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2017 Cadillac CTS problems

The most common problem on the 2017 Cadillac CTS is transmission and drivetrain. It has fewer complaints than a typical CTS model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
91/100
Owner complaints
27
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
1,3961 warranty
Worst area
Transmission
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
17-25mpg

The worst 2017 Cadillac CTS problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    9
  • Steering
    8
  • Wheels
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Electrical
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    9
  • Steering
    8
  • Wheels
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 2

Steering: electric power assist systemReported March 20, 2025 · 934 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 25V175000 · Recall details

Steering: electric power assist systemReported February 7, 2019 · 26,772 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 19V086000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2017 Cadillac CTS

Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Cadillac CTS 1,396

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,396 bulletins for the 2017 Cadillac CTS

2017 Cadillac CTS crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD5555
Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD5555
Cadillac CTS-V 4 DR RWD4455

2017 Cadillac CTS fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylRWD223025
3.6L 6‑cylRWD16-2024-3018-24
2.0L 4‑cylAWD212924
3.6L 6‑cylAWD192722
6.2L 8‑cylRWD142117

What 2017 Cadillac CTS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Steering · 45,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The service power steering message was displayed. The failure had occurred while the contact was in the middle of traffic. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · Airbags, Seats · TX

The airbag warning light appeared 45 days ago. I immediately took my 2017 Cadillac to the dealer (Sewell Cadillac of Houston). The vehicle is covered under a Sewell Extended warranty until 2028. The dealer performed troubleshooting and determined that the passenger seat sensors/module (part # 84567224 ) was defective. The Inspector for the Sewell Extended warranty confirmed that the replacement was covered by the warranty. The dealer advised after 30 days (completing other services- Brakes/rotors/front tires/spark plugs & wires etc) that the part # was “Back-ordered” and Sewell did not know when the part would be available, if ever. The consequence explained that the passenger seat which contains GM Part # 84567224 should not be used as the airbag may not inflate. Now the dealer wants their “loaner car” back and for me to pick up my “unrepaired Safety defective seat in my car”. Today’s date: December 20, 2025. The car was purchased new 11/2016 from the same Sewell Cadillac dealer. I would expect that General Motors be compelled to supply critical safety related equipment (part # 84567224) for a 8 year old car.

Filed Nov 23, 2025 · Steering · MI

The power steering went out on the vehicle. I was not driving at the time. There was a recall on these vehicles pertaining to the EPS module.

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · OK

I purchased this vehicle is certified preowned Cadillac and during the warranty time I had a transmission issue that was causing the transmission to jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds, it would start jerking nonstop. I took it to the dealer and as per a service bulletin, they flushed the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission fluid. This was only a temporary fix because 30,000 miles later the same issues started occurring again and have gotten worse to the point that you can smell the transmission clutches burning and the transmission overheating, possibly causing the number four piston rings to come apart, resulting in an engine replacement as well. I’ve had to replace engine as possible result, but the transmission problem is still there and it has also caused the check engine light to come on intermediately. This could result in a complete transmission failure, causing a vehicle to lose propulsion leading to a possible accident and injuries. This issue needs to be investigated and repairs or replacement made at the manufacturers expense.. This is a four-cylinder turbo engine and an eight speed automatic transmission. In my opinion, the transmission issue caused my engine failure. There should be investigated and an immediate recall issued.

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · OK

The Cadillac CUE screen cracks and becomes unresponsive. When driving this is effecting anything related to system including navigation, radio, hvac, phone and all other functions creating a distraction to the driver that could lead to an accident. This is not the first time that this has happened to me and I’ve noticed that each time the issue is created is during hot days in southern states. This has never happened during the winter. This is my 2nd Cadillac in a row that has had this problem repeatedly. Happens every 2 to 3 years. This might not seem like an issue but it poses a major safety hazard to all people in vehicles around them and an immediate recall and investigation should be taken seriously. A lawsuit was settled for some owners but all owners should be notified and repairs should be completed at the manufacturers expense regardless of age or mileage.

Filed Sep 5, 2025 · MO

OnStar is unable to communicate with my vehicle. When I bought the car 2 years ago, it connected fine. Not OnStar is unable to ping my car. Appears the. Module goes out on a lot of cars since I was told it is on back order and not sure if that was the true peoblem

Filed Jul 12, 2025 · Steering, Transmission · CO

Unknown I have been driving my car for 2 years now. For about the last year the steering in has been handling horrible and I have checked all parts every think is in good condition. I have read online it's a common problem and I see it as a safety concern especially since it's recalled on the same vehicle different vin. So when driving down the highway it's hard to stay centered and the car pulls different directions and the steering gets stiff to where it feels locked up. It is electrical power steering and I have experience from a prior experience with a 2009 pontiac g6. All these parts should of been recalled and not just a handful.

Filed Jul 12, 2025 · Transmission · TX

I began hearing a “hum” when driving my vehicle and dismissed it thinking it was the type of low profile, no flat tires. After a getting new tires, brakes, brake pads, and control arms, we still heard the “hum” and it continued to get louder. We took the car to 4 different places where they all stated the rear differential is the problem. I never had a service engine light come on. We found out that there was a recall on this part for other Cadillac CTS vehicles but my VIN did not come up as one that has a recall. I have had my rear differential fluid serviced and changed right before 30K miles. I now have a little over 95K miles and am told there is a back order for this part due to how many other Cadillac CTS vehicles are having the same issue. This could make car lock up at any time while driving. I transport my grandchildren and elderly Mother in this vehicle regularly. We have been told that it will take over $6K to fix and since the part is on back order, it will be several months before it can be fixed. This is not only a dangerous and possibly deadly circumstance, but extremely inconvenient and expensive. This part needs to be recalled for all Cadillac CTS vehicles and the parts need to be available as soon as possible.

Filed Mar 14, 2025 · Airbags · FL

Passenger sensing device for the passenger seat is failing intermittently. Service airbag light is coming on periodically, and, when it does, the passenger "Airbag ON" light fails to illuminate even if a passenger over 100 lbs is in the seat. This is a long recurring issue with all GM cars where the sensing pad goes bad.

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Steering · SC

Power steering went out and exhibited the same symptoms as GM recall N182182760, but my vin is not included in the recall.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2017 Cadillac CTS before you buy

Compare the 2017 Cadillac CTS

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Other model years

20032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019

Questions about the 2017 Cadillac CTS

Is the 2017 Cadillac CTS reliable?

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 2017 Cadillac CTS, fewer than a typical CTS model year.

What is the 2017 Cadillac CTS year score?

The 2017 Cadillac CTS scores 91 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac CTS: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Cadillac CTS?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 9 complaints. Next is steering (8).

How many recalls does the 2017 Cadillac CTS have?

2 recalls, covering steering.

Is the 2017 Cadillac CTS safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2017 Cadillac CTS scored 4 to 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (3 versions tested).

What year does the Cadillac CTS have bad transmission?

The Cadillac CTS model years with the most transmission complaints are 2014 (84 complaints), 2005 (82 complaints) and 2004 (52 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2017 Cadillac CTS get?

Official estimates for the 2017 Cadillac CTS range from 17 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 22 city and 30 highway.

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