Cadillac slipped in the most recent Consumer Reports reliability rankings, coming in 17th place out of 24 competitors, down five positions from the same study last year.
As a reminder, CR formulates its reliability score on a zero- to 100-point scale. The publication collected responses from owners of more than 300,000 vehicles, ranging from the 2000 model year to the 2023 model year, who were asked about problems they’ve experienced with their rides in the last 12 months. Problems areas were categorized into 17 divisions, which include engine, transmission and electronics. In order to gather appropriate data for a given automaker, two or more of its models must have been part of the study.
For the 2022 CR Reliability Rankings, the 2022 industry average was between 41 and 60 points. Interestingly, the publication found that domestic brands scored 40 points on the scale, which was lower overall than foreign automakers. For comparison, Asian automotive brands earned an average of 59 points, while European brands scored an average of 51 points.
When gathering data for its rankings, the publication breaks vehicles down into four overall categories. Sedans, hatchbacks and coupes are considered part of the “Cars” category, which scored 58 points on the reliability scale, making it the most reliable category in the study. Next was the SUV category, with an average of 51 points, followed by minivans with 44 points. Finally, pickups were considered the least reliable segment, scoring just 39 points on average.
Interestingly, domestic SUVs scored an average of 45 points, while American-made pickups scored 41 points, outperforming industry averages in the categories. Meanwhile, domestic cars earned 38 points.
Industry-wide, hybrid and plug-in vehicles were ranked the most reliable with an impressive score of 78 points. Fully electric vehicles, however, were scored the second least-reliable category.
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GJ Brennan
I find it interesting that I have n ver been approached about the quality, rating of my 2018 XT5, that looks like a 2020 and knock on wood I have never taken it back to the deAler for any issues, it’s been a great product if he Cadillac family!
James Tranthem
Brennan,
Glad you’re happy with your XT5 – but since you bought it one in five Cadillac stores have quit G M so I hope whenever you need service, your store will still be available.
Last year Cadillac dealers averaged selling 176 cars while Mercedes and BMW sold 900 each!
I have been a loyal Cadillac buyer for 40 years – same dealer… so I ordered a 2023 Lyriq to replace my Escalade 15 months ago – it was promised 1st quarter of 2022 – then March production – then by the end of September, so I called Lyriq last week and they said my car might be built January 2023!
You can get EV Mercedes or BMW from a dealer in Miami right now!
The CEO of GM could car less about Cadillac dealers. (Luxury cars are only 17% of cars sold in the US.) So Cadillac customers are not a great consideration !
GJ Brennan
I find it strange that they find owners to rate vehicles but I have never been approached, my 2018 XT5, that looks like a 2020, I have never had it back to the dealer for any issues, knock on wood. So what’s up with that selection?!
Michael R Wilson
Same story with me. I’ve got a 2018 Chevy Impala I bought in 2018 with 19,500 miles now it has 223,000 miles. Only light I’ve ever had was to clean a carbon filter. I love this car. V6. I traded in my 2014 Inpala back in 2018 for the down-payment and the 2014 had 235,000 miles and I only had 1 issue with was a variable cam. I replaced myself for $138. (I think that happened because an oil change place recommended a blend oil instead of pure synthetic.) Rock steady. If they still made them, I would have the 2023. (I bought a 2023 silverado and I still drive the Impala 130 miles round trip to work 3 times a week and take it on long road trips with my wife and kids. It’s a work horse! We love both! (My company gives me a vehicle reimbursement, but the vehicle must be within 4 years of new. FYI) Total maintenance is tires, brakes, oil and 1 variable cam 6 years ago for 2 cars is more than respectable over 400,000 plus miles.
Chris Cummings
As I understand, CR builds its ratings on feedback from its subscribers. If you don’t subscribe to CR, they will not reach out to you.
Myrick Lee
Cadillac should’ve have a OnStar upgrade for 2014 and lower cars. Also for all GM cars in this category. GM has let us down.
Gs11
That’s just one rating but if others rate them lower than the competition that will not help them in their attempt to reestablish themselves as the standard of the world again.
W.S.
I’ve owned 3 ATS’; never had a problem with any of them, as was the case with my Chevrolets. CR, whenever I looked never rates Cadillac well. They seem to be favorable to the German and Japanese brand; too bad.
Don
My 3 Cadillacs have been flawless. 2004 CTS, 2012 CTS and 2019 XTS. Both CTS had well over 120K on the clock before I sold them. Tires and batteries were all they needed.
Consumer Reports has always has an anti-American bias. I stopped subscribing 30 years ago.
Quick Silver 1
I have had 5 new Cadillacs in the past 15 years. I have never had an issue with any of them. Currently I have a 2017 CT6 Premium and a 2020 CT6 Premium Luxury. The only time that they have been to the dealership is for oil changes, tire rotations and mileage recommended services. My other 3 Cadillacs were the same way.
I don’t go by the CR rankings at all. They seem to present biased rankings. I have a friend that has a 2020 Mercedes and recently had a $1200 oil change. Seems a little out there for something that I get free on my Cadillacs
Jim Asherman
Yup
Clinton Cochran
I too have had great experience with 13 new Cadillac since 1997. Never had an issue with any of them. Had one Escalade for 80,000 miles and never had a brake replacement! I had one new Mercedes S-500 and it left me stranded numerous times (pneumatic suspension failure, electronic ignition took weeks to be repaired) and ate brakes for breakfast. I don’t understand CR ratings either. They seem more concerned with trunk volume and rear seat knee room than quality.
Nick Nash
Owned a 2017 XT5 and a 2020 TX6. Both had terrible transmission issues!
Fairway Queen
I own a 2012 CTS 4. Never had one problem with it. I take it in yearly for service, usually pay around $250.00 for required maintenance. Still get compliments for how great it looks.
Remando Warner
My mom, uncles, dad Cadillac or Lincoln & had very little problems so that’s what made me buy 4 cadillacs my Ole Allante cost bc it’s 30 yrs old & only certain things cost but drives like it’s new a friends bought a BMW 3 series nothing but problems nothing against either but my luck been with cadillac
[email protected]
I love my 2014 CTS 2dr Coupe. I am disappointed in the fact that it did not come with a spare tire or donut. I havd had at least 6 different flat tires that I had to spend a max of $450 per tire.AND now my Hands Free calling on the G2On Star Network is being disconnected/discontinued as of 1/23 leaving me with only an app that I need to purchase. I AM ALSO DISAPPOINTED that there is no 2 door Sport Coupe in the new 2023 line up which makes me look at other manufacturers for a high end sport car. Not a good decision going forward for Cadillac-3 reasons why they will be loosing me as a 3rd generation customer. This 2014 CTS is a car I love. NO 4 DOOR sedan for me going forward I don’t want my father’s cadillac.