MYRModel Year Report

2016 Cadillac CTS

▲ Better than typical
2016 Cadillac CTS
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:58:44.531Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Cadillac CTS Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2016 highlighted. 2003: 313 complaints 2003 2004: 224 complaints 2005: 277 complaints 2006: 269 complaints 2006 2007: 217 complaints 2008: 175 complaints 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 67 complaints 2011: 101 complaints 2012: 65 complaints 2012 2013: 72 complaints 2014: 144 complaints 2015: 46 complaints 2015 2016: 31 complaints 2016 2017: 26 complaints 2018: 8 complaints 2018 2019: 10 complaints 2019
2016: 31 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2003313
2004224
2005277
2006269
2007217
2008175
2009167
201067
2011101
201265
201372
2014144
201546
201631
201726
20188
201910

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 32%

32% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200205

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED OR STOPPING, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLANKING SOUND AND JERKED WITH A LOUD NOISE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170602

POWER TRAIN 29%

29% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

Rear differential failed @ 44,600 miles. Dealer said car was unsafe to drive. Dealer unable to obtain replacement after 30 days. Internet search shows this to be a known issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240103

SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

Rear differential failed @ 44,600 miles. Dealer said car was unsafe to drive. Dealer unable to obtain replacement after 30 days. Internet search shows this to be a known issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240103

STEERING 13%

13% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 13%

13% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED OR STOPPING, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLANKING SOUND AND JERKED WITH A LOUD NOISE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170602

THE AUTO STOP/START CANNOT BE SAFE. I ALMOST GOT T-BONED IN MY FIRST SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES IN A NEW CAR WITH THIS FEATURE. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND NEEDED TO MAKE A LEFT ACROSS TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160601

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20181101 — seats

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V595000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190613 — steering

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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.

Campaign 19V086000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20250415 — steering

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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

Campaign 25V175000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20270816 — air bags

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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available.

Campaign 26V329000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Cadillac CTS — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 18V595000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V086000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 25V175000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 26V329000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2015 ▲ 2012 ▲ 2010

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ◆ 2005 ◆ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2016 Cadillac CTS reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Cadillac CTS is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Cadillac CTS?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Cadillac CTS have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.