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Model-year record

2018 Cadillac CTS
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 Cadillac CTS

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

8

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

24

EPA estimate

Known issues

Power Train issues lead owner complaints (38% of 8 reports), followed by electrical system (25%).

Power Train38% · 3 reports
Electrical System25% · 2 reports
Air Bags13% · 1 report
Exterior Lighting13% · 1 report
Unknown Or Other13% · 1 report

Share of all 8 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11713692, ODI 11486548, ODI 11404668.

Individual complaint reports(8)

Showing the 8 most recent reports
Power TrainJan 2026 · ODI 11713692Details +

THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.

Reported
Jan 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11713692 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2025 · ODI 11706788Details +

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 service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspection by vehicle dealer only. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.

Reported
Dec 2025
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11706788 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2025 · ODI 11655332 · crashDetails +

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, especially due to the vehicle impacting a tree and being lodged several feet off the road in the woods. Although there were no major injuries in this case, the airbag failure presented a serious safety risk and could have resulted in much worse outcomes. No, the airbag failure has not yet been confirmed or diagnosed by a dealership or independent service center. However, an insurance adjuster did state that based on the crash damage, the airbags should have deployed. The vehicle has not been inspected. No — there were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem with the airbag system prior to the crash. The vehicle appeared to be functioning normally before the incident.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11655332 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMay 2024 · ODI 11590522Details +

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 or remedy the situation. The cracked display screen severely compromises the vehicle's safety features and functionality, including the backup camera and critical driver information. Driving with a completely shattered display is extremely dangerous and unacceptable. As the manufacturer, GM is fully aware of this defect but has failed to issue a recall or provide any solutions to affected customers. This is negligent and puts the safety of drivers and passengers at risk. I demand that GM take immediate action to address this issue, whether through a recall, extended warranty coverage, or full replacement of the faulty display screens. Leaving customers with such a critical safety hazard is unacceptable.

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11590522 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2022 · ODI 11486548Details +

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.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11486548 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2021 · ODI 11404668Details +

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 CONCERNING. THIS VIBRATION ONLY HAPPENS BETWEEN 50-60MPH AND THE ROUGH TRANSMISSION SHIFTING HAPPENS AS I DRIVE IT ALONG WITH VIBRATIONS ARE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHICH SHAKE MY ENTIRE CAR. ALL SERVICES ARE UP TO DATE. CADILLAC AND GM ARE BOTH NOT SURE OF WHAT THE ISSUE CAN BE EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PENDING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE SAME ISSUE

Reported
Mar 2021
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11404668 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11341495Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11341495 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingJan 2019 · ODI 11170691Details +

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.

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11170691 at NHTSA →

Recalls(2)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

SteeringJul 2019 · 19V086000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Steering · 25V175000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2018 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
CTS2.0L 4-cylRear-Wheel Drive223025
CTS3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive203024
CTS3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive162419

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

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Compare the year-by-year record

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2018 Cadillac CTS: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Cadillac CTS?

Owners filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Cadillac CTS. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Cadillac CTS?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (38% of complaints) and electrical system (25%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac CTS have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Cadillac CTS, covering components such as steering. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac CTS get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Cadillac CTS between 19 and 25 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.