I've had plenty of Cadillac in the bay over the years, and the transmission and driveline complaints on these don't surprise me. 1,020 on the NHTSA record across 78 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 36 crash reports and 16 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 440 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 57,012 miles. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin CADILLAC / POWERTRAIN
78 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Cadillac powertrain problems
1,020 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Cadillac vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
1,020
Recalls
0
Year-models
78
Avg fix
$2,500
36crashes
4fires
16injuries
Worst-affected Cadillac model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2014 Cadillac CTS
76 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Cadillac CTS
71 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2010 Cadillac SRX
41 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2006 Cadillac CTS
41 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 Cadillac ATS
40 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2011 Cadillac SRX
32 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2007 Cadillac CTS
29 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2013 Cadillac SRX
28 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2009 Cadillac CTS
28 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2014 Cadillac ATS
27 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2011 Cadillac CTS
23 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2017 Cadillac XT5
22 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2015 Cadillac Escalade
21 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2017 Cadillac Escalade
20 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2014 Cadillac SRX
20 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
19 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2015 Cadillac SRX
18 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2023 Cadillac Escalade
17 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2016 Cadillac Escalade
17 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2015 Cadillac CTS
17 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2017 Cadillac CT6
16 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Cadillac CTS
15 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Cadillac STS
15 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2020 Cadillac CT5
14 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2007 Cadillac Escalade
14 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many Cadillac powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,020 complaints across 78 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Cadillac.
Which Cadillac model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2014 Cadillac CTS leads with 76 complaints in this category. Next: 2005 CTS (71) and 2010 SRX (41).
What does it cost to fix Cadillac powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Cadillac lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Cadillac powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Cadillac vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Cadillac.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.