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2016 Cadillac CTS: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationOne of the better CTS years.
61 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 CTS?The 2016 Cadillac CTS has 61 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. Owners most often flag 8-speed automatic transmission shudder and rough shifting: multiple owners report shudder at low speeds and highway speeds, with tsb 18-na-355 cited; fluid flush or replacement is the common fix but does not always resolve all issues.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other CTS years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the CTS?
Across the 17 CTS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 334 (2009). With 61 complaints, the 2016 CTS sits below the model's median of 108.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 CTS
seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler
Campaign 18V595000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats may be damaged over time, resulting in the seat heaters producing excessive heat.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 19V086000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 25V175000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 26V329000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
What owners report on the 3rd generation CTS
Owners generally describe the third-generation CTS as a rewarding, fast, and comfortable daily driver, with many reporting trouble-free ownership beyond routine maintenance.
- Very frequent8-speed automatic transmission shudder and rough shifting
Multiple owners report shudder at low speeds and highway speeds, with TSB 18-NA-355 cited; fluid flush or replacement is the common fix but does not always resolve all issues.
- Very frequentRear differential failure
Multiple owners report rear diff failures across 3.6L, V-Sport, and 2.0L models, with replacement costs cited around $3,000 plus labor; some replacements were under warranty but faced long backorders.
- RecurrentCUE screen delamination and freezing
Multiple owners report screen separation and system freezes requiring car restart.
- RecurrentMagnaride strut and shock failure
Multiple owners report needing replacement of magnetic ride suspension components, described as expensive.
- RecurrentSunroof creaking and cracking sounds
Multiple owners report sunroof noise, with one dealer quoting $750 to fix and calling it a "wear item"; one owner went through three sunshades requiring interior removal.
Owner insights for the 3rd generation CTS. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used CTS listings typically run $11,549–$18,393 across 2008 to 2019 model years.
Other CTS model years
Compare every CTS year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CTS against its rivals
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