The Lemon Index
20183rd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 6,965 in the U.S. in 2019 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 5 complaints in its first 3 years.
5 owner complaints, first 3 years 16–25 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2019 BMW 3 Series 132019 Audi A4 172019 Lexus IS
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
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Any fuel smell, stalling or hard starts? On a hybrid or EV, any reduced-power warning or battery work?
- Cadillac sent dealers 830 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and…”?
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 5 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 →
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 830 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and…
- Tick noise from the engine cold, initial start
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 $2,600–$4,700 (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. 2019 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 2019 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-cts/?y=2019" 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/2019/">Lemon Index</a> (2019 Cadillac CTS reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2019 Cadillac CTS reliable?
We can't score it: only 6,965 were sold in the U.S. in 2019 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2019 Cadillac CTS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (20%), wheels (20%) and fuel system (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Cadillac CTS have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Cadillac CTS get?
16 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 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 2019 Cadillac CTS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2019 Cadillac CTS cost in fuel a year?
About $2,600 to $4,700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Cadillac CTS have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac CTS year is better than the 2019?
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