2014 CADILLAC CTS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

192

Owner Complaints

8 Crashes

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

207

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2014 CADILLAC CTS

The 2014 CADILLAC CTS has received a total of 192 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 207 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (74 complaints), Suspension (14 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (13 complaints).

Recalls for the 2014 CADILLAC CTS

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2014 CADILLAC CTS, potentially affecting up to 966,709 vehicles.

Recall 18V595000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

| 52,867 vehicles affected

Defect: General 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.

Consequence: In cold ambient temperatures, the seat heaters in these vehicles can turn on automatically when the vehicle is remotely started. If a damaged seat heater is turned on while no one is inside the vehicle, the damaged seat heater can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the body control module, disabling the automatic activation of the heated seat when the vehicle is remotely started, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer...

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Recall 14V614000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

| 106,307 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM’s number...

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Recall 14V394000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 554,328 vehicles affected

Defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model...

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners...

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Recall 14V338000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

| 90,750 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.

Consequence: If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact...

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Recall 14V446000 — SEATS

| 124,007 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load...

Consequence: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300...

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Recall 14V253000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

| 19,225 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off with wiper functionality left on and the wipers then become restricted, such as when covered in ice or snow, and the vehicle's battery goes dead and needs to be jump started, upon being...

Consequence: An inoperative windshield wiper system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2104. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14157.

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Recall 14V253000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING

| 19,225 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off with wiper functionality left on and the wipers then become restricted, such as when covered in ice or snow, and the vehicle's battery goes dead and needs to be jump started, upon being...

Consequence: An inoperative windshield wiper system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2104. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14157.

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Owner Complaints for the 2014 CADILLAC CTS

192 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2014 CADILLAC CTS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#11716449 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
My 2014 Cadillac CTS has been making what sounded like road noise. After another person road in my car that was not in it daily like I was, they told me how loud it really was. After further investigation, my rear differential has gone out at only 80,000 miles. It’s impossible to drive due to the extreme safety concerns for not only myself but other drivers on the turnpikes and highways.
#11709498 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy could not be performed because the transmission and axle had failed and required repair and replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11689733 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
I am filing a complaint against Wagner Cadillac in Tyler, Texas, regarding mishandled recall service that resulted in severe damage to my 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport (3.6 Twin-Turbo). Timeline of Events: Wagner Cadillac performed Recall #N192279370 (rear differential). At the time, only the differential code was present. Their own multipoint inspection showed no issues with the cooling or transmission systems. Immediately after recall service, my rear axle warning light came on for the first time. Shortly after, the transmission cooler line at the radiator burst, causing coolant and transmission fluid to mix. This led to overheating, hard shifting, and slipping. To limp the car home safely, I used a stop-leak additive only after the breakdown. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act clearly states warranty coverage cannot be denied unless the additive directly caused the failure, which it did not. The damage had already occurred from the ruptured line. When I returned the vehicle, Wagner Cadillac falsely accused me of voiding coverage due to the additive. They then refused to repair my transmission or cooling system, leaving me with a $30,000+ estimate. Why They Are Responsible: The problems began only after recall work. During service, Wagner Cadillac could have: Over-pressurized the system during testing. Improperly disturbed or reinstalled transmission cooler lines. Failed to secure or bleed the cooling system. Any of these actions could have caused the rupture. Their refusal to acknowledge this shifts unlawful blame onto me. Additional Concerns: Instead of helping me, Wagner Cadillac attempted to solicit me to sell them my broken car and buy another vehicle from them — both before and after they denied repairs. This is unethical and exploitative. Impact: I paid cash for this car not long ago. I have now lost reliable transportation, lost my job due to lack of mobility, and face financial INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11689733 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
I am filing a complaint against Wagner Cadillac in Tyler, Texas, regarding mishandled recall service that resulted in severe damage to my 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport (3.6 Twin-Turbo). Timeline of Events: Wagner Cadillac performed Recall #N192279370 (rear differential). At the time, only the differential code was present. Their own multipoint inspection showed no issues with the cooling or transmission systems. Immediately after recall service, my rear axle warning light came on for the first time. Shortly after, the transmission cooler line at the radiator burst, causing coolant and transmission fluid to mix. This led to overheating, hard shifting, and slipping. To limp the car home safely, I used a stop-leak additive only after the breakdown. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act clearly states warranty coverage cannot be denied unless the additive directly caused the failure, which it did not. The damage had already occurred from the ruptured line. When I returned the vehicle, Wagner Cadillac falsely accused me of voiding coverage due to the additive. They then refused to repair my transmission or cooling system, leaving me with a $30,000+ estimate. Why They Are Responsible: The problems began only after recall work. During service, Wagner Cadillac could have: Over-pressurized the system during testing. Improperly disturbed or reinstalled transmission cooler lines. Failed to secure or bleed the cooling system. Any of these actions could have caused the rupture. Their refusal to acknowledge this shifts unlawful blame onto me. Additional Concerns: Instead of helping me, Wagner Cadillac attempted to solicit me to sell them my broken car and buy another vehicle from them — both before and after they denied repairs. This is unethical and exploitative. Impact: I paid cash for this car not long ago. I have now lost reliable transportation, lost my job due to lack of mobility, and face financial INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11684317 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
own a 2014 Cadillac CTS (VIN: [XXX] ) that was serviced under GM Recall N192279370 for rear axle differential seizing. On [XXX], the dealership replaced the rear differential carrier assembly and performed the required hydraulic system bleed. At intake, their own multi-point inspection documented no issues with the transmission, radiator, or cooling system. Immediately after the recall repair, my vehicle experienced severe issues: transmission slipping and radiator contamination with transmission fluid. These problems did not exist prior to the recall service. The dealership now claims the damage resulted from “stop leak” in the system and refuses warranty coverage. However, stop leak was not used until after the failure occurred, and only as an emergency measure to get the car home safely. The evidence strongly indicates that the failure resulted from the recall service, possibly from improper reconnection or contamination during the repair. Their refusal to acknowledge responsibility leaves me with significant repair costs for a problem that began directly after their mandated safety recall work. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in investigating this case, as the failure appears to be linked to the recall repair and raises concerns of improper procedures during service. Documentation, including service invoices, inspection sheets, and repair notes, are available to support this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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Safety Rating for the 2014 CADILLAC CTS

