The most-reported CTS run is 1G6DM57NX30 (2003 builds) with 30 complaints, 10.3× the typical run. Power train problems make up 21% of reports; 2003 is the worst model year at 14.8 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns for CTS model years 2003–2018.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Cadillac CTS has 650 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 7% of every CTS complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1G6DM57NX30•••••• | 2003 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1G6DM57N130•••••• | 2003 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1G6DM57N430•••••• | 2003 | 4 | 1 | |
| 1G6DM57N730•••••• | 2003 | 5 | — | |
| 1G6DM57N030•••••• | 2003 | — | — | |
| 1G6DP567050•••••• | 2005 | 4 | — | |
| 1G6DM57N930•••••• | 2003 | 1 | 3 | |
| 1G6DM57N230•••••• | 2003 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1G6DM57N830•••••• | 2003 | 4 | 1 | |
| 1G6DM577340•••••• | 2004 | 2 | — | |
| 1G6DM577140•••••• | 2004 | 4 | — | |
| 1G6DM577640•••••• | 2004 | 2 | 1 |
Each of the other 638 CTS runs has 18 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 120 CTS VINs so far, most often 2016, 2014, 2013 builds; 3 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Cadillac CTS the gap between build years is 14.8×: a 2003 car draws 14.8 complaints per run, a 2018 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 10 | — | |
| 2018 | 7 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 27 | 21 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 31 | 26 | — | |
| 2015 | 49 | 38 | 2 | |
| 2014 | 138 | 80 | 3 | |
| 2013 | 67 | 49 | 9 | |
| 2012 | 61 | 52 | 5 | |
| 2011 | 97 | 73 | 10 | |
| 2009 | 153 | 66 | 9 | |
| 2008 | 150 | 81 | 10 | |
| 2007 | 192 | 36 | 21 | |
| 2006 | 232 | 45 | 20 | |
| 2005 | 249 | 41 | 22 | |
| 2004 | 197 | 22 | 21 | |
| 2003 | 252 | 17 | 23 |
Heaviest year here is 2003 at 14.8 complaints per run; lightest is 2018 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 21% of everything Cadillac CTS owners report: Power Train, 413 of 1,912 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 14 | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 79 | — | |
| Electrical System | 15 | 16 | |
| Service Brakes | 45 | 3 | |
| Engine | 6 | 6 | |
| Steering | 22 | 1 | |
| Suspension | 8 | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 | 2 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 27 recall campaigns on the Cadillac CTS; the 6 below cover build years 2003 to 2018. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 14V394000 | Electrical System:ignition | 2003–2014 |
| 10V105000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 2003–2007 |
| 14V542000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump | 2004–2007 |
| 25V175000 | Steering:electric Power Assist System | 2016–2018 |
| 19V086000 | Steering:electric Power Assist System | 2016–2018 |
| 18V595000 | Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler | 2014–2016 |
14V394000 was opened in 2014 on cars built from 2003: 11 years on the road before the recall.
The CTS against its rivals
The CTS draws 2.9 complaints per production run; the Ford Fusion 11.9, the Buick LaCrosse 3.1 and the Buick Regal 2.5.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac CTS | 1,912 | 650 | 8.2% | |
| Ford Fusion | 20,718 | 1,734 | 3.5% | |
| Buick LaCrosse | 1,928 | 618 | 4.3% | |
| Buick Regal | 2,661 | 1,081 | 5% |
How serious were they
Of the 1,912 reports on the Cadillac CTS, 8.2% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Cadillac CTS | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 1,912 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 157 (8.2%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 29 (1.5%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 129 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 7 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 41% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Cadillac CTS share of that is 1,912 complaints over 650 runs, 0.17% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Cadillac CTS VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 1,912 NHTSA complaints from 650 CTS runs and 27 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which CTS production run has the most complaints?
1G6DM57NX30, a 2003 build, with 30 complaints, 1 of them after a crash. The typical CTS run has 2.9.
Which CTS years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2003 is heaviest at 14.8 complaints per run and 2018 lightest at 1.
Does the CTS get more complaints than the Ford Fusion?
No: 2.9 complaints per production run for the CTS against 11.9 for the Ford Fusion.
How many CTS complaints involve a crash?
8.2% of 1,912 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 29 involved a fire.
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