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ProblemsByVinFile / 2014-CADILLAC-CTSNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Cadillac
2014 Cadillac CTS problems
The 2014 Cadillac CTS has 144 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2014 Cadillac CTS has 144 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 76 complaints, typically surfacing around 79,688 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2014 CTS?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★5/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2014 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2014 Cadillac CTS? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 76 owner reports
· tends to show around 79,688 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
steering — 13 owner reports
· tends to show around 43,942 mi · ~$700 to fix
suspension — 13 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,641 mi · ~$900 to fix
electrical — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 43,026 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 43,942 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2014 CTS· powertrain
On october 27th, I took my car to the shop for an oil change and inspection. I was told by the mechanic that my rear differential was going out and there were metal shavings in the compartment. The sales rep, nick, said there was not a recall and the repair would be $3300.…
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving in the early morning, the headlights became inoperable. The contact checked the headlights and noticed both headlights were out. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic was informed…
My wife was driving and made a right hand turn into a parking lot. The car by itself automatically shut off and the gear shift went by itself from drive position into park. The car did restart. The dealer cannot find anything wrong with the car. *tr
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear differential needed to be replaced; however, the part was…
Had a problem with your 2014 Cadillac CTS?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014
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.
Common questions
Is the 2014 Cadillac CTS reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Cadillac CTS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2014 Cadillac CTS?
The 2014 Cadillac CTS is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2014 Cadillac CTS?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 76 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 79,688 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2014 Cadillac CTS a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 144 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 79,688 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2014 Cadillac CTS?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 76 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 79,688 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 79,688 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Cadillac CTS has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Cadillac CTS?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 144 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Cadillac/CTS.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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