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
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
The CUE system is variably unresponsive/frozen. Cannot turn on heat, cannot turn on navigation. Situation is distracting as driving and trying to touch the screen to turn on heat in winter, or to receive navigation information when highway shut down and detour was not yet posted. Nearly caused an accident. Dealer confirmed that system is broken. No one else has inspected the system. System never ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
I purchased vehicle on 7/28/22 from Bayview Cadillac in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On August 2, 2022, I noticed that my brakes were making a loud, harsh, scraping noise when coming to a full stop. Brakes also felt like they were going to lock up or stutter. On August 3, 2022, I brought the car back to the dealership to be serviced. On August 4, 2022, dealership told me that GM and Brembo (brake man... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated there were strong fumes coming from the vehicle. The contact parked his vehicle in the garage and then leave it partially cracked due to the fumes. The contact changed the gas cap; however, the fumes continues. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer regarding the failure; however, it was not diagnosed. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac XLR. The contact stated there were strong fumes coming from the vehicle. The contact parked his vehicle in the garage and then leave it partially cracked due to the fumes. The contact changed the gas cap; however, the fumes continues. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer regarding the failure; however, it was not diagnosed. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The tire sidewall blew out prematurely. 245 40 r18
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
Catalytic converter cracked creating exhaust leak into engine compartment. The converter has been replaced 3 times in 75,000 miles for this defect. The latest replacement has now failed and is leaking exhaust necessitating a fourth replacement. Replacements to date: 1) March 12, 2016 2) March 8, 2019 3) March 21, 2021 4) July 25, 2022, not yet replaced
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
Differential are bad in these cars with only 60,000 miles and and if it goes out, car could lock up causing an accident. Recall has been issued but not for all vehicles. Which there are a lot more vehicles with the issue than that have an recall put in them. 2014 Cadillac CTS RWD 3.6L like mine should be recalled immediately.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2022
When SUV is put into reverse camera only works 50% of the time. Other times screen is black with a red triangle.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with a feature that once the vehicle was placed in reverse(R), both side view mirrors would adjust downward to assist with the driver's visibility. The contact stated that the vehicle would either fail to perform this function or would fail to readjust to its proper position once the vehicle was in drive(D)... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that upon walking to the rear of the vehicle, he noticed that the rear tires were significantly bald and the tread belts were exposed. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the replacement of the rear adjustable toe links with a non-adjustable toe link under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The dealer was notified ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
2019 CADILLAC XT 5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO STOP/START FEATURE ON VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE AN OFF OPTION FOR THE STOP/START FEATURE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE VEHICLE HAVE THE SOFTWARE UPDATED TO INCLUDE SUCH A FEATURE.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated upon parking the vehicle, he attempted to release the ignition key from the ignition switch however, the key remained stuck inside the ignition switch. The message Thief was displayed. The contact was able to release the ignition key after several minutes. The contact stated upon entering the ignition key inside the ignition switch and start... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
2015 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DESIGNED A FAULTY RECALL. THE VEHICLE REQUIRED AN ALIGNMENT, BUT DUE TO THE RECALL IT COULD NOT BE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE CAUSED ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE TIRES. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL N212340980.
Incident date: May 12, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brakes , emergency brake , engine overheating , How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car shut off in the highway while i was with my kids Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes it went in the shop 05/12/22 but problem with ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brakes , emergency brake , engine overheating , How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car shut off in the highway while i was with my kids Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes it went in the shop 05/12/22 but problem with ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brakes , emergency brake , engine overheating , How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car shut off in the highway while i was with my kids Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes it went in the shop 05/12/22 but problem with ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2022
seats move , when break and move forward
Incident date: Jul 24, 2022
I notice the differential was leaking and had to repair it but I am not certain if this will happen again
Incident date: Jul 24, 2022
My vehicle screen is starting to shatter .Each day it’s shatter more and more. I hear a thump noise and then the screen shatters more and more. My vehicle has never been in a accident.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2022
My vehicle screen is starting to shatter .Each day it’s shatter more and more. I hear a thump noise and then the screen shatters more and more. My vehicle has never been in a accident.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
Received message on dashboard 'Service Safety Restraint System'. Dealership says that airbag needs to be replaced and it is not safe to drive the car. Manufacture of the car does not have the part and cannot repair the car. No timeframe on when the car can be repaired was given. GM is already under investigation for this same exact issue from 2021 where 15 collisions resulted in airbags not ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2021
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM THEY SAY THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS BAD THE REFLECTIVE COATING BURNS DUE TO THE TEMP OF THE HAILOGEN HEAD LIGHTS THIS IS A KNOWEN PROBLEM WITH THE CADDY SRX
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
Headlights are leaking and allowing moisture to enter into the headlight assembly. In turn, this is causing headlights to rust and fail early. Additionally, they fail without warning, thus potentially leaving the driver in the dark. Very serious safety issue. Dealer contacted and stated they were, at one time, reimbursing car owners, however they are not doing so now. Cadillac states that sin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were extremely dim, causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlight assemblies were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also contact but no assistance was offered. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
The headlights are so dim they were replaced by GM On the 2014&2015 SRX I bought this car used and the GM dealer never said there was an issue with the headlamps. This vehicle cannot be driven at night!!!
Incident date: May 13, 2021
The contact owns a 1999 Cadillac DeVille. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started overheating. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed of an oil leak. The contact stated that the water pump, thermostat, reserve tank, and the stretch were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was contacted and state... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
The vacuum pump failed and caused catastrophic engine failure. The vacuum pump was constructed with substandard design and the composition of the parts within the vacuum pumps internal components. The vacuum pump is an integral part of the emissions system, the braking system and the engine. This is not an isolated incident as the replacement vacuum pump, even if replaced, will fail again. The pum... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
The vacuum pump failed and caused catastrophic engine failure. The vacuum pump was constructed with substandard design and the composition of the parts within the vacuum pumps internal components. The vacuum pump is an integral part of the emissions system, the braking system and the engine. This is not an isolated incident as the replacement vacuum pump, even if replaced, will fail again. The pum... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
The vacuum pump failed and caused catastrophic engine failure. The vacuum pump was constructed with substandard design and the composition of the parts within the vacuum pumps internal components. The vacuum pump is an integral part of the emissions system, the braking system and the engine. This is not an isolated incident as the replacement vacuum pump, even if replaced, will fail again. The pum... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
The Service Stabilitrak and Service Traction Control error message come on periodically and when on the car seems to run rough. Message shuts off then could hit a bump and comes on again. You never know when it is going to come on and when on it shuts off the traction control and could be dangerous.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light or while slowing to approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine and driver’s assist warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the motive power was reduced and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
The Cue screen in my car is cracking for the 2nd time. I have contacted GM/Cadillac without a resolution. I see online that there have been two class action suits due to the fact the Company was/is aware of the flaw and have not issued a recall. In addition, they are replacing the Cue screen (at owner's expense) with the same flawed design. Thus subsequent issues.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with the auto seat belt tightening feature. The contact stated that the feature tightened the seat belt to secure the occupant; however, the passenger’s side seat belt continued to tighten while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that his wife tucked her arms in between the lap belt and the seat bel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
