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2014 Cadillac Cts

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Cadillac Cts do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 101.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

83 reports with mileage · 63 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports0 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

146 reports
Mileage unknown · May 21, 2022
Suspension

Rear differential has given out this is the second one so far there should be a recall on these models. 4 door base model sedan. 2.0

NHTSA ODI #11465592

78,000 miles · May 10, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, he heard an abnormal loud roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. However, the parts were not availa…

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The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, he heard an abnormal loud roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. However, the parts were not available. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #11464063

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2022
Power Train

I started to notice pulsation upon braking and replaced my pads and rotors, at the same time switching from winter wheels to summer wheels. The pulsation continued, and then I noticed a rumbling sound from the rear end that has grown increasingly loud over the past three days, and now it is accompanied by wobbling upon braking …

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I started to notice pulsation upon braking and replaced my pads and rotors, at the same time switching from winter wheels to summer wheels. The pulsation continued, and then I noticed a rumbling sound from the rear end that has grown increasingly loud over the past three days, and now it is accompanied by wobbling upon braking at speed. An independent shop today diagnosed it as a rapidly failing rear differential. The car has 70,000 miles and no accidents. As I understand it, the CTS-V version of the same vehicle has a recall for failing differentials that are the very same part that's used in these non-V models. The web is full of complaints from other owners of my model who are experiencing this same issue. It is a catastrophic failure part that could cause the rear end of the car to lock up at speed. Please address ASAP, thank you!

NHTSA ODI #11462589

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2022
Power Train

I have been told my car needs a front and rear differential. I have heard a low rumbling in the car for some time which I have now been told that sound was the differential breaking down. My car has been at dealership for 2 months now

NHTSA ODI #11461127

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2022
Back Over PreventionEngineForward Collision Avoidance

Burning smell, traction control, rear axle service along with suspension lights all came on the odometer. Shakes at low idle and wont stay running. Happened this weekend after pulling into the driveway after driving. We scanned code for cylinder 4 misfire. On scanner we had multiple other cylinder misfires but cylinder 4 is a d…

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Burning smell, traction control, rear axle service along with suspension lights all came on the odometer. Shakes at low idle and wont stay running. Happened this weekend after pulling into the driveway after driving. We scanned code for cylinder 4 misfire. On scanner we had multiple other cylinder misfires but cylinder 4 is a dead misfire. We removed spark plug and found wore. We initially thought to start with replacing spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. We consulted with customer and agreed to replace all spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. After replacing we found no change in cylinder 4 misfire. We removed and re installed original coil and re tested. We performed a compression test on cylinder 4 and have 0 PSI. We thought possible carboned valve stuck open due to direct injection system. We performed a GDI carbon clean but still no change. We installed a borescope into cylinder to inspect and found what looks like a broken piston or part of a valv We scanned code for cylinder 4 misfire. On scanner we had multiple other cylinder misfires but cylinder 4 is a dead misfire. Weremoved spark plug and found worn. We initially thought to start with replacing spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. We replace all spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. After replacing we found no change in cylinder 4 misfire. We removed and re installed original coil and re tested. We performed a compression test on cylinder 4 and have 0 PSI. We thought possible carboned valve stuck open due to direct injection system. We performed a GDI carbon clean but still no change. We installed a borescope into cylinder to inspect and found what looks like a broken piston or part of a valve broken and smashed into the piston. Fault is internal engine, would need to tear down and re build or replace engine assembly. My safety was at risk driving 80mph on the highway perhaps engine could have seized or caused problems I’m not able to deal with along with having my infant and toddler in the car.

NHTSA ODI #11460205

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2022
Air BagsCrashInjury

I was hit by a truck while parked with the car on and the airbags weren’t deployed the truck hit me going at least 45-60

NHTSA ODI #11460202

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2022
Unknown Or Other

This is a continuing concerning issue that I've experienced resulting in a major safety hazard, that intel the RWD differential/drivetrain, which is a common safety concern with the 2014 CTS Sedans. There are no recalls from the persistent complaints and concern about this issue. The wearing down of the pinion seal, causing le…

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This is a continuing concerning issue that I've experienced resulting in a major safety hazard, that intel the RWD differential/drivetrain, which is a common safety concern with the 2014 CTS Sedans. There are no recalls from the persistent complaints and concern about this issue. The wearing down of the pinion seal, causing leaks, that have been repaired several times, which constantly reappears, after months to a year of being repaired at certified Cadillac dealerships. Now the GM/Cadillac dealerships are highly recommending a full differential replacement. Unfortunately, there are no differential parts nationwide to repair the issue. The GM manufactures have either discontinued the part or it's been express the parts are on back order from 3 to 6 months, or even up to a year to receive that particular part, yet there's still no recall on this issue. This safety concern needs to be address ASAP. This can prevent power to RWD, causing an accident at driving speeds, damaging the internal drive train as well. Other motorist, as well as passengers and vehicle operator would be at great risk, if this issue is not resolved. It's also costly and very expensive to repair. I have paid for a tremendous amount of money trying to get this reoccurring and repetitive issue resolved, without a reasonable resolution from GM or and Cadillac dealership to even offer a goodwill repair for this problem.

NHTSA ODI #11458900

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2022
Power Train

Load roaring in back of car sounds like going snap in half. Upon checking the rear differential loud noise

NHTSA ODI #11458236

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2022
Power TrainSuspension

2014 Cadillac CTS rear differential with 55,000 miles started to make a wobbling noise going past 10 mph. Went to third party mechanic and was shown metal shavings coming from rear end

NHTSA ODI #11456386

162,000 miles · Mar 11, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, there was an abnormal roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. T…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, there was an abnormal roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact informed the dealer that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.

NHTSA ODI #11456352

Official recalls

6

18V595000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

Sep 7, 2018

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 & remedy

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 service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for the recall is 18286.

14V614000 · Electrical System

Oct 1, 2014

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 & remedy

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 for this recall is 14515.

14V446000 · Seats

Jul 23, 2014

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 condition such as a crash.

Consequence & remedy

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 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.

14V394000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 2, 2014

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 year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

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 may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

14V338000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Jun 19, 2014

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 & remedy

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 Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.

14V253000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:switch/wiring

May 15, 2014

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 jump started, the wipers will be inoperative.

Consequence & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

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 jump started, the wipers will be inoperative.

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.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:switch/wiring

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 jump started, the wipers will be inoperative.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.