RoadVitals

2017 Cadillac CTS Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
26
Latest Dec 20, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
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.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Cadillac CTS, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering725.0%
  • Other / unspecified310.7%
  • Airbags27.1%
  • Electrical27.1%
  • Interior & seats13.6%
  • Engine13.6%
  • Driver assistance13.6%
  • Suspension13.6%
  • Tires & wheels13.6%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11688656 · filed Sep 20, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11673062 · filed Jul 12, 2025
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11701088 · filed Nov 23, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11673062 · filed Jul 12, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My dream car…2017 Cadillac CTS 3.6L prem. Lux. I’ve noticed a lot of complaints with very low miles under 30,000 service suspension system, car has new Perelli tires 19” and the driver front tire went flat. What’s going on, I don’t want the dealer to take advantage of me. I can’t understand why this vehicle would be giving me problems so soon purchased from Calstar Mercedes dealer on [XXX] of 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11645851 · filed Mar 2, 2025

WHILE THE TOUCHTONE SCREEN HAS FAILED TWICE AND CADILLAC HAS REPLACED IT MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT IS THE FACT THAT THE CAR WAS ORDERED WITH THE CARBON FIBER WHEEL PACKAGE AND THOSE WHEELS HAVE CRACKED/ CANT HOLD AIR PRESSURE THE DEALER HAS REPLACED ONE BUT SAID THEY CANNOT REPLACE THE SET OF 4- MY DAUGHTER HAS HAD 4 ISSUES OF TIRES GOING FLAT WHILE DRIVING- FORTUNATELY SHE HAS NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT YET BUT THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE THAT CADILLAC DOESNT WANT TO RESOLVE IS THERE A RECALL OR SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE CARBON FIBER RIMS? MY DAUGHTER NO LONGER FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE AND DOES NOT WANT TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT WH SHE OR SOMEONE ELSE GETS HURT - PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA ID 11287832 · filed Dec 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11706260 · filed Dec 20, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11648358 · filed Mar 14, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

our 2017 Cadillac CTS-V has all of a sudden a cracked CUE screen. The car is garage kept and only has 14395 miles. It just spontaneously cracked. The dealer that is fixing it is making us pay $125 deductible to get it fixed even though there is a class action law suit currently for others that have this same issue. The whole CUE screen cracks in a spider web like formation and makes the screen very difficult to read.

NHTSA ID 11470804 · filed Jun 24, 2022

WHILE THE TOUCHTONE SCREEN HAS FAILED TWICE AND CADILLAC HAS REPLACED IT MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT IS THE FACT THAT THE CAR WAS ORDERED WITH THE CARBON FIBER WHEEL PACKAGE AND THOSE WHEELS HAVE CRACKED/ CANT HOLD AIR PRESSURE THE DEALER HAS REPLACED ONE BUT SAID THEY CANNOT REPLACE THE SET OF 4- MY DAUGHTER HAS HAD 4 ISSUES OF TIRES GOING FLAT WHILE DRIVING- FORTUNATELY SHE HAS NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT YET BUT THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE THAT CADILLAC DOESNT WANT TO RESOLVE IS THERE A RECALL OR SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE CARBON FIBER RIMS? MY DAUGHTER NO LONGER FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE AND DOES NOT WANT TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT WH SHE OR SOMEONE ELSE GETS HURT - PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA ID 11287832 · filed Dec 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11706260 · filed Dec 20, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11688656 · filed Sep 20, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT THE RPM' S INCREASED, THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT STATED AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HE TURNED OF THE VEHICLE, SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH NO MORE ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBURBAN CADILLAC OF TROY (1810 MAPLELAWN DR. TROY, MI) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, A YEAR LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED, JUMPING THE CURB BUMPER, CRASHING THROUGH A FENCE, AND COLLIDING WITH A WALL. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED AS THE SPEED WAS LOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BUMPER, RIGHT FRONT FENDER, AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER'S BODY SHOP. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND DAMAGE EXCEEDED $20,000. 11 WEEKS TO REPAIR. *TR*JB

NHTSA ID 11246443 · filed Aug 26, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

My dream car…2017 Cadillac CTS 3.6L prem. Lux. I’ve noticed a lot of complaints with very low miles under 30,000 service suspension system, car has new Perelli tires 19” and the driver front tire went flat. What’s going on, I don’t want the dealer to take advantage of me. I can’t understand why this vehicle would be giving me problems so soon purchased from Calstar Mercedes dealer on [XXX] of 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11645851 · filed Mar 2, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The tire sidewall blew out prematurely. 245 40 r18

NHTSA ID 11476878 · filed Aug 1, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .