Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 21,483 complaints for CADILLAC
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - ENGINE
Dec 21, 2022
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while her husband was driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electrical system and engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been ... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - ENGINE
Dec 19, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Back in August of 2022 my 2021 Cadillac Escalade started having severe engine roughness, a check engine light, and an error saying that most of the collision safety features had been disabled. I was able to limp the vehicle into a GMC dealer who informed me that Cadillac had received a bad shipment of lifters and that one or more of the lifters had broken. When the vehicle detects an engine prob... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Dec 19, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Back in August of 2022 my 2021 Cadillac Escalade started having severe engine roughness, a check engine light, and an error saying that most of the collision safety features had been disabled. I was able to limp the vehicle into a GMC dealer who informed me that Cadillac had received a bad shipment of lifters and that one or more of the lifters had broken. When the vehicle detects an engine prob... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Dec 19, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Back in August of 2022 my 2021 Cadillac Escalade started having severe engine roughness, a check engine light, and an error saying that most of the collision safety features had been disabled. I was able to limp the vehicle into a GMC dealer who informed me that Cadillac had received a bad shipment of lifters and that one or more of the lifters had broken. When the vehicle detects an engine prob... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
the alternator keep going out! also power steering pump keep having leaks.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
the alternator keep going out! also power steering pump keep having leaks.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
I have had my vehicle about a month I have a 2011 Cadillac SRX I have had it in the shop at least 3 weeks since I had it due to the headlights being out or damaged by water they have worked out about $6,000 on my vehicle to have the bulbs burner ballast and igniter replaced and replaced my passenger side lens but they did not replace the driver side and it accumulates a lot of water all the time i... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The contact owned a 1996 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated while parked, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vents. The contact was able to exit the vehicle, and once the contact exited the vehicle, the vehicle burst into flames. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact was unsure if a police report was filed. No one was injured. The vehicle was towed and deemed a ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and attempting to stop, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal became very difficult to depress. The failure almost caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the “Brake Assist" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH at night, he was unable to properly see the roadway while using the headlights. The contact stated that he replaced the bulbs in the headlights but continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the RPM’s revved up and down continuously and the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal and shifted into drive (D), and the failure ceased. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while the vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the RPM’s revved up and down continuously and the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal and shifted into drive (D), and the failure ceased. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while the vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
The front low beam headlights are very dim, due to a leakage defect in the headlight housing. (I have been told that is the reason for the defect by a Cadillac dealership) I feel that it is dangerous for me (I am 78 years old) to drive at night with this situation. There are many other complaints about this same problem as reported on The Cadillac Forum website. I don't know if there has ever be... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
My wife was backing at less than 2 and hit a truck behind her. She said no alarms sounded, the only thing she heard was noise of hitting a truck behind her. No police called or report made. When car was repaired the repair shop (Fields Collision, Jacksonville FL) they took my 2023 Cadillac to Fields Cadillac for final check out. Fields Cadillac said there were no sensors in rear bumper to aler... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the roadway became difficult to see. The contact stated that upon inspection, he noticed condensation inside the headlamp housings. As a result, the headlights became foggy. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were not illuminating sufficiently to see the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her husband replaced both headlights; however, the failure recurred, and she was only able to see the road while using the high-beam headlights. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
Differential is going bad and it’s only got 60k miles on it and if the wheels lock up that is bad. And I can’t find the part nowhere.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
We purchased this vehicle four months ago and love it except for: 1)There seems to be some kind of tint on the rear view mirror which makes it very hard to see other vehicles at night, especially at dusk before some drivers turn their headlights on. We know to be very careful, but there is a very high risk for an accident. 2)Exhaust fumes enter the vehicle when stopped while the engine is running,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
We purchased this vehicle four months ago and love it except for: 1)There seems to be some kind of tint on the rear view mirror which makes it very hard to see other vehicles at night, especially at dusk before some drivers turn their headlights on. We know to be very careful, but there is a very high risk for an accident. 2)Exhaust fumes enter the vehicle when stopped while the engine is running,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
2015 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
The contact’s customer owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while the valet driver was driving, the front driver’s side seat inadvertently retracted back along the track bracket without warning. As a result, the contact stated that the valet driver was trapped in the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referen... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the infotainment screen intermittently went blank while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated that the front windshield wiper module had failed to operate as needed. The contact purchased a new battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer, but the mechanic was unable to de... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE
(2016) - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
Dec 9, 2022
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the infotainment screen intermittently went blank while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated that the front windshield wiper module had failed to operate as needed. The contact purchased a new battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer, but the mechanic was unable to de... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
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. Technician stated that this is a known widespread problem with this model Cadillac. He also stated that there are no parts available and has 9 other customers waiting for the manufacturer to supply the part. He is being told by GM that it could be up to 6 mont... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 6, 2022
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
No Grid Lines on back up camera or forward camera views. The grid line option is grayed out and unavailable. A hourglass icon appears constantly as indicating an issue. This makes reversing into parking spaces very difficult.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE NA
(2021) - ENGINE
Dec 5, 2022
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
Friday evening I was left stranded on the side of the road in my 2021 Cadillac Escalade with less than 30k miles that I actually purchased brand brand new about a year or so ago. The vehicle slowed to a crawl in the fast Lane of I65 as cars and semis whipped past me as I attempted to use any last moment to get the shoulder. I finally get to the shoulder and contact Cadillac customer service to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
Rear tires slip when pressing on the gas. The car is in for repair and they said the rear transfer case needed replaced. The car has 94000 miles and is 6 years old. This caused issues when accelerating.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact decelerated and pulled into the driveway of a business. However, the contact was able to park on the side of the driveway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steer... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2020
I had a problem with my vehicle having a horrible vibration at certain speeds and my Cadillac giving my so many problems too. I’ve had my vehicle at the gm dealer so many times to try and fix these issues. I’ve had multiple things fixed on my Cadillac to stop this vibration but nothing has worked! They can’t get the vibration fixed and causes my car to need balanced a lot! Fr what I read Cad... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2020
I had a problem with my vehicle having a horrible vibration at certain speeds and my Cadillac giving my so many problems too. I’ve had my vehicle at the gm dealer so many times to try and fix these issues. I’ve had multiple things fixed on my Cadillac to stop this vibration but nothing has worked! They can’t get the vibration fixed and causes my car to need balanced a lot! Fr what I read Cad... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
Low beam headlights are very dim . Changed bulbs with no improvement. This is dangerous to occupants in my vehicle and oncoming traffic because we have to use high beams all the time at night.this was seen by dealer and I was told there was no problem.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
The headlights on my 2015 SRX are faulty--even GM admits it. They are so dim that it is dangerous to drive at night unless I keep my high beams on at all times, which is dangerous to other drivers. Without the high beams on at night, the reduced headlight performance prevents me from seeing more than 5 feet in front of my car. There was no warning--the lights simply dimmed to the point where I ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2022
The rear differential failing at very low mileage on the 2014 and others models and years using the same part is a very common issue. The CTSV model was recalled and not the cts models. Even though it’s the same part but just one single different number in the part number. This is very offsetting being that it’s a costly part and requires costly replacement. It almost always can never be repai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2022
The rear camera is not working properly. Rear camera is necessary for the driver to help prevent hitting unseen subject behind the car. Let say if there is a 2 years old kid playing in the back of my car, I wouldn't see the kid. I brought the car to the dealership for the 3rd time to get it fixed. But it seems like the problem still occurs. The issue first appeared in after a month of purcha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2021
When I turn on the vehicle, it will have no sound - audio, turn signal, and most importantly and concerning, seatbelt warning chime. the electrical issues also extend to the hvac sustain have been trying to get this resolved with two dealerships and Cadillac directly for 1.5 almost 2 years. The issues began about three weeks after my lease began. Cadillac directly and the dealerships have done not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
When driving it feels like I'm slowing down when I'm not. The lights inside, the headlights, & on dashboard flicker & sometimes go out while driving. My seatbelts on the driver, back seat behind driver not working. The driver seat does not adjust so I can position myself correctly. The truck rocks side to side while driving as if it will tip over on its side if I drive over 30. I just recently acq... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
When driving it feels like I'm slowing down when I'm not. The lights inside, the headlights, & on dashboard flicker & sometimes go out while driving. My seatbelts on the driver, back seat behind driver not working. The driver seat does not adjust so I can position myself correctly. The truck rocks side to side while driving as if it will tip over on its side if I drive over 30. I just recently acq... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
When driving it feels like I'm slowing down when I'm not. The lights inside, the headlights, & on dashboard flicker & sometimes go out while driving. My seatbelts on the driver, back seat behind driver not working. The driver seat does not adjust so I can position myself correctly. The truck rocks side to side while driving as if it will tip over on its side if I drive over 30. I just recently acq... Read more
CADILLAC
ATS
(2014) - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
Dec 1, 2022
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
Cur screen shows spider webbing can't see rear view camera when backing out.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
Air bags didn’t come out
Crash
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard abnormal noises coming from the vehicle. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
VIN [XXX] My headlights are so dim, it is dangerous to drive at night even after replacing the bulbs for same reason in last year. Called Cadillac of Dublin. [XXX] tells me there is a reimbursement for the headlight assembly as a part of a lawsuit, but I need to bring in car to be sure that’s the problem. [XXX] checked me in, then called with estimate. Headlight Assembly Repair Diagnosti... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
I have 75,000 miles on a 2014 Cadillac and the rear differential is bad, they have recalled this same differential on the same year of vehicle but only if it was in the turbo model. What's the difference? same part, same thing is wrong.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac CT5. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to accelerate independently, exceeding the speed and then the vehicle decelerated without warning. The contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and stated that the transmission was faulty, and the anti-lock braking turned off inadvertently. The vehicle was repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Camshaft and bearings break affects oil pressure with no indication until it is to late and you have to replace the motor
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
Headlights (low beam) are so dim that driving at night is dangerous. Lines on roads are not visible. Problem is not rectified by replacing bulbs. Something else must be the cause, Car is at the dealership getting assessment and estimate. No warning messages appear. Vehicle was inherited from deceased family member.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
headlamps fogging up inside , useless for Nite driving. can not see without high beams..
Incident date: Jul 31, 2021
I'm stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. I received a recall notice in August 2021 and again in November 2021 and reached out to Cadillac to find out how to resolve this issue. I was told that someone from Cadillac would contact me. I received another notice November 2022 due to the recall not being resolved. I'm not getting a response from Cadillac. How do I resolve this issue being stationed ove... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
I have extremely dim headlights. I have to drive with my high beams on but they are dim as well. I had the dealership look at the lights and was told that the bulbs are fine but there is a known issue with the seal and water getting in and corroding the lens so the light can't pass thru. I was told Cadillac won't recall it but know about it and it will cost me $2600 to replace the entire assembly.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Hello, problem is with the headlights being too dim for nighttime driving. Cannot travel safely most roads at night without turning on the highbeams. Reported issue to the local Cadillac dealer service center and was advised headlights would need total replacement as it is a known issue.