Low beam headlights have become exceedingly dim. This car is available for inspection. Poor visibility at night is a safety risk. This problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I am not now driving the car at night. The car has not been inspected by others. I plan on consulting the dealer shortly. No warning messages now or prior to noticing the problem. First ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2022
Immediately Upon picking my 2011 Cadillac SRX up from Don Thornton Cadillac for Recall on the Rear Toe Link, I had more problems with my car than when I dropped it off.I immediately called and let them know my car would not accelerate,I still had something wrong with my battery, I had warning lights on my display that were safety issues,such as SERVICE AIRBAG,SEATBELT,service stabilitrak,service r... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2022
Immediately Upon picking my 2011 Cadillac SRX up from Don Thornton Cadillac for Recall on the Rear Toe Link, I had more problems with my car than when I dropped it off.I immediately called and let them know my car would not accelerate,I still had something wrong with my battery, I had warning lights on my display that were safety issues,such as SERVICE AIRBAG,SEATBELT,service stabilitrak,service r... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2022
Immediately Upon picking my 2011 Cadillac SRX up from Don Thornton Cadillac for Recall on the Rear Toe Link, I had more problems with my car than when I dropped it off.I immediately called and let them know my car would not accelerate,I still had something wrong with my battery, I had warning lights on my display that were safety issues,such as SERVICE AIRBAG,SEATBELT,service stabilitrak,service r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2020
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds the vehicle would suddenly stalled and the instrument panel would illuminate. The message stating "starting disabled remove key" would display. The contact stated that they would be able to coast and restart the vehicle. Other times the contact would have to pull over to the side of the road and restart th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2020
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds the vehicle would suddenly stalled and the instrument panel would illuminate. The message stating "starting disabled remove key" would display. The contact stated that they would be able to coast and restart the vehicle. Other times the contact would have to pull over to the side of the road and restart th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
The vehicle hard shifts in low gear and at low speeds. The hard shifting makes the car hard to handle in slow speed situations such as parking lots. Because the car lurches forward unexpectedly, it poses a safety concern toward nearby pedestrians.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
Hazard lights go on automatically while driving. This creates a huge safety issue, especially when driving in high traffic areas as other drivers may mistake Hazard Lights as turn signals. I brought my vehicle in to a Cadillac dealership in December of 2020 to replace the Hazard Light switch. They replaced it with OEM parts, and the issue started happening again in April of 2022. The Hazard Ligh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
The back up camera is intermittently non functional when placed in reverse gear. A red triangle and red camera icon appear on the screen with a circle and slash through it. GM has posted a Bulletin #PIC6420 that offers a solution stating that it is likely a connection concern and recommends replacing a coax cable which can be ordered through the WPC. There have been multiple complaints about ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
The back up camera is intermittently non functional when placed in reverse gear. A red triangle and red camera icon appear on the screen with a circle and slash through it. GM has posted a Bulletin #PIC6420 that offers a solution stating that it is likely a connection concern and recommends replacing a coax cable which can be ordered through the WPC. There have been multiple complaints about ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at night the headlights became dim and only projected a beam approximately 30-feet ahead of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that other motorists were flashing their headlights. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that it was an internal failure. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
BOTH PASSENGER SIDE TIRES SPLIT AT THE SEAM PUTTING ME AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AT RISK. TIRES NEED TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY CONFIRMED BY DEALERSHIP - BOMMARITO CADILLAC ST. PETERS MISSOURI BOMMARITO CADIALLAC ST. PETERS MISSOURI ALSO INFORMED ME GM HAS INSTRUCTED TO NO LONGER SELL THESE TIRES TO CADILLAC CUSTOMERS. TIRES ARE CURRENTLY STILL ON THE CAR LOCATED AT BOMMARITO CADILLAC. THE CAR HAS ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
our 2017 Cadillac CTS-V has all of a sudden a cracked CUE screen. The car is garage kept and only has 14395 miles. It just spontaneously cracked. The dealer that is fixing it is making us pay $125 deductible to get it fixed even though there is a class action law suit currently for others that have this same issue. The whole CUE screen cracks in a spider web like formation and makes the scre... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
When I park car in PARK...IT SAYS SHIFT TO PARK and I must wiggle gear shifter to get it correctly in PARK OR IT ROLLS IF NOT..THIS SAFETY ISSUE HAPPENS EACH TIME I DRIVE MY CADILLAC SRX.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Service TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor message and TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the sensor was replaced and reprogrammed on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Service TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor message and TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the sensor was replaced and reprogrammed on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
My CUE screen is cracked and unresponsive. I went to the dealership and they said it was out of warranty and they would not repair item. From looking online the CUE system is defective and has affected many Cadillac cars. I am very disappointed with GM. I had the top model and it should not have cracked. They have known about the problem for years and chose to ignore it. I am leery of buying anoth... Read more