The Lemon Index
201720193rd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 11,219 in the U.S. in 2018 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 3 complaints in its first 3 years.
3 owner complaints, first 3 years 17–25 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 BMW 3 Series 262018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 542018 Audi A4 45
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V175000 (steering) and 19V086000 (steering) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the headlights, taillights and turn signals work?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 3 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
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.
2018 Cadillac CTS owner · NHTSA complaint 11341495
Recalls 2
- Steering · recall issued 2025
The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
- Steering · recall issued 2019
The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cadillac CTS-V 4 DR RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,500–$4,400 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac CTS year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-cts/?y=2018" title="Cadillac CTS reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-cts/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Cadillac CTS reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Cadillac CTS reliable?
We can't score it: only 11,219 were sold in the U.S. in 2018 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2018 Cadillac CTS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (33%), electrical (33%) and transmission & drivetrain (33%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Cadillac CTS have?
2 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Cadillac CTS get?
17 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Cadillac CTS safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Cadillac CTS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 33% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Cadillac CTS cost in fuel a year?
About $2,500 to $4,400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Cadillac CTS have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac CTS year is better than the 2018?
No year within 3 model years of it drew fewer complaints. Across every year, 2010 drew the fewest (about a quarter as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works