2018 Cadillac Cts Safety Report
2018 Cadillac CTS Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Cadillac Cts
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Cadillac Cts. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (8) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Cadillac Cts with 10 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Cadillac Cts before buying across this generation. |
Cadillac Cts Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Cadillac Cts years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Cadillac Cts | 10 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Cadillac Cts | 26 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Cadillac Cts | 31 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Cadillac Cts | 47 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Cadillac Cts Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Cadillac Cts, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Cadillac onlyPower Train,Electrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Cadillac onlyAir Bags
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Cadillac onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Cadillac onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Cadillac onlyPower Train,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Cadillac onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Cadillac Cts
Reliability Score
The 2018 Cadillac Cts receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Cadillac Cts
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Cadillac Cts
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Cadillac Cts:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Electric Power Assist System Recalled by GM, this system may fail, leading to loss of steering assist. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Deployment Failure Airbag system failed to deploy during a single-vehicle accident, posing a significant safety concern. |
High | Occasional | 0-100k miles |
| Rear Differential Failure Confirmed by the dealer, rear differential failure could cause rear wheels to lock up, increasing the risk of accidents. |
Medium | Rare | 41k-60k miles |
| Daytime Running Lights And Headlights Daytime running lights and headlights exceed the American Medical Association's eye safety requirements. |
Low | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Cadillac Cts:
Recalled by GM, this system may fail, leading to loss of steering assist.
The transmission may shudder without any regularity, potentially due to electronic or mechanical issues.
Airbag system failed to deploy during a single-vehicle accident, posing a significant safety concern.
Daytime running lights and headlights exceed the American Medical Association's eye safety requirements.
Recall Details for the 2018 Cadillac Cts
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Cadillac Cts by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Cadillac Cts
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Cadillac Cts with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? From 2018. The uauto start/stop system has failed 3 times. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? These components failing subjects the driver and surroundings to a stalled car that may not start again. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent servic...
The airbag system failed to deploy during a single-vehicle accident in which the car left the service road and struck a tree. The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage. The driver lost consciousness or experienced disorientation and was unable to recall the events leading up to or immediately following the accident. The lack of airbag deployment increased the risk of serious injury, espe...
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding a known issue with the 2018 Cadillac CTS that poses a significant safety risk. The LCD/backup display screen in my 2018 Cadillac CTS has cracked on its own, taking up the entire display. This is a well-documented problem that many Cadillac owners have reported to GM, yet the manufacturer refuses to take responsibility ...
Rear differential failure confirmed by the dealer at 41,000 miles. Told not to drive it as rear wheels could lock up causing accident. Rear was making load noise 2 days prior to failure with fluid leak upon inspection. Dealer states failure is under warranty but no parts available for 3-6 months.
I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 CADILLAC CTS BETWEEN 50-60MPH AND I LIGHTLY TAPPED ON THE GAS AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING AND VIBRATING. FELT LIKE IT COULD BE A TRANSMISSION OR A ENGINE MISFIRE. MY CARS TRANSMISSION ALSO SHIFTS VERY VERY ROUGH KINDLY JERKY WHICH CREATES A UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT WHILE IN MOTION. THIS IS A CONSISTENT ISSUE AND WITH MY CAR AND ONLY HAVING 12,000 MILES ON IT I FIND REALLY CONCERNI...
CUE DISPLAY PANEL SUDDENLY HAS STRANGE WEB-LIKE DEFECTS IN RIGHT SIDE OF PANEL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MOSTLY PARKED IN SHADED DRIVEWAY DUE TO COVID-19 CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS. DRIVEN 2 -3 TIMES A WEEK ON GROCERY TRIPS.
THE CADILLAC DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS EXCEED AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION EYE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF 3000K COLOR TEMPERATURE OR LESS. THE CADILLAC LIGHTS ARE DAMAGING THE EYES OF DRIVERS OF ONCOMING VEHICLES AND OF PEDESTRIANS. THE GLARE CAUSED BY THE CADILLAC LIGHTS PREVENT DRIVERS OF ONCOMING VEHICLES FROM PROPERLY ASSESSING ROAD CONDITIONS AND SURROUNDINGS.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Cadillac Cts
Has the 2018 CADILLAC CTS been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 CADILLAC CTS has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 CADILLAC CTS have?
The 2018 CADILLAC CTS has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 CADILLAC CTS?
The 2018 CADILLAC CTS received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 CADILLAC CTS?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 CADILLAC CTS involve electrical system (2 complaints), power train,electrical system (1 complaints), air bags (1 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, power train, power train,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2018 CADILLAC CTS have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2018 CADILLAC CTS out of 8 total complaints (12.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 CADILLAC CTS have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 CADILLAC CTS in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 CADILLAC CTS?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CADILLAC CTS.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 CADILLAC CTS?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CADILLAC CTS.
Should I buy a 2018 CADILLAC CTS?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 CADILLAC CTS is generally recommended. It has 8 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 CADILLAC CTS?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 CADILLAC CTS are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (1 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 CADILLAC CTS?
Be cautious of the steering system and transmission shudders. Check for recalls and inspect the vehicle for any issues. The 2018 CADILLAC CTS has 8 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 CADILLAC CTS?
The 2018 CADILLAC CTS receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 8 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering Electric Power Assist System and Air Bag Deployment Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2018 CADILLAC CTS?
Known issues with the 2018 CADILLAC CTS include: Steering Electric Power Assist System, Air Bag Deployment Failure, Rear Differential Failure, Daytime Running Lights and Headlights. These are based on patterns found across 8 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Is the steering electric power assist system reliable?
The system may fail, leading to loss of steering assist, as recalled by GM.
What should I do if I experience transmission shudders?
Check for recalls and have the transmission inspected by a professional.
Are the daytime running lights and headlights safe?
They exceed the American Medical Association's eye safety requirements.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of the steering system and transmission shudders. Check for recalls and inspect the vehicle for any issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Cadillac Cts
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Cadillac Cts. The data includes 8 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 2018 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13