The Worst Problems for Every Cadillac Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Cadillac problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  1. Delaminated CUE Screens

    The CUE infotainment system found in most 2013-2018 Cadillac vehicles has a screen with major design and installation flaws resulting in bubbles, cracks, and an unresponsive interface.

    Continue reading article "Delaminated CUE Screens" Spider cracks and haze make the CUE screen hard to read

  2. XLR Roof Detatches

    The XLR roadster comes with a retractable roof system that is supposed to give owners the option of riding around with the top down. Unfortunately, a problem with the adhension of the roof means owners may suddenly find themselves riding ar…

    Continue reading article "XLR Roof Detatches" XLR roof frame where the composite roof has come off

All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues view all problems

What Breaks the Most view all topics

Years to Avoid view all years

The Least Reliable Cadillac Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

Key Numbers

  1. 27 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 42 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 31 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 1,293 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 22,479 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 258 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

Recent Cadillac News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A federal investigation wants to know if rusty connectors are preventing 2020-2021 GM airbags from deploying.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received six reports of severe crashes where the airbags didn't deploy in GM vehicles, despite those vehicles receiving "significant frontal damage." All six crashes resulted in injuries.…

    keep reading article "Government Investigates Airbag Failures in Full Size 2020-2021 GM Vehicles"

  5. The agency tasked with keeping our highways and roads safe has determined that a roof suddenly detatching from a car at 65mph doesn't warrant a recall.

    XLR owners have made so many complaints about the roof detatching from the frame that it sparked a federal investigation back in February of 2019.

    But during the course of that investigation, safety regulators discovered that most of the complaints happened more than 10 years after the cars were manufactured and that, along with what they're calling a "relatively low incident report rate", wasn't enough to issue a recall.

    keep reading article "XLR Roof Flying Off While Driving? The Feds Are Fine With That."

  6. Stop me if you've heard this one before.

    2010-2015 SRX owners are tired of moisture leaking in through faulty seals and burning out their overly expensive bulbs. Following in the footsteps of a Missouri lawsuit earlier this month, a new lawsuit has been filed in Michigan asking for the same reimbursements offered to owners in Florida and California.

    keep reading article "Michigan Residents Become the Next in Line to File A SRX Headlight Moisture Lawsuit"

See More News

Having car trouble?

Tell Us What's Wrong With Your Vehicle

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

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