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2018 Cadillac CTS problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Cadillac CTS is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical CTS model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
95/100
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
1,0891 warranty
Worst area
Electrical
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
17-25mpg

The worst 2018 Cadillac CTS problems

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

  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Lights
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Lights
    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 2018 Cadillac CTS

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.

See all 1,089 bulletins for the 2018 Cadillac CTS

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.

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

2018 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
2.0L 4‑cylAWD212924
3.6L 6‑cylRWD16-2024-3019-24
3.6L 6‑cylAWD192722
6.2L 8‑cylRWD142117

What 2018 Cadillac CTS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · FL

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

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Electrical · SD

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.

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Airbags · TX · crash

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.

Filed May 24, 2024 · NY

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.

Filed Sep 26, 2022 · Transmission · NJ

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.

Filed Mar 24, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 12,300 miles · NY

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

Filed Jul 26, 2020 · Electrical · 7,250 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jan 18, 2019 · Lights · OR

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

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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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