled over. My wife received a text message from Onstar which said service the drive train immediately. My daughter pulled over and called me and said the car wasnt working and it was smoking. I told her to get out and call 911. This was a two day old car which during the course of normal driving stopped working and began to smoke, then a few minutes later was on fire. Thank God the doors were able to be opened and my kids got out safely. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA. Percentages are shares of all 12,964 Cadillac complaints.

Cadillac against the rest

FIG.05·Cadillac versus other brands
MeasureWhere Cadillac sitsOut of
By complaint volume#2029 brands with 3,000+ complaints
By age at failure (later is better)#1029 brands
Complaints ending in a crash6.5%across all 12,964 reports
ROWS 3·SOURCE NHTSA owner complaints + ForCar

Ranking by volume says more about how many cars a brand sells than about how they hold up. Age at failure is the fairer of the two.

Cadillac problems by model

29 Cadillac models have owner complaints on file. Pick one for its worst years, failing systems and what owners actually wrote. Another 11 Cadillac models have no complaints on record at all.

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How we count

Every figure here comes from complaints owners filed with NHTSA — 1,100,006 of them, covering 1,982 models built between 1981 and 2026.

A complaint is an unverified report: someone wrote down what happened to their car. It is not a confirmed defect and not a recall. What makes the volume useful is the pattern — when thousands of owners of the same build describe the same failure, that is a signal no marketing brochure will give you.

Two things we do that the source does not. First, we compute the age of the car at the moment of failure from the incident date and the model year. Second, we group complaints by the first 11 characters of the VIN — the production series — so a bad plant run does not disappear into a model-wide average.

Frequently asked questions

How reliable is Cadillac?

Owners have filed 12,964 complaints across 40 Cadillac models. On its own that number reflects how many Cadillac cars are on the road — compare the average age at failure (6.00 years) instead.

What breaks most often on a Cadillac?

The most reported system is Exterior Lighting with 1,606 complaints.

Do Cadillac problems show up under warranty?

30.6% of Cadillac complaints describe something that happened in the first three years, while the factory warranty was likely still running.

Which Cadillac model has the most complaints?

See the model list above — each card shows its complaint count, and the model page breaks it down by year and by system.

Owner complaints from NHTSA, published as filed and unverified. Age at failure computed by ForCar from incident date and model year; production series grouped by the first 11 VIN characters. Last updated Aug 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.