2014 Cadillac Cts Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Cadillac Cts carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering seat heater/cooler and motor. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Gear shifter cable failure.” Cadillac uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm watches engine revolutions, temperature, and load, then lights the change-oil message — typically around 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, with dexos-approved oil. Turbo fours in ATS, CT4, XT4, and XT5 are harder on oil than the indicator suggests in short-trip driving. Northstar-era V8s (DeVille, Seville, Eldorado) live and die by their cooling system — coolant condition checks are not optional on those cars. Escalade shares its 6.2L V8 and 10-speed with GM's trucks and follows the same fluid schedule.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign #18V595000 · Jul 9, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Campaign #14V253000 · May 15, 2014

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

SEATS

Campaign #14V446000 · Jul 23, 2014

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #14V338000 · Jun 19, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #14V394000 · Feb 7, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #14V614000 · Jan 10, 2014

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Cadillac Cts.

Reported to NHTSA

Gear shifter cable failure

POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2026-06

The gear shifter cable on my 2014 Cadillac CTS failed completely and without warning. The vehicle became totally inoperable and could not be shifted into Park, Neutral, Reverse, or Drive. There were no dashboard alerts or signs of failure
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670528
On April 30,2026 I was pulling into a parking space and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park with my foot the brake and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park with my foot the brake and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735366
ON 8/24/2021 APPROX 9:45AM I RETURNED HOME FROM THE MARKET AS I WAS PARKING MY VEHICLE (BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE) ISHIFT MY VEHICLE CONTROL TO THE REAR POSITION AND IT LOCK UP IT WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430553

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CUE touchscreen cracking and failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2020-09

THE TOUCHSCREEN OF THE CUE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11151461
CADILLAC CUE SCREEN CRACKING, CREATING A SPIDER WEB APPEARANCE ON THE SCREEN. CAR WAS STATIONARY IN DRIVE WAY ALL DAY AND NIGHT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11330868
THE CUE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN CRACKED/WEBBED WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY JOBS PARKING LOT. THIS CAUSED ALL FEATURES USING THE SCREEN INCLUDING HANDSFEE FOR CALLS INOPERABLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11359805

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2021-03

MY STEERING RACK AND PUMP WENT AT ONLY 26,000 MILES
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222331
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10885483
TURNED CAR ON AFTER PARKING AT A LOT. REVERSED TO EXIT AND THEN SUDDENLY, A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING "POWER STEERING. DRIVE CAREFULLY". POWER STEERING WENT OFF ENTIRELY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10749325

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Run-flat tire sidewall failure

TIRES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2023-08

4 TIRES HAVE SPLIT THE SIDE WALL DUE TO IMPACT ON THE ROAD IN THE LAST YEAR, PIRELLI PZERO RUN FLAT P245018, TIRES SEEM DEFECTIVE WITH SIDE WALL SPLITS AFTER MINOR IMPACTS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10871094
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC CTS EQUIPPED WITH PIRELLI ZERO RUN FLAT TIRES (NA), SIZE: 235/55ZR17 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED BLISTERS ON THE SIDEWALL
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10956487
2014 CADDY CTS PIRELLI P7 RUN FLAT 255/35/R19 TIRES TRAVELING SOUTH I95 HEADING BACK TO NY FROM CT. TEMP 37 DEGREES CLEAR SKIES. 55-60 MPH. HIT SLIGHT ROAD IMPERFECTION NOT POT HOLE. RF TIRE BLOWS OUT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10678808

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear differential and axle failure

POWER TRAIN

69 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2026-02

COMPLETE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSY FAILURE, AT MY EXPENSE OF 4590.00 GM DID KICK IN 2500.00 BUT EVEN WITH THE REPAIR THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE REPLACEMENT THAT IS CURRENTLY BEING FIXED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11051546
2014 CTS with 53,000 miles. Loud whining noise started in rear of vehicle. Went to the shop and was told that the rear differential is bad
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496370
HEARD A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE WHEN STEPPING ON THE ACCELORATOR, TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO GET A INSPECTION AND TURNS OUT THE ROLL PINS IN THE REAR-AXLE DIFFERENTIAL ARE CLOSE TO FRACTURING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11407387

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear differential recall parts backorder

POWER TRAIN

16 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2026-08

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V038000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11339058
I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THIS CAR HAS A RECALL WITH THE DIFFERENTIAL. NOT FROM THE DEALER NOR GM. I HAVE READ THAT CARS HAVE LOCKED UP AT HIGH SPEED RESULTING IN NEAR CRASHES
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11306898

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 full synthetic on modern engines; Blackwing and supercharged V-Series run hotter and should not stretch the indicator. Northstar V8s: watch for consumption and leaks at the rear main and oil-pan perimeter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two. Staggered-fitment V-Series cars can't rotate front-to-rear; budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Brembo-equipped V-Series wear faster than the base cars; magnetic-ride models should also get a look at shock condition while it's on the lift.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM lists roughly 45,000 miles under severe service (which includes most city commuting) for the 6/8/10-speed automatics. Older 4T80-E units behind Northstars respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Turbo fours (ATS 2.0T, CT4, XT4): roughly every 60,000 miles. Naturally-aspirated V6s and V8s carry iridium plugs rated to 97,500–100,000 miles — check the manual for your engine.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at oil changes in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM recommends fluid replacement about every 45,000 miles or 3 years. Magnetic-ride and V-Series cars driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing. Supercharged V-Series engines have a second, dedicated blower belt — inspect both.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — sooner if the climate fan has lost its punch.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On Northstar V8s this is the schedule that decides the engine's fate — low or contaminated coolant is how head-gasket trouble starts. Check level and condition at every oil change on those cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped models and anything with Super Cruise use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, and expect shorter life from the electrical load these cars carry parked.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

25 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Cadillac Cts reflects Cadillac's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.