MYRModel Year Report

2016 Cadillac CTS

▲ Better than typical
2016 Cadillac CTS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:03.411Z

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
31
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

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: 73 complaints 2014: 145 complaints 2015: 48 complaints 2016: 31 complaints 2016 31 2017: 27 complaints 2018: 8 complaints 2018 2019: 10 complaints
2003: 313 complaints 2003 2004: 224 complaints 2005: 277 complaints 2005 2006: 269 complaints 2007: 217 complaints 2007 2008: 175 complaints 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 67 complaints 2011: 101 complaints 2011 2012: 65 complaints 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 145 complaints 2015: 48 complaints 2015 2016: 31 complaints 2016 31 2017: 27 complaints 2017 2018: 8 complaints 2019: 10 complaints 2019
2003: 313 complaints 2003 2004: 224 complaints 2004 2005: 277 complaints 2005 2006: 269 complaints 2006 2007: 217 complaints 2007 2008: 175 complaints 2008 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 67 complaints 2010 2011: 101 complaints 2011 2012: 65 complaints 2012 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 145 complaints 2014 2015: 48 complaints 2015 2016: 31 complaints 2016 31 2017: 27 complaints 2017 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
201373
2014145
201548
201631
201727
20188
201910

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

32% · 10 reports
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, 2020-02-05

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and service brakes

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, 2017-06-02

Also filed under Engine

Power train

29% · 9 reports
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, 2024-01-03

Also filed under Suspension

Suspension

13% · 4 reports

Steering

13% · 4 reports

Engine

13% · 4 reports
Show complaint excerpts

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, 2016-06-01

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2018-11-01Seats18V595000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2019-06-13Steering19V086000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2025-04-15Steering25V175000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2027-08-16Air bags26V329000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Cadillac CTS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 18V595000 · Seats
  • Recall 19V086000 · Steering
  • Recall 25V175000 · Steering
  • Recall 26V329000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.