RoadVitals

2014 Cadillac CTS

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
144
Latest Jun 4, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Sep 7, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 144 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Cadillac CTS, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), suspension and steering categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 2,062 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Sep 7, 2018
52,867 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats may be damaged over time, resulting in the seat heaters producing excessive heat.
The risk: In cold ambient temperatures, the seat heaters in these vehicles can turn on automatically when the vehicle is remotely started. If a damaged seat heater is turned on while no one is inside the vehicle, the damaged seat heater can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the body control module, disabling the automatic activation of the heated seat when the vehicle is remotely started, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for the recall is 18286.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 18286View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Oct 1, 2014
106,307 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
The risk: If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM’s number for this recall is 14515.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14515View on NHTSA.gov
Jul 23, 2014
124,007 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
The risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14340View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Jun 4, 2026

I have taken my vehicle or rather had my vehicle towed back to my dealership on three different occasions for repair of a Shift Cable Replacement I can have a very bad accident in my vehicle or lose my life or injure someone else the first time I didn't understand why my vehicle shutdown while I was driving on a very busy highway I was very upset, and I had to pray that none ran into me Lucky for me my AAA service reached me at my location and towed my vehicle to the dealership where they kept it for five to six days I had an extended warranty that I brought from the dealership (F.C Kerbeck and Sons 100 Route 73 in Palmyra N.J. 08065 [XXX]) this was incident occurred XXX Mileage (57874 The second incident happened happen XXX 66,000 the same thing happened the vehicle shutdown while driving and I could not shift my lever it was struck and my vehicle was rolling backwards I had to keep my foot on the brakes until AAA came to two once again I was worried that my car was going to slide into someone I mange to contact the dealership about my situation They keep it again for a few days because they had to order the cable they called it a Transmission Shift Control Cable This time I'm nit sure if I paid for it or my insurance because they did not give me a bill of what they did and when I complained About the third time of this incident happening Last XXX Mileage78853 I was out shopping miles from where I live pulled into a parking lot and guest what my car started to slide and shutdown I tried to shift into park but the gear was locked in drive I had to push down on the breaks while I call for help again from AAA I called the dealership complaining about this issue for a third time and again I asked them why is happening and that I could have an accident or lose my life and the service manger John told me that they only have records of this incident happening once he said that he has no record if it in his system But I INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(

NHTSA ID
11742161
Incident
May 29, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 3, 2026

On April 30,2026 I was pulling into a parking space and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park with my foot the brake and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park with my foot the brake and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park . The tow truck driver who finally responded was able to lift the rear of the car up to see what was wrong with my car and I was placing it in the back of the he determined the cable for thre gear shifter was broken.

NHTSA ID
11735366
Incident
Apr 30, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 7, 2026

My 2014 Cadillac CTS has been making what sounded like road noise. After another person road in my car that was not in it daily like I was, they told me how loud it really was. After further investigation, my rear differential has gone out at only 80,000 miles. It’s impossible to drive due to the extreme safety concerns for not only myself but other drivers on the turnpikes and highways.

NHTSA ID
11716449
Incident
Dec 21, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy could not be performed because the transmission and axle had failed and required repair and replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11709498
Incident
Jan 7, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 25, 2025

I am filing a complaint against Wagner Cadillac in Tyler, Texas, regarding mishandled recall service that resulted in severe damage to my 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport (3.6 Twin-Turbo). Timeline of Events: Wagner Cadillac performed Recall #N192279370 (rear differential). At the time, only the differential code was present. Their own multipoint inspection showed no issues with the cooling or transmission systems. Immediately after recall service, my rear axle warning light came on for the first time. Shortly after, the transmission cooler line at the radiator burst, causing coolant and transmission fluid to mix. This led to overheating, hard shifting, and slipping. To limp the car home safely, I used a stop-leak additive only after the breakdown. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act clearly states warranty coverage cannot be denied unless the additive directly caused the failure, which it did not. The damage had already occurred from the ruptured line. When I returned the vehicle, Wagner Cadillac falsely accused me of voiding coverage due to the additive. They then refused to repair my transmission or cooling system, leaving me with a $30,000+ estimate. Why They Are Responsible: The problems began only after recall work. During service, Wagner Cadillac could have: Over-pressurized the system during testing. Improperly disturbed or reinstalled transmission cooler lines. Failed to secure or bleed the cooling system. Any of these actions could have caused the rupture. Their refusal to acknowledge this shifts unlawful blame onto me. Additional Concerns: Instead of helping me, Wagner Cadillac attempted to solicit me to sell them my broken car and buy another vehicle from them — both before and after they denied repairs. This is unethical and exploitative. Impact: I paid cash for this car not long ago. I have now lost reliable transportation, lost my job due to lack of mobility, and face financial INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11689733
Incident
Jul 23, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 1, 2025

own a 2014 Cadillac CTS (VIN: [XXX] ) that was serviced under GM Recall N192279370 for rear axle differential seizing. On [XXX], the dealership replaced the rear differential carrier assembly and performed the required hydraulic system bleed. At intake, their own multi-point inspection documented no issues with the transmission, radiator, or cooling system. Immediately after the recall repair, my vehicle experienced severe issues: transmission slipping and radiator contamination with transmission fluid. These problems did not exist prior to the recall service. The dealership now claims the damage resulted from “stop leak” in the system and refuses warranty coverage. However, stop leak was not used until after the failure occurred, and only as an emergency measure to get the car home safely. The evidence strongly indicates that the failure resulted from the recall service, possibly from improper reconnection or contamination during the repair. Their refusal to acknowledge responsibility leaves me with significant repair costs for a problem that began directly after their mandated safety recall work. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in investigating this case, as the failure appears to be linked to the recall repair and raises concerns of improper procedures during service. Documentation, including service invoices, inspection sheets, and repair notes, are available to support this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11684317
Incident
Aug 26, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 1, 2025

The gear shifter cable on my 2014 Cadillac CTS failed completely and without warning. The vehicle became totally inoperable and could not be shifted into Park, Neutral, Reverse, or Drive. There were no dashboard alerts or signs of failure. This matches the exact symptoms described in GM Recall No. 21V473000. However, my vehicle was excluded from further action because it had previously received a visual-only inspection during the recall window. No functional testing was performed. Despite being marked as “repaired,” the shifter cable failed exactly as described in the original recall. GM confirmed that the recall case was closed after a visual inspection per their protocol. But this inspection clearly failed to detect a dangerous mechanical defect. I have now been without a working vehicle for over two weeks, with the earliest dealership appointment not available until the week of July 7 — and a $180 diagnostic fee quoted, with no guarantee of repair coverage. This breakdown could have resulted in a crash or rollaway if it had occurred while driving or parked on an incline. It poses a serious safety risk not just to me but to the public. Vehicles cleared with insufficient inspection should not be excluded from protection. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this failure, hold GM accountable for prematurely closed recall cases, and consider requiring them to reopen and expand the campaign to include VINs like mine. I am willing to provide photos, documentation, and records as needed. Thank you for your attention and swift consideration.

NHTSA ID
11670528
Incident
Jun 17, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the contact heard an extremely loud bang, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and observed smoke coming from the rear axle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle differential. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ID
11663372
Incident
May 28, 2025
Mileage
170,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIP4902U

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT5214G

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.

13598

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Cadillac CTS by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019100032.8
2018820
2017262053.2
2016314049.6
2015463047.8
2014Viewing1446051.8
2013722050.1
2012652049.5
20111012050.3
2010673047.1
20091675049.4
20081752047.5
20072176263.3
20062696360.9
20052776362.1
20042246260.8
20033134053.5

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.