This page covers 5 recalls, 143 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Cadillac CTS.
14–23 mpg combined
10.2–16.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 15 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2014 Cadillac CTS centers heavily on the powertrain, which accounts for roughly half of all owner complaints. The most frequently reported issue involves the rear differential, owners describe progressive noise that often goes unnoticed until a passenger points it out, followed by failure that makes the vehicle difficult or unsafe to drive at highway speeds. Several owners also report problems with the gear shifter failing to engage park, even with the brake pedal depressed, requiring multiple attempts before the transmission will shift. Suspension complaints form the second-largest group, with owners noting abnormal noises and handling concerns, and steering complaints follow at a lower volume. The rear differential and shifter-engagement issues are the clearest recurring themes across this model year's complaint set.
143
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Cadillac CTS has 5 recalls, the most serious being a heated front seat defect where damaged heating mats can overheat, melt the seat, and start a fire, particularly when the vehicle is remote-started in cold weather and the seat heaters activate automatically.
A separate electrical recall covers the ignition key: if too many items are on the key ring, the added weight can jostle the ignition out of the run position while driving, which means the airbags may not deploy in a crash. GM advised owners to remove everything from the key ring except the ignition key and, if applicable, the key fob until the repair is completed. On the visibility side, the windshield wipers can stop working entirely if the battery dies while the wipers are running and ice or snow is pressing against the blades. Jump-starting the vehicle in that condition does not restore wiper function, leaving the driver with no way to clear the windshield and a significantly reduced view of the road ahead.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible heating mats in the front seats may become damaged over time, causing the seat heaters to produce excessive heat.
What the fix does
Dealers will recalibrate the body control module to prevent automatic heated seat activation when the vehicle is remotely started.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heated front seat element can become damaged and overheat. If you start your vehicle remotely with heated seats on, the seat could melt and create a fire risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will reprogram your vehicle's control module to turn off heated seats when you use remote start.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch may move out of the run position and turn off the engine if the key ring is too heavy, or due to road conditions or sudden jolts.
What the fix does
Dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on your ignition key at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front wiper module can fail if the battery loses charge, voltage becomes unstable, or the vehicle is jump-started while wipers are on and blocked by ice or snow. This stops the wipers from working, reducing visibility in rain or snow.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the front wiper module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
If wipers are left on when the vehicle is turned off and then become stuck due to ice or snow, a dead battery followed by jump-starting can permanently disable the wipers.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front wiper module at no cost to restore wiper function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
