2016 Cadillac CTS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2016 Cadillac CTS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2016 Cadillac CTS. Newest first.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Owner complaints
31 complaints1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
The contact owns 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V175000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 93,942.
- Unknown or other
Message "Shift to Park" even though the car is already in Park, preventing shutting down the car.
- Structure › Body › Door › Handle › Interior
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the carbon fiber-optic piece on the rear passenger door was fractured. The contact stated the occupant was exiting the rear passenger's door when the occupant was stabbed by the carbon fiber-optic piece. The…
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the carbon fiber-optic piece on the rear passenger door was fractured. The contact stated the occupant was exiting the rear passenger's door when the occupant was stabbed by the carbon fiber-optic piece. The contact stated that the occupant was stabbed in the back of the right arm. No medical attention was needed. The contact stated that the carbon fiber optic pieces on all four of the door panels and the glove compartment had been replaced several times. The contact stated the glove compartment carbon fiber optic piece was replaced three times. In addition, the contact stated that the carbon fiber optic pieces on each door panel had been replaced twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and several cases were filed. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
- Air bags
The passenger side airbag stays illuminated after the vehicle is started and continues to stay on as the vehicle is driven, never going off. General Motors have not issued a recall on this safety problem with the 2016 Cadillac CTS. My [XXX] address [XXX] . My phone number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Air bags
The contact's relative owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side air bag inflator needed to be replaced.…
The contact's relative owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side air bag inflator needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 49,790.
- Electrical system
Center console screen again has stopped working, no access to settings for the car nor any way to correct settings at this point. Many of the settings can be critical to safe driving of the car and have no manual alternative. This is the second screen in 50k miles.
- Power train · Suspension
Rear differential failed @ 44,600 miles. Dealer said car was unsafe to drive. Dealer unable to obtain replacement after 30 days. Internet search shows this to be a known issue.
- Suspension
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds the rear end of the vehicle lowered. There was an abnormal roaring noise detected from the wheels. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the…
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds the rear end of the vehicle lowered. There was an abnormal roaring noise detected from the wheels. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the failure was due to the run flat tires. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the differential was not properly lubricated; and informed him not to drive the vehicle. The parts to repair the vehicle was on back order. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Power train
Torque converter shudders and jerks abruptly. There’s trouble slowing down at times and it has a difficult time shifting up or shifting down i gears.
- Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Power train
I have 2 complaints. #1 The transmission shifts extremely hard in and out of gear 1. This issue a known issue, but GM has no resolution. There is a bulletin. The problem is, my car is no shifting poorly in all gears and causing a serious safety issue at all speeds and gears. It won't go into gear…
I have 2 complaints. #1 The transmission shifts extremely hard in and out of gear 1. This issue a known issue, but GM has no resolution. There is a bulletin. The problem is, my car is no shifting poorly in all gears and causing a serious safety issue at all speeds and gears. It won't go into gear causing safety concerns. I have reported the transmission issue multiple times while under warranty and it is now worse outside of warranty! #2 Adaptive cruise has also been reported multiple times and I have paid to get both front sensors replaced. Only to have the issue continue. The dash will show a car is in the path, but there is a 2-3 second delay before car starts to slow down. Often brakes do not engage and the alarms just go off. I have driven a loaner car of similar years and they do not operate the same. This car is an outlier.
- Power train
The component that failed on my vehicle is the rear differential. My safety was put at risk by my vehicle hesitating on the highway where I lost speed and was almost rear ended. At that point I had to pull over onto a shoulder with grass to wait on the side of the highway for a tow. My vehicle has been with the dealer for the past 2 months. No warning lights or signals.
- Power train
The component that failed was the rear differential. I had to pull over on a grassy area on the merrit parkway which put my safety at risk. The component has been inspected by the dealer. No warning lamps appeared. I heard a whining sound and a grinding noise.
