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Cadillac · Known Issues

2016 Cadillac CTS Problems: 4 Known Issues

2016 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Cadillac CTS has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Electric Power-Steering Assist May Fail (Recall 25V175). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • CTS Steering1
  • CTS Engine1
  • CTS Interior1
  • CTS Transmission1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Steering1
  • Engine1
  • Interior1
  • Transmission1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003

On the 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, on certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS vehicles, electric power-steering assist may fail and require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds.

Common Symptoms

  • Open safety recall
  • Sudden loss of power-steering assist

How to Fix

Check the VIN and recall status. Cadillac dealers replace the power-steering gear assembly under recall 25V175 / GM N252497020.

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Research This Issue

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NHTSA Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2014-2019 Cadillac CTS 2.0L I4 turbo LTG, the 2.0L LTG turbocharged four in the third-generation CTS is direct-injected, so no fuel ever washes across the back of the intake valves. Oil vapor drawn in through the PCV system bakes onto the valve stems and seats and builds a hard carbon crust that chokes airflow. The result appears gradually as a rough or lumpy cold idle, a stumble under light throttle, misfire codes and a measurable loss of power and fuel economy - typically becoming noticeable somewhere past 60,000-80,000 miles, sooner on cars driven in short trips. Owners on Cadillac Owners Forum also report oil pooling in the intake plenum at the PCV connection, which accelerates the deposit rate. This is a direct-injection design characteristic, not a defect covered by any recall, and it is specific to the DI engines - it should not be conflated with the V6 timing chain story.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

  • Rough or shaky idle, worst when cold
  • Hesitation or stumble under light acceleration
  • Misfire codes on one or more cylinders
  • Noticeable drop in fuel economy and power
  • Oil found in the intake plenum near the PCV connection

How to Fix

Confirm with a borescope through an injector or intake port before spending money - carbon deposits are visible directly. The effective cleaning method is mechanical walnut-shell blasting of the intake ports with the manifold removed; chemical intake cleaners and fuel additives do not reach the valve backs on a DI engine. Inspect the PCV system and clean any oil accumulation in the plenum at the same time, and consider an oil catch can to slow re-accumulation. Plan on repeating the service roughly every 60,000-80,000 miles.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2014-2019 Cadillac CTS, the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) capacitive touchscreen fitted to CTS models from 2013 onward suffers separation of the bonded layers behind the glass. The screen develops a spiderweb of hairline cracks radiating from the edges, then stops responding to touch or begins registering phantom presses that change radio stations and climate settings on their own. Because CUE controls climate, audio and phone with no redundant hard buttons, a failed screen disables a large part of the car's controls. GM issued its first dealer bulletin on delamination in December 2014 and multiple preliminary information bulletins followed (PIC6055 and revisions). GM never issued a recall or a reimbursement campaign, and a class-action lawsuit over the defective screens was filed in 2019.

Common Symptoms

  • Hairline cracks spidering out from the edges of the touchscreen
  • Screen does not respond to touch in some areas
  • Phantom or ghost touches changing settings by themselves
  • Bubbling or separation visible under the glass
  • Climate and audio controls unusable

How to Fix

Dealers will normally replace the CUE display under the 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper warranty when the delamination is visible, so check warranty status first. Out of warranty, a new GM display assembly is the most expensive route; several specialist rebuilders sell a replacement touch-panel/display service for a fraction of dealer cost, and the unit is removable by the owner. Replacing the screen with an updated panel resolves the phantom-touch behavior; software resets do not.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS, third-generation CTS models with the 8L45 (2.0T and some 3.6L) or 8L90 eight-speed automatic develop a pronounced shudder or vibration at steady cruising speeds, typically between 25 and 80 mph, when the torque converter clutch is partially applied. GM determined the root cause was the original factory-fill automatic transmission fluid, which is hygroscopic; absorbed moisture changes the fluid's friction characteristics, glazes the TCC friction material and produces a slip-stick judder that owners describe as driving over rumble strips. GM addressed it with service bulletin 18-NA-355, which covers 8L45 and 8L90 transmissions in 2016-2019 CTS among other models. Drivers often mistake it for an engine misfire or an out-of-balance driveshaft.

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder or vibration at steady cruise between roughly 25 and 80 mph
  • Feels like driving over rumble strips
  • Vibration disappears when you accelerate or lift off
  • Worse when the transmission is warm
  • No check engine light in most cases

How to Fix

The bulletin remedy is a complete transmission fluid exchange - not a drain-and-fill and not an immediate torque converter replacement - using the reformulated Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP (blue label) fluid, performed with GM's cooler-flush and exchange equipment. Two flushes are sometimes needed. If shudder persists after a correct fluid exchange, the torque converter itself is replaced. Expect roughly $400-$1,000 for the fluid service at a dealer; owners on the forums report figures near the top of that range.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

General 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.

Campaign #19V08600007/02/2019

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

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.

Campaign #18V59500007/09/2018

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

General 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.

Campaign #25V17500020/03/2025
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Other Cadillac Models

Cadillac XTS30Cadillac CT524Cadillac Escalade20Cadillac Lyriq19Cadillac XT617Cadillac CT617

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac CTS problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Cadillac CTS has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Power-Steering Assist May Fail (Recall 25V175), Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves of the 2.0L LTG Turbo (Direct Injection), CUE Touchscreen Delaminates and Becomes Unresponsive or 'Ghost Touches'. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Cadillac CTS reliable?

The 2016 Cadillac CTS has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Electric Power-Steering Assist May Fail (Recall 25V175). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac CTS problems?

Repair costs for known Cadillac CTS issues range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS Electric Power-Steering Assist May Fail (Recall 25V175)?

On certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS vehicles, electric power-steering assist may fail and require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2019 Cadillac CTS Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves of the 2.0L LTG Turbo (Direct Injection)?

The 2.0L LTG turbocharged four in the third-generation CTS is direct-injected, so no fuel ever washes across the back of the intake valves. Oil vapor drawn in through the PCV system bakes onto the valve stems and seats and builds a hard carbon crust that chokes airflow. The resul… Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2019 Cadillac CTS CUE Touchscreen Delaminates and Becomes Unresponsive or 'Ghost Touches'?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General 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.

Campaign #26V32900021/05/2026

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.

Campaign #15V35800009/06/2015

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) capacitive touchscreen fitted to CTS models from 2013 onward suffers separation of the bonded layers behind the glass. The screen develops a spiderweb of hairline cracks radiating from the edges, then stops responding to touch or begins register… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS 8L45 / 8L90 Eight-Speed Torque Converter Clutch Shudder at Cruise?

Third-generation CTS models with the 8L45 (2.0T and some 3.6L) or 8L90 eight-speed automatic develop a pronounced shudder or vibration at steady cruising speeds, typically between 25 and 80 mph, when the torque converter clutch is partially applied. GM determined the root cause w… Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. Severity: medium.