The Cadillac CT6 is a full-size luxury sedan sold in the US for the 2016 to 2020 model years. Engines include a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, a twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8 for 2019 and 2020, and a plug-in hybrid for 2017 and 2018. Most owner complaints are about the transmission.
This guide ranks each CT6 model year using NHTSA complaints and recalls and our years to avoid methodology. In short: avoid the 2017 and 2019, be careful with the 2016 and 2020, and look for a 2018 if you want a CT6.
Related: Cadillac XTS years to avoid, Cadillac CT5 years to avoid, Genesis G90 years to avoid.
How we rated the best and worst Cadillac CT6 years
We put the most weight on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, and every count in this guide comes from NHTSA’s complaint and recall records.
The CT6 has 77 NHTSA complaints across all model years, and 47 of them list the power train. The 2017 has the most, with 26, followed by the 2019 with 17.
Every Cadillac CT6 model year ranked
| Model year | Verdict | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA recalls | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Caution | 11 | 3 | Power train, air bags, engine |
| 2017 | Avoid | 26 | 2 | Power train, electrical system, engine |
| 2018 | Best | 12 | 2 | Engine, power train, steering |
| 2019 | Avoid | 17 | 4 | Power train, service brakes, electrical system |
| 2020 | Caution | 11 | 2 | Power train, service brakes, forward collision avoidance |
Most common Cadillac CT6 problems
These are the problems that show up most in NHTSA complaints and recall campaigns.
1. Hard shifts, jerking and hesitation (2016 to 2018)
The power train is the most-reported component, with 47 complaints, and 17 of them are for the 2017. Fueleconomy.gov lists an 8-speed automatic for the 2016 to 2018 cars. Owners describe hard downshifts at low speed, sudden jerks when pulling away, and a delay before the car responds to the accelerator, which some owners say is dangerous when turning or pulling out.
2. 10-speed transmission damage and wheel lock-up (2019 and 2020)
Campaign 25V148 covers certain 2019 and 2020 CT6s with the 10-speed automatic, which may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock up. Fourteen complaints mention this recall, and 12 of them say the repair part was not yet available. Other complaints describe hard shifting, shuddering, the wheels locking up at highway speed and a transmission that seized.
3. Brakes and stability control
The service brakes have 8 complaints, including grinding or squealing brakes and one 2019 report of a failed brake booster. Campaign 19V889 covers certain 2019 CT6s where a brake control module software error may disable the stability control and anti-lock brakes without turning on the warning lights.
4. Seat belts and child seat anchors
Three recalls cover seat belts and child seats. Campaign 18V437 covers certain 2016 to 2018 cars where excess adhesive on the rear child seat anchor bars may stop a child seat being attached properly. Campaign 18V673 covers certain 2018 and 2019 cars where a rear seat belt retractor may not lock to hold a child seat. Campaign 16V687 covers a small number of 2016 cars where the front passenger seat belt bolt may be missing.
5. Driver assistance, lights and tire pressure warnings
Forward collision avoidance has 5 complaints, including a 2018 report of the car jerking sideways in Super Cruise and a 2020 report of the emergency braking engaging when it was not needed. Smaller recalls cover overly bright parking lights on certain 2016 and 2017 cars (21V759), turn signals that do not cancel on a handful of 2019 cars (19V117), and tire pressure sensors on 2020 cars with certain dealer-installed 20-inch wheels (19V731).
Which Cadillac CT6 years to avoid
Avoid: 2017 and 2019
The 2017 has 26 complaints and 2 recalls, and 17 of its complaints list the power train. The 2019 has 17 complaints and 4 recalls, the most of any CT6 year. Fourteen of its complaints list the power train, and it is covered by both the 10-speed transmission recall and the stability control recall.
Caution: 2016 and 2020
The 2016 has 11 complaints and 3 recalls. Two 2016 complaints report the airbags not deploying in a crash, one of them fatal. The 2020 has 11 complaints and 2 recalls, including the 10-speed transmission recall. Confirm all recall work before you buy one of these years.
What is the best Cadillac CT6 year
The 2018 has the cleanest NHTSA record, with 12 complaints and 2 recalls, and only 4 complaints list the power train. It is not covered by the 10-speed transmission recall.
Cadillac CT6 pre-purchase checklist
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm every open recall is complete.
- On a 2019 or 2020 car, confirm the 10-speed transmission recall repair has been done.
- Test drive in slow traffic and from a stop, and watch for hard shifts, jerks or a delay when you press the accelerator.
- Check that the ABS and stability control warning lights work and go out after starting.
- Test the brakes for grinding or squealing, and try the driver assistance features.
- Check the rear child seat anchors and seat belts if you will carry a child seat.
- Ask for service records, and have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy.
Better alternatives to consider
If you want a full-size luxury sedan, these models are worth comparing. Check the years to avoid for each one before you shop.
Is the Cadillac CT6 reliable
The CT6 has a mixed NHTSA record. The total number of complaints is modest, but most of them are about the transmission, and the 2019 and 2020 cars are covered by a recall for internal transmission damage. A 2018 with good service records, or a later car with the transmission recall done, is the safest choice.
Frequently asked questions
What years did Cadillac make the CT6?
Cadillac sold the CT6 in the US for the 2016 to 2020 model years. Fueleconomy.gov lists no later CT6.
What is the most common problem with the Cadillac CT6?
Transmission problems are the most common. The power train is listed in 47 of the CT6’s 77 NHTSA complaints, with owners reporting hard shifts, jerking and hesitation.
What gas mileage does the Cadillac CT6 get?
Fueleconomy.gov rates the 2.0-liter turbo at 25 mpg combined for 2016 to 2018 and 28 mpg for 2019. The 3.6-liter and twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 get 21 mpg combined, and the twin-turbo V8 gets 17 mpg. The plug-in hybrid is rated at 25 to 26 mpg combined on gasoline.
Which Cadillac CT6 years should you avoid?
Avoid the 2017 and 2019 CT6. They have the most NHTSA complaints, mostly about the transmission. The 2018 is the best year.