- Electrical system · Lane departure › Blind spot detection · Lane departure › Warning
The side detection light in both side mirrors stays on even when the vehicle is turned off. This may cause an accident while driving The problem is confirmed by the dealer No No
- Electrical system
CUE screen is “cracked”. Can no longer see about 1/2 of back up camera screen. Barely missed backing into my neighbors car.
- Power train
A known issue. “Clutch slow to fill” is a defect of the 8 speed transmission that causes the vehicle to violently buck and surge at low speeds and is dangerous as it makes it unreliable when driving at low speeds since it can randomly lunge forward dangerously. Dealership replaced transmission…
A known issue. “Clutch slow to fill” is a defect of the 8 speed transmission that causes the vehicle to violently buck and surge at low speeds and is dangerous as it makes it unreliable when driving at low speeds since it can randomly lunge forward dangerously. Dealership replaced transmission valve body under warranty and flushed transmission twice but problem remains. Dealership claims it can be fixed with an “update” but tried to charge over $300 for the “update” when it is a defect that should have been fixed under warranty for free or have a recall.
- Unknown or other
Cracked CUE screen dealership states not covered under warranty and requesting $1700.00 to replace. My 2016 CTS has only 28,500 miles and has always been kept in the garage since I purchased it new in 2016. I truly feel GM should being covering the cost of replacement on this system on a vehicle that had a $64,000 price tag.
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
While accelerating from a stop, my vehicle loses all power temporarily. Throttle modulation does not increase rpm. At times the vehicle will jerk forward and back as if power IS being put down then stopped abruptly. One time I had this happen, my lights, gauges, power steering, and engine power all…
While accelerating from a stop, my vehicle loses all power temporarily. Throttle modulation does not increase rpm. At times the vehicle will jerk forward and back as if power IS being put down then stopped abruptly. One time I had this happen, my lights, gauges, power steering, and engine power all went away. It fixed itself after about 15 minutes of trying to figure out what was happening. Very dangerous and scary experience when this happens on the road.
- Power train
When I accelerated the transmission felt like it got stuck and continued to rev when I attempted to accelerate and felt like I was not moving. rpm continued to go up but no power. Other times a vig bump IS felt when I take foot off gas for a koment and when I place it back on to accelerate the big…
When I accelerated the transmission felt like it got stuck and continued to rev when I attempted to accelerate and felt like I was not moving. rpm continued to go up but no power. Other times a vig bump IS felt when I take foot off gas for a koment and when I place it back on to accelerate the big bump IS felt. have taken it to cadillac sevice twice and both times transmission was reprogrammed but it did not dix the problem.
- Electrical system
The cadillac cue display for radio, info, hvac, nav, etc. Has begun to crack (aka spiderweb cracks) which has no made the touch screen unusable and begun to degrade vehicle ca0pability. the display frequently blinks and makes emits random audio tones both of which are very distracting while driving and causing a safety hazard.
