2017 Cadillac Cts Safety Report
2017 Cadillac CTS: Excellent crash safety, but persistent power steering and transmission issues, plus infotainment and wheel durability concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Cadillac Cts
Reliability Score
The 2017 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 2017 Cadillac Cts
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Cadillac Cts:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Power Steering (Eps) Failure Loss of power steering assist, requiring greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing crash risk. Subject of two recalls, but some owners report issues outside recall VINs. |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Transmission Rough Shifting/Failure Transmission jerking, rough shifting between 1st and 2nd gear, or complete failure. Some complaints mention service bulletins for these issues. |
High | Occasional | 37000-60000 miles |
| Rear Differential Failure Differential leaking or failing, described as a safety hazard that could lock up or cause an accident. Repairs can be costly ($4,200 reported). |
High | Occasional | 60000-70000 miles |
| Cadillac Cue Screen Cracking/Unresponsiveness Infotainment screen cracks, freezes, or becomes unresponsive, affecting navigation, radio, HVAC, and phone functions, creating driver distraction. |
Medium | Common | variable miles |
| Tire/Wheel Durability Issues Premature tire sidewall blowouts and cracked wheels, potentially due to design flaws with low-profile tires and wheel combination, leading to multiple flat tires. |
Medium | Occasional | low-variable miles |
| Airbag Warning Light/Passenger Seat Sensor Failure Airbag warning light illuminates, and passenger 'Airbag ON' light fails to illuminate, indicating potential issue with passenger sensing device. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Cadillac Cts:
Includes issues with transmission rough shifting, jerking, and rear differential failures.
Primarily related to electric power steering assist failure, including issues covered by recalls and similar symptoms outside recall VINs.
Covers various issues including Cadillac CUE screen problems, OnStar module failure, and general vehicle handling concerns.
Reports of premature tire sidewall blowouts and issues with wheels cracking.
Airbag warning light illumination and passenger seat sensor malfunctions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Cadillac Cts
Is the 2017 Cadillac CTS safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Cadillac CTS received excellent crash test ratings, achieving 5 stars in all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover). However, it has two recalls for electric power steering failure, which can increase crash risk, and several complaints about power train issues and infotainment system malfunctions that could be distracting or lead to unsafe driving conditions.
What are common problems with the 2017 Cadillac CTS?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Cadillac CTS are related to the POWER TRAIN (26.9% of complaints), including transmission and rear differential problems, and STEERING (19.2% of complaints), primarily concerning electric power steering assist failure. Other common problems include the Cadillac CUE infotainment screen cracking or becoming unresponsive, and issues with tire and wheel durability.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Cadillac CTS?
Yes, the 2017 Cadillac CTS has two recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 19V086000 and 18V576000) both related to the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist system failing, which can increase steering effort and the risk of a crash.
How reliable is the 2017 Cadillac CTS transmission?
The transmission reliability for the 2017 Cadillac CTS is a concern, with POWER TRAIN being the top complaint component (7 complaints). Owners report issues such as rough shifting between 1st and 2nd gear, jerking at highway speeds, and even complete transmission or rear differential failure, sometimes requiring costly repairs at relatively low mileage.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2017 Cadillac CTS?
When considering a used 2017 Cadillac CTS, pay close attention to the power steering system, ensuring any recall repairs have been completed and checking for unusual steering effort. Thoroughly test the transmission for smooth shifting and listen for any unusual noises from the differential. Also, inspect the Cadillac CUE infotainment screen for cracks or unresponsiveness, and check the condition of the tires and wheels for any signs of premature wear or damage.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2017 Cadillac CTS offers excellent crash safety, potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues with electric power steering (check recall status), transmission performance, and the CUE infotainment system. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Cadillac Cts
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Cadillac Cts. The data includes 26 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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.