GradeCadillac CTS Reliability Grade
Average reliability
Grade a specific Cadillac CTS
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Cadillac CTS earns a B- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A- for its engine and a D for its transmission. It ranks 24th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The transmission (D) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 347 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2019 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Cadillac CTS reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2012
Years to avoid: 2009 (stalling / loss of power)
How long does the Cadillac CTS last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Cadillac CTS vs. other luxury vehicles
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | A | A | A |
| Lexus ES | A | A | A |
| Lexus GS | B+ | A | A |
| Lexus NX | A | A | A |
| Lexus IS | A | A | A |
| Lexus GX | A | A | A |
| Infiniti G37 | A | A- | A |
| BMW 5 Series | B | B+ | A- |
| Audi A4 | B+ | A | A- |
| Volvo XC60 | B+ | A | A- |
| BMW 3 Series | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | B- | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Audi Q5 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Cadillac XT5 | B+ | B | B+ |
| Infiniti G35 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Acura TL | A | C+ | B+ |
| BMW X3 | B- | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | C+ | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | B- | B | B |
| Acura RDX | B+ | B | B |
| Volvo XC90 | B- | A- | B |
| BMW X1 | B- | B- | B- |
| Porsche Cayenne | B | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac SRX | A | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac CTS | A- | D | B- |
| Audi A3 | C+ | C | C+ |
| Audi A6 | C- | B- | C+ |
| Audi Q7 | C- | B | C+ |
| BMW X5 | C | C | C |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | C | B- | C |
| Land Rover Range Rover | C+ | C+ | C |
| Acura MDX | C+ | D | C- |
| Acura TLX | C- | D | D |
Own a Cadillac CTS?
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Rate your CTSCadillac CTS reliability FAQ
Is the Cadillac CTS reliable?
Average reliability. The Cadillac CTS earns a B- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A- for its engine and a D for its transmission. It ranks 24th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The transmission (D) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 347 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2019 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Cadillac CTS last?
We estimate a well-maintained Cadillac CTS lasts around 150,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Cadillac CTS?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Cadillac CTS model years are 2012.
What Cadillac CTS years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Cadillac CTS years to be most careful with are 2009. The 2009 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers.
Is the Cadillac CTS transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Cadillac CTS transmission a D (poor reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Cadillac CTS engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Cadillac CTS engine an A- (excellent reliability).