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2014 Cadillac CTS

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

Cadillac CTS
Pictured: 2nd Cadillac CTS. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

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.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

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

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 CTS →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2 Dr Coupe Sport/Performance AWD188.6 in74 in55.9 in113.4 in62.2 / 63 in4,096 lb54/46
2 Dr Coupe Sport/Performance RWD188.6 in74 in55.9 in113.4 in62.2 / 63 in3,909 lb53/47
2.0l AWD Sedan195.7 in72 in57.1 in114.6 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,803 lb52/48
2.0l RWD Sedan195.7 in72 in57.1 in114.6 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,649 lb52/48
3.6l Awdsedan195.7 in72 in57.1 in114.6 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,957 lb52/48
3.6l RWD Sedan195.7 in72 in57.1 in114.6 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,825 lb52/48

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 / 29 / 23-11%$2,900384
CTS Sedan AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22-14%$3,050404
CTS Sedan3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 28 / 22-14%$3,050409
CTS Sedan AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-18%$3,200428
CTS AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-18%$3,200431
CTS3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-18%$3,200422
CTS Wagon3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-16%$3,200425
CTS Wagon AWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-16%$3,200422
CTS Wagon AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-16%$3,200431
CTS Wagon3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-16%$3,200428
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%$5,150556
CTS V6.2L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-38%$5,150556
CTS Wagon6.2L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-36%$5,150556
CTS6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-46%$5,850626
CTS V6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-46%$5,850626
CTS Wagon6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-44%$5,850626
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.7 MPG2014 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Cadillac CTS.

Similar 2014 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Cadillac CTS (this car)23 MPGNot rated6
2014 BMW 3 Series36 MPGNot rated0
2014 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPGNot rated0
2014 Lexus IS24 MPGNot rated4
2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class25 MPGNot rated0
2014 Audi A629 MPGNot rated4

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). GM’s 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Cadillac CTS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

138Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
60,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train73
Suspension15
Steering13
Unknown Or Other12
Electrical System11
Engine9
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit9
Wheels6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/07: 322/08: 122/10: 222/11: 322/12: 323/01: 223/02: 123/05: 223/07: 223/08: 323/10: 123/11: 123/12: 124/01: 224/08: 124/10: 225/05: 125/07: 125/09: 226/01: 126/02: 126/05: 126/06: 126/08: 222/0722/1123/0223/0823/1224/1025/0926/05max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Cadillac CTS buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 73 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Suspension — 15 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  4. Steering — 13 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 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 2014 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 inNot rated431
2015 CTS24195.7 inNot rated349
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 →