Problem: 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.
Risk: In cold ambient temperatures, the seat heaters in these vehicles can turn on automatically when the vehicle is remotely started. If a damaged seat heater is turned on while no one is inside the vehicle, the damaged seat heater can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the body control module, disabling the automatic activation of the heated seat when the vehicle is remotely started, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for the recall is 18286.
Electrical system
NHTSA recall 14V614000 · Oct 1, 2014 · 106,307 vehicles
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
Risk: If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GMÂs number for this recall is 14515.
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
Risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
Power train › Automatic transmission
NHTSA recall 14V338000 · Jun 19, 2014 · 90,750 vehicles
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.
Risk: If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
NHTSA recall 14V253000 · May 15, 2014 · 19,225 vehicles
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off with wiper functionality left on and the wipers then become restricted, such as when covered in ice or snow, and the vehicle's battery goes dead and needs to be jump started, upon being jump started, the wipers will be inoperative.
Risk: An inoperative windshield wiper system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2104. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14157.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2014 Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2014 Cadillac CTS 2 DR RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2014 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
10.1%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2014 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
10.1%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2014 Cadillac CTS SW AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2014 Cadillac CTS SW RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
CTS Sedan
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
CTS Sedan AWD
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
CTS Sedan
22mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
CTS Sedan AWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
CTS AWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
CTS
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
CTS Wagon
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
CTS Wagon AWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
CTS Wagon AWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
CTS Wagon
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
CTS Sedan
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
CTS
16mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 19 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6.2 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jun 1, 2026 · 99,000 milesSuspension The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the rear axle, rear differential, and another undisclosed warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Aug 17, 2026 · 100,250 milesEngine The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Caution - Pull Over Immediately - Turn off Engine and Wait to Restart Vehicle" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and followed the instructions, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The contact could not pull over in time, and the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not…
May 29, 2026Electrical system 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 was driving on a very busy highway I was very upset, and I had to pray that none ran into me Lucky for me my AAA service reached me at my location and towed my vehicle to the dealership where they kept it for five to six days I had an extended warranty that I brought from the dealership (F.C Kerbeck and Sons 100 Route 73 in Palmyra N.J. 08065 [XXX]) this was incident occurred XXX Mileage (57874 The…
Apr 30, 2026Power train On April 30,2026 I was pulling into a parking space and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park with my foot the brake and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park with my foot the brake and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park . The tow truck driver who finally responded was able to lift the rear of the car up to see what was wrong with my car and I was placing it in the back of the he determined the cable for thre gear shifter was broken.
Dec 21, 2025Power train My 2014 Cadillac CTS has been making what sounded like road noise. After another person road in my car that was not in it daily like I was, they told me how loud it really was. After further investigation, my rear differential has gone out at only 80,000 miles. Itâs impossible to drive due to the extreme safety concerns for not only myself but other drivers on the turnpikes and highways.
Jan 7, 2026Power train The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy could not be performed because the transmission and axle had failed and required repair and replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Jul 23, 2025Power train I am filing a complaint against Wagner Cadillac in Tyler, Texas, regarding mishandled recall service that resulted in severe damage to my 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport (3.6 Twin-Turbo). Timeline of Events: Wagner Cadillac performed Recall #N192279370 (rear differential). At the time, only the differential code was present. Their own multipoint inspection showed no issues with the cooling or transmission systems. Immediately after recall service, my rear axle warning light came on for the first time. Shortly after, the transmission cooler line at the radiator burst, causing coolant and transmission fluid to mix. This led to overheating, hard shifting, and slipping. To limp the car home safely, I…
Aug 26, 2025Power train own a 2014 Cadillac CTS (VIN: [XXX] ) that was serviced under GM Recall N192279370 for rear axle differential seizing. On [XXX], the dealership replaced the rear differential carrier assembly and performed the required hydraulic system bleed. At intake, their own multi-point inspection documented no issues with the transmission, radiator, or cooling system. Immediately after the recall repair, my vehicle experienced severe issues: transmission slipping and radiator contamination with transmission fluid. These problems did not exist prior to the recall service. The dealership now claims the damage resulted from âstop leakâ in the system and refuses warranty coverage. However, stop leak…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.