THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERS". It does not happen with any regularity and with no advance warning. It may be electronic or mechanical or both.
The worst 2018 Cadillac CTS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical3
- Transmission3
- Airbags1
- Engine1
- Lights1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical3
- Transmission3
- Airbags1
- Engine1
- Lights1
Recalls 2
Steering: electric power assist system
- 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 system
- 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Cadillac CTS 1,089
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent...
- Unknown or other
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- This PI Addresses a possible solenoid wiring fault and how to inspect the build date to identify
- This PI advises dealers to inspect for a missing pump gasket if the vehicle exhibits no movement following...
2018 Cadillac CTS crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cadillac CTS-V 4 DR RWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
2018 Cadillac CTS fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | RWD | 22 | 30 | 25 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16-20 | 24-30 | 19-24 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | AWD | 19 | 27 | 22 |
| 6.2L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 21 | 17 |
What 2018 Cadillac CTS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
Compare the 2018 Cadillac CTS
CTS vs Audi A4CTS vs Mercedes-Benz C300CTS vs BMW 328ICTS vs Lincoln MKZCTS vs Lexus ES350CTS vs Acura TLX
Other model years
20032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Questions about the 2018 Cadillac CTS
Is the 2018 Cadillac CTS reliable?
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2018 Cadillac CTS, fewer than a typical CTS model year.
What is the 2018 Cadillac CTS year score?
The 2018 Cadillac CTS scores 95 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 2018 Cadillac CTS?
Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is transmission (3).
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac CTS have?
2 recalls, covering steering.
Is the 2018 Cadillac CTS safe in a crash?
In government crash tests the 2018 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 the most electrical problems?
The Cadillac CTS model years with the most electrical complaints are 2003 (56 complaints), 2006 (43 complaints) and 2007 (41 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac CTS get?
Official estimates for the 2018 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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