2016 Cadillac CTS Problems
Compared with other Cadillac CTS years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
25/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Cadillac CTS year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 7 of its 31 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (10 complaints, median 12,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 31filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles, 19 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl RWD · 20 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Cadillac CTS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2016 Cadillac CTS. The part named most often is electrical system, with 10 complaints (32% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (9) and engine (4). 19 of the complaints include a mileage, and 84% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 20,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,577 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 300 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 153 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 9 Cadillac CTS model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 25 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system10 32%
- Engine4 13%
- Other or unknown4 13%
- Steering4 13%
- Suspension4 13%
- Body and structure3 9.7%
- Air bags2 6.5%
- Wheels2 6.5%
- Brakes1 3.2%
Also reported: Forward collision avoidance (1), Fuel system (1), Lane departure (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The car caught on fire while driving in nyc at speeds of 10-20 MPH first the car started to smoke in the front hood while turning left on 5th avenue. I got out of the car and the car was on flames. I have a dash camera and iphone footage of the incident. I bought this car from an authorized Cadillac dealership in june 2019 and the car caught on fire on christmas day 2019”
NHTSA complaint #11307353, filed 2020-02, 43,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “When I accelerated the transmission felt like it got stuck and continued to rev when I attempted to accelerate and felt like I was not moving. Rpm continued to go up but no power. Other times a vig bump is felt when I take foot off gas for a koment and when I place it back on to accelerate the big bump is felt. Have taken it to Cadillac sevice twice and both times transmission was reprogrammed but it did not dix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11373601, filed 2020-11, 30,000 milesEngine: “While accelerating from a stop, my vehicle loses all power temporarily. Throttle modulation does not increase RPM. At times the vehicle will jerk forward and back as if power is being put down then stopped abruptly. One time I had this happen, my lights, gauges, power steering, and engine power all went away. It fixed itself after about 15 minutes of trying to figure out what was happening. Very dangerous and scary experience when this happens on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11385311, filed 2020-12, 48,000 milesOther or unknown: “At 45mph the right front wheel shudders. It only happens occasionally. I've checked it on very smooth roads to make sure it wasn't the conditon of the road causing the shudder. Sometimes, when the car shifts, it shifts very hard as if being bumped in the rear. I had it checked and I'm told it may be a transmission issue but not sure. The original tires are on the car and at 48 thousand miles they have worn even. I've had the front end checked for alignment and the front wheels balanced. That is not the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11337345, filed 2020-07, 48,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
84% of the 19 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,000 and 48,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Cadillac CTS. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
| CTS · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
| CTS-V · sedan RWD | not rated | — | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: 4–5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Cadillac CTS version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS Sedan RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 30 | 25 | $3,300 |
| CTS Sedan RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| CTS Sedan RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
| CTS Sedan AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $3,400 |
| CTS Sedan AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| CTS-V RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 17 | $4,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V329000May 21, 2026Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Cadillac CTS 2015–2016, SRX 2015–2016, ATS 2015–2016 +3 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
- 25V175000Mar 20, 2025Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Cadillac CTS 2016–2018, Chevrolet Corvette 2017–2018, Camaro 2017–2018 +1 more
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.
- 19V086000Feb 7, 2019Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Cadillac CTS 2016–2018, Chevrolet Corvette 2017, Camaro 2017 +1 more
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.
- 18V595000Sep 7, 2018Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/coolerCovers: Cadillac CTS 2014–2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats may be damaged over time, resulting in the seat heaters producing excessive heat.
Recall details for the 2016 Cadillac CTS → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,577 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037550Sep 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027689Jan 12, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
Other model years of the Cadillac CTS
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 59,000 | 0 | 4–5 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 8 | 9,775 | 2 | 4–5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 27 | 36,124 | 2 | 4–5 | 24 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 31 | 20,000 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 49 | 62,500 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 146 | 57,978 | 6 | 5 | 21 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 73 | 26,000 | 2 | 5 | 19 | 58 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 65 | 43,000 | 2 | 5 | 19 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 101 | 40,500 | 2 | — | 19 | 60 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 67 | 56,000 | 3 | — | 21 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2009 | 167 | 65,153 | 5 | — | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2008 | 175 | 58,260 | 2 | — | 20 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 217 | 77,000 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 269 | 65,999 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 277 | 67,581 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 224 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 313 | 72,300 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Cadillac CTS model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Cadillac CTS have?
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2016 Cadillac CTS as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Cadillac CTS is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 10 complaints (32% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 9.
Has the 2016 Cadillac CTS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Cadillac CTS do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Cadillac CTS 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Cadillac CTS get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Cadillac CTS (CTS Sedan, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Cadillac CTS reported?
Among the 19 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 20,000 miles and the middle half falls between 8,000 and 48,000 miles; 84% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.