2014 Cadillac CTS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2 Dr Coupe Sport/Performance AWD, 2 Dr Coupe Sport/Performance RWD, 2.0l AWD Sedan, 2.0l RWD Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 188.6–195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,649–4,096 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints138 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 13 for similar models — most often about the power train.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Cadillac CTS is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,096 lb (2 Dr Coupe Sport/Performance AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 11% worse than the 2014 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2014
- Engines added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 21 to 23
- Lightest version 212 lb lighter
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 CTS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Dr Coupe Sport/Performance AWD | 188.6 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 113.4 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 4,096 lb | 54/46 |
| 2 Dr Coupe Sport/Performance RWD | 188.6 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 113.4 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,909 lb | 53/47 |
| 2.0l AWD Sedan | 195.7 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,803 lb | 52/48 |
| 2.0l RWD Sedan | 195.7 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,649 lb | 52/48 |
| 3.6l Awdsedan | 195.7 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,957 lb | 52/48 |
| 3.6l RWD Sedan | 195.7 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,825 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -11% | $2,900 | 384 |
| CTS Sedan AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -14% | $3,050 | 404 |
| CTS Sedan | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | -14% | $3,050 | 409 |
| CTS Sedan AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -18% | $3,200 | 428 |
| CTS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -18% | $3,200 | 431 |
| CTS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -18% | $3,200 | 422 |
| CTS Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -16% | $3,200 | 425 |
| CTS Wagon AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -16% | $3,200 | 422 |
| CTS Wagon AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -16% | $3,200 | 431 |
| CTS Wagon | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -16% | $3,200 | 428 |
| CTS Sedan | 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 18 | -30% | $4,550 | 480 |
| CTS | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -38% | $5,150 | 556 |
| CTS V | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -38% | $5,150 | 556 |
| CTS Wagon | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -36% | $5,150 | 556 |
| CTS | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -46% | $5,850 | 626 |
| CTS V | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -46% | $5,850 | 626 |
| CTS Wagon | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -44% | $5,850 | 626 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
| 2014 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |


Similar 2014 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Cadillac CTS (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2014 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2014 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Audi A6 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (6)
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Sep 7, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V595000 · 52,867 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats may be damaged over time, resulting in the seat heaters producing excessive heat.
- Risk
- In cold ambient temperatures, the seat heaters in these vehicles can turn on automatically when the vehicle is remotely started. If a damaged seat heater is turned on while no one is inside the vehicle, the damaged seat heater can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the body control module, disabling the automatic activation of the heated seat when the vehicle is remotely started, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for the recall is 18286.
Electrical System · Oct 1, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V614000 · 106,307 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GMÂs number for this recall is 14515.
Seats · Jul 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V446000 · 124,007 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
- Risk
- A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V394000 · 554,328 vehicles
- Problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jun 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V338000 · 90,750 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.
- Risk
- If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · May 15, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V253000 · 19,225 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off with wiper functionality left on and the wipers then become restricted, such as when covered in ice or snow, and the vehicle's battery goes dead and needs to be jump started, upon being jump started, the wipers will be inoperative.
- Risk
- 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.
Not every 2014 Cadillac CTS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Cadillac CTS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 73 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Suspension — 15 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Steering — 13 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Cadillac CTS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CTS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2018 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 8 |
| 2017 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2016 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 31 |
| 2015 CTS | 24 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 49 |
| 2013 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 48 |
| 2012 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2011 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 60 |
| 2010 CTS | 22 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 38 |
| 2009 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 4 | 104 |
| 2008 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 2 | 87 |
| 2007 CTS | 19 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 96 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →