This page covers 3 recalls, 26 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Cadillac CTS.
18–25 mpg combined
9.4–13.1 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 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2017 Cadillac CTS, powertrain and steering issues draw the most complaints. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe transmission shuddering or jerking during low-speed upshifts, particularly from first to second gear, and similar jolting behavior at highway speeds. Steering complaints center on loss of power steering, though some owners note the failure occurred while the vehicle was stationary. A handful of owners report the CUE infotainment touchscreen cracking and becoming unresponsive, which disables climate control, navigation, and audio functions. One isolated report mentions the OnStar communication module failing to connect with the vehicle. The airbag warning light illuminating and tracing back to the passenger seat occupant sensor appears in at least one report as well. The most consistent pattern across multiple owners remains the transmission's rough, jerky behavior during shifting.
26
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2017 Cadillac CTS has 3 recalls, all centered on the electric power steering system, which can shut off without warning while driving and leave the driver with a much heavier, harder-to-turn wheel.
When the power steering assist cuts out, steering effort increases significantly, particularly at low speeds where full assist is normally most active. This makes the vehicle harder to maneuver in parking lots, at intersections, or during slow-speed turns where precise steering input matters most. The system may return to normal after the engine is restarted, but there is no warning before it fails. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple campaigns cover the same underlying defect.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering system may lose its power assist function, making steering harder to control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly 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 power steering system may lose assist while driving. Power steering may resume after restarting the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly to restore normal steering function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering assist system may fail, reducing steering assistance and making the vehicle harder to control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
