Makes›Cadillac›CTS›2015

2015 Cadillac CTS

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Cadillac CTS
Pictured: 2nd Cadillac CTS. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan 2.0l AWD, 4dr Sedan 2.0l RWD, 4dr Sedan 3.6l AWD, 4dr Sedan 3.6l RWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 20 city / 30 hwy
Length
195.7 in
Curb weight
3,620–3,887 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Cadillac CTS is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 196 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,777 lb (4dr Sedan 2.0l AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 30 highway), 7% worse than the 2015 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2015

  • New body dimensions: 7.1 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 CTS →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.6L 6-cyl
Engine–2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Engine–3.6L turbo 6-cyl
DriveRWD · AWD/4WD

Trims

LuxuryStandard

Safety & driver-assist features

Adaptive cruise controlStandard

Built in: Lansing - Grand River, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 CTS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan 2.0l AWD195.7 in72 in57.1 in114.6 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,777 lb50/50
4dr Sedan 2.0l RWD195.7 in72 in57.1 in114.6 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,620 lb50/50
4dr Sedan 3.6l AWD195.7 in72 in57.1 in114.6 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,887 lb50/50
4dr Sedan 3.6l RWD195.7 in72 in57.1 in114.6 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,755 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CTS Sedan2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 24-7%$2,800374
CTS Sedan3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 28 / 22-14%$3,050407
CTS Sedan AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22-14%$3,050404
CTS Sedan AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-18%$3,200419
CTS Sedan3.6L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 18-30%$4,550480
CTS6.2L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-38%$5,150561
CTS6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-46%$5,850638
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.7 MPG2015 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2015 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.1%
2015 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2015 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash test — 2015 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2015 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD
Side crash test — 2015 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2015 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Cadillac CTS (this car)24 MPG★★★★★3
2015 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class25 MPG★★★★★0
2015 Audi A629 MPG★★★★★4
2015 Lexus LS20 MPGNot rated1
2015 Tesla Model S270 miNot rated9
2015 Jaguar XJ21 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (3)

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 21, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V329000 · 5,014 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N262555870. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Jun 9, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V358000 · 2,163 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.
Risk
If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15352.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Cadillac CTS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

49Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
62,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train16
Unknown Or Other8
Service Brakes8
Suspension5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Electrical System4
Steering4
Engine4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/05: 120/06: 120/07: 220/11: 121/05: 221/09: 121/12: 222/01: 122/02: 122/03: 122/05: 122/06: 222/07: 222/08: 122/10: 122/12: 123/02: 124/05: 124/09: 124/10: 225/05: 125/07: 226/08: 126/10: 220/0520/1121/1222/0322/0722/1224/0925/07max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Cadillac CTS buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Service Brakes — 8 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Suspension — 5 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Cadillac CTS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other CTS years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 CTS25195.7 in★★★★★010
2018 CTS25195.7 in★★★★★28
2017 CTS25195.7 in★★★★★227
2016 CTS25195.7 in★★★★★431
2014 CTS23188.6 in★★★★★6138
2013 CTS21188.6 inNot rated248
2012 CTS21188.6 inNot rated247
2011 CTS21188.6 inNot rated260
2010 CTS22191.7 inNot rated338
2009 CTS21–Not rated4104
2008 CTS21–Not rated287
2007 CTS19190.2 inNot rated496

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →