MyGearGuru

PROBLEM GUIDE

2014–2016 Cadillac CTS Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated April 2026

146

complaints filed for the 2014 model year

2014–2016

Model years affected

$1,800 – $2,400

Typical repair cost, by problem

Rear differential seizing or failing at relatively low mileage (40,000-100,000 miles) is the dominant complaint category — 'loud roaring, grinding, or whining noise from rear end,' metal shavings in the differential fluid, and reports the differential 'could lock up at highway speeds' without warning. Only the CTS-V trim was recalled for this defect, despite identical differential parts in standard CTS models — one owner states 'same part, same thing is wrong,' but non-V models are excluded.

Quick Scan: 14 Issues

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Rear differential seizing at low mileage, only CTS-V recalled

"Could lock up at highway speeds" without warning

Check engine light: On

The dominant complaint category (~90 of 146 complaints): rear differential seizing or failing at relatively low mileage, with 'loud roaring, grinding, or whining noise from rear end,' metal shavings in the differential fluid, and reports the differential 'could lock up at highway speeds' without warning. Only the CTS-V trim was recalled (Campaign 20V038000) for this defect, despite identical differential parts in standard CTS models — one owner states 'same part, same thing is wrong,' but non-V models are excluded.

40,000 – 100,000 mi

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Multi-month delays awaiting recall repair parts

Dealers report parts "discontinued" or on 6-month+ backorder

Check engine light: On

Multi-month delays await recall repair parts, with dealers reporting parts 'discontinued' or on 6-month+ backorder, leaving the differential defect unrepaired.

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Transmission shift cable detachment while driving

Vehicle stuck in gear, unable to shift to Park or Neutral

Check engine light: On

Transmission shift cable detachment while driving causes the vehicle to become stuck in gear, unable to shift to Park or Neutral.

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Front magnetic ride strut and brake system wear

Costly component replacement

Check engine light: Off

Brake system overhaul and front magnetic ride strut replacement, along with rear pad replacement, have been documented as costly repairs.

$1,800 – $2,40085,000 – 102,000 mi

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Steering Wheel Position Sensor May Fail

The steering wheel position sensor may fail

Check engine light: Off

The steering wheel position sensor may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 142 owner reports on file.

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SRS Light Due to Passenger Seat Sensor Failure

The SRS light comes on due to passenger seat sensor failure

Check engine light: Off

The SRS light comes on due to passenger seat sensor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 114 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue

The check engine light comes on due to a gas cap issue

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 100 owner reports on file.

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Cadillac CTS Reverse Light Cover Panel Falls Off and Is Difficult to Replace

The reverse light cover panel falls off and is difficult to replace

Check engine light: Off

The reverse light cover panel falls off and is difficult to replace. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 88 owner reports on file.

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Front and Rear Light Bulbs May Fail

The front and rear light bulbs may fail

Check engine light: Off

The front and rear light bulbs may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 86 owner reports on file.

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The Check Engine Light With Code: P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391

The check engine light comes on with one or more of codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on with one or more of codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 54 owner reports on file.

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Rear Axle Pinion Seal May Leak

The rear axle pinion seal may leak

Check engine light: Off

The rear axle pinion seal may leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 51 owner reports on file.

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Reduced Power and Check Engine Light

Reduced power occurs with the check engine light on

Check engine light: On

Reduced power occurs with the check engine light on. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.

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Cadillac CTS Transmission and Transfer Case Input/Output Shaft Failure Issues With Multiple Repairs

Transmission and transfer case input/output shaft failure issues occur with multiple repairs

Check engine light: Off

Transmission and transfer case input/output shaft failure issues occur with multiple repairs. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 19 owner reports on file.

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Contamination of Extended Life Coolant

Contamination of the extended life coolant occurs

Check engine light: Off

Contamination of the extended life coolant occurs. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.

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Only the CTS-V trim was recalled (Campaign 20V038000) for the rear differential defect, despite identical parts on standard CTS models. Separately, multi-month delays await recall repair parts, with dealers reporting parts discontinued or on 6-month+ backorder. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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