2018 Cadillac Cts problems
The Cadillac CTS is a luxury car, manufactured and marketed by General Motors from 2003 until 2019 across three generations.
Initially available as a 4-door sedan on the GM Sigma platform, GM had offered the second generation CTS in three body styles: 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and 5-door sport wagon also using the Sigma platform — and the third generation was offered only as a sedan, using a stretched version of the GM Alpha platform. High performance sedan variants were offered for each generation, as the CTS-V — with wagon and coupe variants offered for the second generation.
Wayne Cherry and Kip Wasenko designed the exterior of the first generation CTS, marking the production debut of a design language marketed as "Art and Science," first used on the Evoq concept car. John Manoogian III directed the second generation CTS design. Bob Boniface and Robin Krieg designed the exterior of the third generation CTS.
The CTS ended production in 2019 and was replaced by the CT5, which shared its platform with the third and final generation of the CTS in addition to the smaller CT4.
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Common 2018 Cadillac Cts problems
The 2018 Cadillac CTS is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. These issues include:
- Transmission Shudder Repair Attempts: Transmission issues have been reported by 2018 Cadillac CTS owners, with multiple repair attempts necessary to resolve shuddering or other transmission-related problems.
- Transmission Replacement: In some cases, the transmission has needed to be replaced entirely in 2018 Cadillac CTS vehicles.
- Rear Axle Assembly Replacement: Two complete rear axle assemblies have been replaced in some 2018 Cadillac CTS vehicles due to bearing noise.
- Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure: The steering wheel position sensor may fail in the 2018 Cadillac CTS, leading to issues with the vehicle's steering system.
- SRS Light Due to Passenger Seat Sensor Failure: The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light may come on due to a failure in the passenger seat sensor, which could affect the proper deployment of airbags in the event of a collision.
- Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue: The check engine light may come on due to an issue with the gas cap, such as a loose or missing cap, which can lead to fuel evaporation and decreased fuel efficiency.
- OnStar Not Working: Some 2018 Cadillac CTS owners have reported issues with the OnStar system, which may not function properly or at all in some cases.
- Small Middle Console for Storage: The middle console for storage in the 2018 Cadillac CTS is relatively small, which can be inconvenient for some drivers who need more space for personal items.
- Inadequate Trunk Space: The trunk space in the 2018 Cadillac CTS is slightly smaller than that of some competing models, such as the Hyundai Sonata, which can be a drawback for some drivers.
These common problems in the 2018 Cadillac CTS have led to a range of repair attempts and replacements, with varying levels of success and satisfaction among owners.
Do Cadillac CTS have transmission problems?
Transmission failure has been a common issue found in some 2009 Cadillac CTS units.
Are Cadillac CTS expensive to fix?
The average annual maintenance cost for a Cadillac CTS is $663, which is again lower than the Cadillac average. Examples of CTS repairs and their estimated costs include: Timing belt replacement: $1,049 – $1,132. Head gasket replacement: $1,765 – $2,018.
What are the cons of the Cadillac CTS?
Transmission problems: Numerous CTS models contended with transmission system issues which are mainly attributed to fluid leaks. In addition, ruptured transmission seals and a faulty torque converter may contribute to the CTS's transmission woes. Unfortunately, fixing the transmission system can be expensive.
What year Cadillac CTS is best?
Most Reliable Years of the Cadillac CTS: The Breakdown
- 2005 Cadillac CTS (first generation) ...
- 2010 Cadillac CTS (second generation) ...
- 2011 Cadillac CTS. ...
- 2012 Cadillac CTS. ...
- 2013 Cadillac CTS. ...
- 2015 Cadillac CTS (third generation) ...
- 2016 Cadillac CTS. ...
- 2017 Cadillac CTS.
Is a Cadillac CTS a reliable car?
If you're planning to buy a Cadillac CTS, you're mostly in good hands due to its reputation for reliability. However, some years are less reliable than others. According to RepairPal, the Cadillac CTS has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.
Are Cadillac CTS expensive to fix?
The average annual maintenance cost for a Cadillac CTS is $663, which is again lower than the Cadillac average. Examples of CTS repairs and their estimated costs include: Timing belt replacement: $1,049 – $1,132. Head gasket replacement: $1,765 – $2,018.
Do Cadillac CTS have transmission problems?
Transmission failure has been a common issue found in some 2009 Cadillac CTS units.
What year Cadillac CTS is best?
Most Reliable Years of the Cadillac CTS: The Breakdown
- 2005 Cadillac CTS (first generation) ...
- 2010 Cadillac CTS (second generation) ...
- 2011 Cadillac CTS. ...
- 2012 Cadillac CTS. ...
- 2013 Cadillac CTS. ...
- 2015 Cadillac CTS (third generation) ...
- 2016 Cadillac CTS. ...
- 2017 Cadillac CTS.