The 2014 CADILLAC CTS received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★★ (5/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2014 CADILLAC CTS

General Motors, LLC has issued 207 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2014 CADILLAC CTS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PIP4670J — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a no start or another concern after swapping an Engine Control Module or other modules from one vehicle to another. The Global Architecture electrical system associated with these vehicles does not allow controller swaps between vehicles.

PI0748A — EQUIPMENT

Some customers may comment on a water leak or wind noise coming from the passenger door window. The cause of this condition is an inner door belt reinforcement that was positioned too far outboard prior to it being welded into the door frame. This condition is specific to the passenger...

N192210220 — ENGINE

N192210220 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause bearings in the engine supercharger to emit an excessive rattling or knocking noise that is especially prominent at idle. (A low-level mechanical thrumming noise from the supercharger at idle by contrast is normal in these...

18369 — POWER TRAIN

Special Coverage. Some vehicles equipped with a 2.0L turbo engine, may have a condition where a wire within the exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid valve may break. If this were to occur, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp would illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code DTC P0013 (Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid...

18369 — AIR BAGS

Special Coverage. Some vehicles equipped with a 2.0L turbo engine, may have a condition where a wire within the exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid valve may break. If this were to occur, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp would illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code DTC P0013 (Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid...

PIT5441C — SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have an Object Detection System Message Diagnostic Trouble Codes U0075, U026A, U026B, U026C, U0265, U0268, and/or U0269 stored in the active safety module. Technician should inspect his Multiple Diagnostic Interface cable for...

PIC6055C — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a radio screen appears bubbled or is delaminating. Technician should replace the Integrated Center Stack with the latest part number out of the parts catalog.

PI1234B — ENGINE

This preliminary information bulletin provides a procedure on a brief rattle or tick when revving the engine when the vehicle is in P (Park) or N (Neutral). The same rattle or tick can sometimes be heard at the beginning or end of a vehicle acceleration while in D (Drive).

PIC5481A — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer technicians that if a key fob for CTS sedan or Coupe is learned to the vehicle the rear gate will be inoperative from the key fob. The correct key fob for Wagon models will have a picture of a wagon with the liftgate...

17-NA-068 — STEERING

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the power steering control module back to the original software if the APA is found inop after the gear was replaced and the PSCM was updated at the time.

Showing 10 of 207 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2014 CADILLAC CTS

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the CADILLAC CTS

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Other CADILLAC Models

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