NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture when the air bag deploys, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module at no cost to you.
This page covers 5 recalls, 46 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Cadillac CTS.
14–24 mpg combined
9.8–16.8 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 7 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2015 Cadillac CTS centers on the powertrain, which accounts for the largest share of owner reports by a wide margin. Owners most frequently describe problems with the rear differential, reports include loud clunking sounds during gear changes, shuddering at highway speeds, and in several cases a diagnosis of differential failure requiring replacement. Transmission-related noises and rough shifting also appear across multiple reports. The electrical system draws a smaller but notable cluster of complaints, with owners describing the electric power steering cutting out intermittently, requiring noticeably more steering effort until the system recovers, sometimes accompanied by a "Driver Assist Unavailable" message. A handful of wheel-related complaints round out the picture. On the powertrain side, the rear differential is the specific component owners mention most often, with grinding, clunking, and fracture-level failure described across several independent reports.
46
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
By System
The 2015 Cadillac CTS has 5 recalls, the most serious being a brake pedal bracket that can fracture during normal use and leave the driver with no ability to slow or stop the vehicle, and a driver's airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin.
These two issues account for all five filings, as each defect was filed across multiple campaigns. The brake failure affects only the service brakes; the parking brake continues to work if the pedal bracket fails. The airbag inflator rupture can prevent the airbag from inflating properly while simultaneously propelling metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants. There is also a recall affecting vehicles with heated front seats: the flexible heating mats can degrade over time and produce excessive heat, and because the seat heaters can activate automatically during a remote start in cold weather, the risk of burns is present before anyone is even in the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture when the air bag deploys, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 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 driver-side front airbag inflator may rupture when deploying in a crash, causing the airbag to inflate improperly and potentially release metal fragments toward occupants.
What the fix does
General Motors will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will replace the driver-front airbag module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A bracket connecting the brake pedal assembly to the brake actuation rod may fracture during normal braking, potentially affecting brake function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and replace the affected bracket at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bracket connecting the brake pedal assembly to the brake actuation rod can crack. If it fractures, your service brakes will stop working, though the parking brake will still function.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect the bracket and brake pedal, replacing either or both if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
