Are Cadillacs Reliable? (Cadillac Reliability Guide)

February 10, 2024

Are Cadillacs Reliable

Cadillacs are one of the oldest car brands in the industry and a known marker of luxury.

They may have a long history, but is Cadillac a reliable car brand?

Yes, overall Cadillac is a reliable car brand. They are one of the most reliable cars that General Motors has ever made, but even so, some models have reliability concerns. 

Cadillac is known for its style, although users often deal with high maintenance and an above-average chance of visiting the mechanic. Still, they have an impressive safety rating, fuel economy, and an array of technology.

Here's all you need to know about Cadillac’s reliability and what to consider before purchasing one.

Key Takeaways

  • Cadillac is a longstanding luxury brand that makes some reliable cars.
  • The top reasons why Cadillacs are reliable include good gas mileage, strong engine performance, and safety/technology features.
  • However, Cadillacs are expensive to maintain and repair. Car owners report repeated issues with seats, airbags, and internal accessories.
  • To determine if Cadillac is the brand for you, evaluate the reliability of the specific model and year.

Are Cadillacs Reliable?

Cadillac has some reliable cars, but also reliability concerns.

According to Consumer Reports, Cadillac was ranked 4th to last. This includes their unbeatable record of excellence from 2002 to 2020.

However, like every other car on the market, Cadillac has its failings. RepairPal rates Cadillac 3.0/5.0, ranking 26th out of 32 car brands.

Furthermore, J.D. Power has not included them in the quality award for the last several years.

Even so, Cadillac has upheld a reputation for making high-quality cars. This includes its amazing exteriors and interior designs.

Some of the best qualities it offers for reliability include:

  • Affordability
  • Gas mileage
  • Incredible performance
  • Safety
  • Designs
  • Durability
  • Immersive Technology (features like cruise control, electronic mirrors, and power windows)

However, the level of reliability you get depends on the models you choose.

Overall, Cadillacs are not the type of cars you will want to keep forever. The older models offer an unbeatable record of reliability, but there has been a decline in Cadillac’s reliability standards.

Why Cadillacs Are Considered Fairly Reliable

1. Gas Mileage

Cadillac is new to the game of hybrid cars, but they have awesome gas mileage. For example, the 2024 Cadillac CT4 gets 32 mpg on the highway and 22 in the city, for a combined 26 mph.

Cadillac’s fuel economy is due to its drivetrain and engineering designs. Cadillac optimizes a three-point camshaft that gives better gas mileage (fuel economy) by transitioning between a performance-oriented and more economical mode to save fuel.

But, a few factors play a negative role in the gas mileage of your Cadillac. Cold weather can also reduce the fuel economy of your Cadillac car, increasing your consumption.

2. Engine and Performance

The Cadillac is a powerhouse of strength, speed, and stability. Like every other GMC car, Cadillac cars have a StabiliTrak system that acts as an electronic stability control system.

The Cadillac engine line-up features V6s, V8s, and turbocharged engines. The engine strength of Cadillac cars delivers a burst of power that ranges from 355hp to a wild 650hp.

Cadillac features a default rear-wheel drive which can be upgraded to all-wheel drive. This includes four, six, ten-speed automatic, or manual transmission options. Cadillac engines incorporate a direct injection technology to ensure quicker speed than most sports cars from other cars.

3. Safety and Technology

Safety features are an area that Cadillac excels in.The Cadillac brand introduced a Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) communication technology that allows Cadillac users in different cars and models to communicate with each other. Sounds fun, right?

The technology can handle 1,000 messages per second even at a 1,000ft distance. The beautiful part is that Cadillac harnesses this technology to improve the overall safety of its cars and their users.

A Cadillac car with V2V technology can warn another Cadillac car behind of the dangers ahead that the other car can’t see. These cars can analyze safety information that is outside their parameters or coverage.

Like every other car in the market, Cadillac has an array of technology that has earned it high safety ratings on IIHS and NHTSA in different years.

Cadillac Safety Technology features:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Electronic precision shift buttons
  • Lane-change alert with side blind zone alert
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Forward collision alert
  • Following distance indicator
  • Buckle to drive
  • Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Lane-keep assist with lane departure warning
  • Rear pedestrian alert
  • Supercruise
  • Drive mode controls and traction select system

Top Problems with Cadillacs

Some repeated problems appear to come up with Cadillacs. The main areas car owners report included:

  • Seats not staying secure
  • Airbags failing to deploy
  • Higher cost of maintenance and repairs than other luxury brands
  • Problems with the StabilTrak light (poor fuel economy or reduced engine power)
  • Issues with interior accessories, like cracked infotainment systems or faulty controls
  • Transmission failure

Cost of Ownership

Part of reliability is the expense of maintaining them. Cadillacs appear to have more problems than some cars, with a higher chance of requiring a trip to the mechanic. Average maintenance and repair costs are over $100 more than other luxury brands.

The Most Reliable Cadillac Models

If you're considering a Cadillac, there are a few models that stand out for reliability including:

  • Cadillac SRX
  • Cadillac DTS
  • Cadillac XTS
  • Cadillac STS
  • 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2010 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
  • 2016 Cadillac CT6

The Least Reliable Cadillac Models

There are some Cadillac models you should avoid including:

  • 2010 Cadillac SRX: Recalled due to failing V6 2.8-Liter turbocharged engine when regular gas was used.
  • 2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT: Low desirability and low resale value because of the lack of interest in a Cadillac truck.

Cadillac Reliability: Pros

  • Affordable
  • Impressive handling
  • Great engine power and performance
  • Fuel economy
  • Spacious

Cadillac Reliability: Cons

  • Expensive to repair and maintain

Final Verdict: Is Cadillac Reliable?

Cadillacs are old guys in the automaking industry, starting out as a highly reliable brand. They still make a few good and reliable cars, but there are also bad ones. Overall, their reputation has sunk over the years, reflected in low standings on Consumer Reports.

It is important that you study your preferred model to understand what is in it for you.

Want to see how Cadillac stacks up to the other brands? Check out these reliability guides:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cadillac a reliable vehicle?

In general, Cadillac produces some reliable cars. However, their arsenal also includes a mix of less reliable models to avoid.

Is Cadillac more reliable than BMW?

No. BMW is more reliable than Cadillac.

Is a Cadillac a good car to own?

Cadillacs can be good cars to own, but their expensive maintenance and repair cost makes them a difficult option to own for a long time.

How long do Cadillac cars last?

Generally, Cadillac cars last up to 200,000 miles, while some may even get up to 300,000. However, their longevity depends on the model you’re driving, maintenance, and proper driving conditions.

How often does a Cadillac need an oil change, and how much?

Most Cadillac cars require an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

The cost of changing the oil/oil filter in your Cadillac ranges between $130 to $150. This greatly depends on the model you drive, the type of oil/oil filter you use, and the location.

Do Cadillacs cost more to repair?

Yes. Cadillacs are reliable luxury cars and are more expensive to maintain than the average vehicle. The average annual cost of maintaining a Cadillac is about $783, which is more than the industry average for maintaining other luxury brands.

 

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