- Unknown or other · Wheels
At 45mph the right front wheel shudders. it only happens occasionally. I've checked it on very smooth roads to make sure it wasn't the conditon of the road causing the shudder. sometimes, when the car shifts, it shifts very hard as if being bumped in the rear. I had it checked and I'm told it…
At 45mph the right front wheel shudders. it only happens occasionally. I've checked it on very smooth roads to make sure it wasn't the conditon of the road causing the shudder. sometimes, when the car shifts, it shifts very hard as if being bumped in the rear. I had it checked and I'm told it may be a transmission issue but not sure. the original tires are on the car and at 48 thousand miles they have worn even. I've had the front end checked for alignment and the front wheels balanced. that IS not the issue.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2016 cadillac CTS. a howling noise emerging from the rear of the vehicle rear end diferential internal bearing failure and metal debri no consequence, vehicle repaired by the dealer under warranty the contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph a…
TL* the contact owns a 2016 cadillac CTS. a howling noise emerging from the rear of the vehicle rear end diferential internal bearing failure and metal debri no consequence, vehicle repaired by the dealer under warranty the contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph a howling noise emerging from the rear of the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer parkway cadillac valencia, 24055 creekside rd, santa clarita, ca 91355, they determined that the rear end differential bearing failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,053.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
The car caught on fire while driving in nyc at speeds of 10-20 mph first the car started to smoke in the front hood while turning left on 5TH avenue. I got out of the car and the car was on flames. I have a dash camera and iphone footage of the incident. I bought this car from an authorized cadillac dealership in june 2019 and the car caught on fire on christmas day 2019
- Electrical system · Steering · Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2016 cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the battery became inoperable and the vehicle failed to start. Also, while making a turn, the signal indicator handle failed to engage in position. Additionally, the dashboard leather was curling and there was an abnormal rumbling…
TL* the contact owns a 2016 cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the battery became inoperable and the vehicle failed to start. Also, while making a turn, the signal indicator handle failed to engage in position. Additionally, the dashboard leather was curling and there was an abnormal rumbling noise while reversing. The contact stated that the power steering message was displayed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was towed to conklin fangman cadillac (3200 main st, lot b, kansas city, mo 64111, (816) 714-7654) where the battery was recharged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was 7,000. The vin was invalid.
- Power train
Car has just passed the warranty. Put the car in the shop for an oil change, when I got it back I could hear a yang yang noise like I had a bad tire, in the mean time on star sent a notice that the something was wrong with the brakes and stability control. The noise could be heard at any speed. So…
Car has just passed the warranty. Put the car in the shop for an oil change, when I got it back I could hear a yang yang noise like I had a bad tire, in the mean time on star sent a notice that the something was wrong with the brakes and stability control. The noise could be heard at any speed. So now I have to spend $4000 for car repairs for a car not quite 3 years old? Need a break, discount or something. I'm still making payments on this car.
- Electrical system
I bought the car as new with 6711 miles. around 12000 miles the vehicle wouldn't start. roadside assistance had to replace the battery on 3 different occasions from 6-28-17 to 8-19-17. the battery was completely down,no cells, can't be charged. the car was parked each time. dealer and gm…
I bought the car as new with 6711 miles. around 12000 miles the vehicle wouldn't start. roadside assistance had to replace the battery on 3 different occasions from 6-28-17 to 8-19-17. the battery was completely down,no cells, can't be charged. the car was parked each time. dealer and gm couldn't find the problem. no feedback from them. dealer kept the car from 8-19-17 until 11-1-17. still no valid explanation the problem. they said they can't duplicate it.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011900This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011436This Preliminary information communicates for Technicians installing a Service Replacement Transmission Assembly to contact Technical Assistance to make sureunit is not suspect of a snap ring concern prior to installation.
- 11011420This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician that TAC recommends the utilization of the GDS2 software to aid in diagnosing automatic transmission concerns. TAC is requesting the GDS2 session logs be sent in before the dealer contacts TAC.
- 11011406This Preliminary information communicatesa "Forward Collision System Reduced" message displayed on the DIC when theForward Automatic Braking has been set to the "Alert" setting. This is normal when theFAB has been set to "Alert".
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011119This Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
- 11010576This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
- 11010562This bulletin provides information on possible normal brake drag caused by the vehicle parked for an extended period of time.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010495This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010488This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009461This service bulletin provides information on Characteristics of Wide Low Aspect Ratio Tires, Vehicle Pulls Left or Right, Wanders, Follows Depressions in Road Surface, Tramlining.
- 11009170This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11009037This service bulletin provides information on Enhancing Field Product Reports with Digital Pictures.
- 11008986This Preliminary information communicatesdirection and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007771This Preliminary information communicates diagnostic information for vehicles with transmission noise.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007721This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
- 11007716This service bulletin provides information on the new oil filter UPF63R to be used on the HFV6 Engines.
Every Cadillac CTS model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.