2016 Cadillac Cts Safety Report
2016 Cadillac CTS: Excellent Crash Safety, but Persistent Power Train and Steering Issues Highlighted by Recalls and Complaints
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Cadillac Cts
Reliability Score
The 2016 Cadillac Cts receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Cadillac Cts
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Cadillac Cts:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Power Steering (Eps) Assist Failure Loss of power steering assist, requiring greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing crash risk. This issue is covered by two separate recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 18V576000 and 18V602000). |
High | Common | Not specified, but subject of recalls miles |
| Transmission Malfunctions (Shuddering, Hard Shifting, Loss Of Power) Vehicle experiences violent bucking, surging, hard shifts, difficulty slowing down, and loss of power, particularly at low speeds. Some complaints mention a 'clutch slow to fill' defect in the 8-speed transmission. |
High | Common | Not specified, but multiple complaints miles |
| Rear Differential Failure Rear differential failure leading to vehicle being unsafe to drive, loss of speed on highways, and abnormal noises (howling, grinding). |
High | Occasional | 44600 miles |
| Cadillac User Experience (Cue) Screen Cracking/Failure The CUE infotainment screen develops 'spiderweb' cracks, rendering the touchscreen unusable and affecting access to critical vehicle settings and the backup camera, posing a distraction and safety risk. |
Medium | Common | 28500-50000 miles |
| Air Bag Warning Light/Malfunction Passenger side airbag warning light illuminates and stays on, indicating a potential malfunction of the airbag system, which could compromise safety in a crash. |
High | Occasional | Not specified miles |
| Shift To Park Message/Inability To Shut Down Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' message even when already in park, preventing the car from being shut down properly. |
Medium | Occasional | Not specified miles |
| Heated Front Seat Malfunction Flexible heating mats in front seats may be damaged, potentially turning on automatically when remotely started in cold temperatures. This is covered by recall 16V643000. |
Low | Rare | Not specified, subject of recall miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Cadillac Cts:
Frequent complaints regarding transmission issues (shuddering, hard shifts, loss of power) and rear differential failures.
Issues include CUE screen cracking/failure, battery drainage, and side detection lights staying on.
Loss of electric power steering assist, leading to increased steering effort, addressed by two recalls.
Passenger side airbag warning light illuminating and staying on, indicating potential system malfunction.
Reports of the rear end lowering, abnormal roaring noises from wheels, and front wheel shuddering.
Complaints of temporary loss of all power while accelerating and engine revving without power.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Cadillac Cts
Is the 2016 Cadillac CTS safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Cadillac CTS received a perfect 5-star overall safety rating in crash tests, indicating excellent performance in frontal, side, and rollover scenarios. However, it has 31 total complaints, including 1 fire and 1 injury, with recurring issues related to power train, electrical system, and steering, some of which are addressed by recalls.
What are common problems with the 2016 Cadillac CTS?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Cadillac CTS are related to the POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), including transmission malfunctions and rear differential failures. Other common problems involve the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), such as the CUE screen cracking, and STEERING (2 complaints), specifically electric power steering assist failure, which is also subject to recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Cadillac CTS?
Yes, the 2016 Cadillac CTS has 3 recalls. Two recalls (18V576000 and 18V602000) address electric power steering assist failure, which can increase crash risk. A third recall (16V643000) concerns heated front seats where damaged mats could cause them to turn on automatically.
How does the 2016 Cadillac CTS perform in crash tests?
The 2016 Cadillac CTS performs exceptionally well in crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It received 5 stars in the Frontal Crash, Side Crash, and Rollover categories, indicating a high level of occupant protection in these scenarios.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2016 Cadillac CTS?
When considering a used 2016 Cadillac CTS, pay close attention to the power steering functionality, transmission performance (checking for shuddering or hard shifts), and the condition of the CUE infotainment screen for cracks or malfunctions. Ensure all recall repairs, especially for the power steering, have been completed.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While offering excellent crash safety, potential buyers should be aware of the recurring power train and steering issues, and verify all three recalls have been addressed before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Cadillac Cts
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Cadillac Cts. The data includes 31 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Cadillac Cts an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.