2018 Cadillac Cts car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Cts problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Cadillac Cts vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Cadillac Cts complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Cadillac Cts.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-03
- VIN: 1G6AX5SX3J0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-23
- VIN: 1g6ay5ss5j0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-23
- VIN: 1G6AR5SX8J0
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-14
- VIN: 1G6AP5SX9J0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-17
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
2018 Cadillac Cts recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Cadillac Cts.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2018 Cadillac Cts car reviews
Positive 2018 Cadillac Cts car reviews
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If you owned a Gen II CTS, you'll find that this one is better in every category. The new V6 is very strong and I'm averaging about 26 MPG in all-around suburban driving. The interior is very quiet, but the road noise from the front is the only complaint I have. There is almost no wind noise. The interior material quality is excellent, and the fit and finish are superb. Although I like the hard inside cover for the sunroof, the roof itself does not seem to open as far as the previous version, and it looks a bit clunky from the outside when open. The Cue system is much faster than before, and I have no problem with the controls at all. The front seats are better than before but still not all that great for longer trips. Overall, I am very satisfied with this new CTS. Update 1 year after purchase: I did have a transmission issue that was annoying. After a stop with the auto stop/start active, the transmission would have an abrupt 1-2 shift. It did that since new, and I realized that it couldn't be normal. GM replaced the transmission, and the problem is gone--it apparently was a manufacturing defect and not a common problem. I replaced the run-flat tires with conventional tires, and that eliminated the road noise that I was complaining about. The gas mileage is outstanding in all-around driving. Overall, this is the best car I have had. It is a pleasure to drive.
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I'm so glad to hear that you love the interior and find the driving experience to be good! While it may not be the most spacious, it sounds like it's the perfect size for you and your passenger. And the acceleration is definitely a plus, especially with the 3.6. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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The auto stop feature in cold weather is not ideal as it prevents the car from warming up properly. Additionally, the cruise control functionality could be improved.
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I love this vehicle! Although I've had a few issues, they were all covered under warranty.
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I love this car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Cadillac Cts problems:
2018 CTS general issues | Cadillac Owners Forum
Oct 22, 2022 ... The sunroof creaking is added along with the occasional rattle from what seems to be the steering column. More for the dealer list. I'm really ...
2018 CTS-V Stuttering Issues | Cadillac CTS-V Forum
Feb 5, 2021 ... Yes seems it's the famous issue with all of us[emoji53]. If your car still under warranty let them flush the 8L90 gearbox with fresh oil (around ...
2018 transmission problems | Cadillac Owners Forum
Feb 11, 2020 ... 2018 transmission problems · Hesitation / slippage when accelerating (like it can't decide to downshift or just go) · a "shudder" at highway ...
2018 Cadillac CTS Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Cadillac CTS? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Looking at buying 2018 CTS | Cadillac Owners Forum
Jan 28, 2021 ... They are stupid cheap for the echelon they are on, and they have an Aisin 8spd auto so you can avoid any of the potential GM 8spd issues. Common ...
Other years of Cadillac Cts
Are you having problems with your 2018 Cadillac Cts?
Milan Cartwright 2024-10-07
I recently test drove the new Luxury Cadillac CTS 4 (all wheel drive) and unfortunately found it to be disappointing. The ride quality is still the same as it was 25 years ago, and there is a lot of noise from the tires, exhaust, and engine that comes through even when the stereo is set on low. Additionally, the car lacks innovation and technology, and its poor aerodynamics result in poor mileage. The car is also very heavy for no obvious reason, which makes it feel outdated. While Mercedes has introduced touch shift, GM has yet to follow suit, and Cadillac has yet to match the quietness of Lexus. Overall, I was disappointed with the car's performance and innovation, and I would choose a Mercedes or Lexus over this manufacturer's offerings. The car is priced at $65,000 and I was told it rides like a Cadillac, but if you're looking for poor quality from a U.S. automaker, this might be the car for you. I would recommend test driving a Lexus or Mercedes before trying the Cadillac, as I believe you will be similarly disappointed. Perhaps in another 15 years, Cadillac will have improved their planning and innovation.
Keenan Conroy 2024-10-03
I am dissatisfied with the resale value of my car. Despite having paid 60k for it, its current value is only 24k after a year. This is unacceptable.
Ethel Schumm 2024-07-29
I really like the Cadillac CTS, but I find the seats to be uncomfortable, especially during long drives. The noise level can also be high depending on the type of road surface. However, the car has good gas mileage and the cruise control works well. Overall, I find it to be a satisfactory car, but the seats can be difficult to deal with on long journeys.
Dean Lang 2024-04-02
Based on my assessment, it appears that the issue with my vehicle is related to the struts. Despite having it checked by my mechanic and the dealer, the problem still persists. The Cadillac dealership was recommended to me as a possible solution, but I have yet to explore that option. I am disappointed with the service I have received from Velocity in American Fork and I am currently exploring other options to resolve this issue.
Myrl Rogahn 2024-02-07
When considering purchasing a car, it's important to keep in mind the type of tires it has. Ride flat tires may not be the best option as they can make for a harder ride and you may feel every little bump on the road. Additionally, if you encounter a hole in the road, it can feel like the front end of the car is falling off. In my personal experience, I had to visit the dealer multiple times to replace tires and wheels, and even had to be towed back to the dealer at one point. Unfortunately, the regional Cadillac representative I spoke with was not able to provide much assistance. Based on my experience, I decided to trade in my brand new Cadillac CTS Premium after only 6 months. It's important to consider all factors when making a car purchase and to do your research beforehand.