2018 Cadillac Cts
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2018 Cadillac Cts maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Cadillac Cts.
For oil changes, the 2018 Cadillac Cts takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 6 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Cadillac Cts, torque the lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2018 Cadillac Cts have reported 5 common issues including "CUE Touchscreen Delamination and Unresponsive Touch", "3.6L V6 Engine Oil Consumption" and "Electronic Parking Brake Malfunction". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 2 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Cadillac Cts. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2018 Cadillac Cts uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (6 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 140 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Cadillac Cts. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Cadillac Cts.
Common problems reported by 2018 Cadillac Cts owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
CUE Touchscreen Delamination and Unresponsive Touch
The CUE infotainment touchscreen suffers from the same widespread delamination issue as all CUE-equipped Cadillacs. The screen layers separate, creating a cloudy or bubbly appearance, and touch responsiveness degrades to the point where the system becomes unusable. Climate controls routed through the CUE screen become inaccessible, forcing manual workarounds.
Replace the CUE touchscreen display. GM's Customer Satisfaction Program 14311 extended coverage to 4 years/50,000 miles but has likely expired for 2016 models. Aftermarket replacement screens with improved adhesive technology are available for $200-$400 and install in about 30 minutes with basic tools.
Est. Cost: $200 - $400 (aftermarket); $800 - $1,500 (dealer)3.6L V6 Engine Oil Consumption
The 3.6L LGX V6 engine consumes oil between changes at a rate some owners find excessive, with reports of 1 quart consumed every 2,000-3,000 miles. GM considers up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles within specification for this engine. The piston ring design allows oil to pass into the combustion chambers, and the high-feature DOHC valve train has multiple potential leak points at the valve cover gaskets.
Monitor oil level between changes and top off as needed. If consumption exceeds GM's specification, an oil consumption test can be performed under powertrain warranty. Using a heavier-weight synthetic oil (0W-40 instead of 5W-30) may reduce consumption in some cases. Severe oil consumption may require piston ring replacement.
Est. Cost: $0 (oil monitoring) - $3,000+ (piston ring replacement)Electronic Parking Brake Malfunction
The electronic parking brake (EPB) can fail to engage, fail to release, or engage unexpectedly while driving. Owners report a 'Service Parking Brake' warning message, the parking brake applying itself while the vehicle is moving at low speed, and the inability to release the parking brake after engaging it. The EPB actuator motor or its control module is typically at fault.
Dealer diagnoses the EPB system using GM diagnostic tools. Replace the EPB actuator motor on the affected caliper. Reprogram the EPB module with the latest software calibration. If the issue is in the EPB switch on the center console, replace the switch. Reference GM TSB 16-NA-182 for electronic parking brake diagnosis.
Est. Cost: $300 - $800Magnetic Ride Control Shock Absorber Leak (if equipped)
CTS models equipped with Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension experience premature shock absorber failure. The MRC shocks contain magnetorheological fluid that leaks from worn seals, causing a visible fluid trail on the shock body and degraded ride quality. Owners notice excessive body movement, bottoming over bumps, and a warning message on the dash.
Replace the failed MRC shock absorber(s) with OEM or aftermarket MRC-compatible units. Genuine GM MRC shocks are expensive. Aftermarket options from companies like Arnott and Bilstein offer MRC-compatible replacements at lower cost. Some owners convert to conventional high-performance shocks to eliminate the MRC system entirely.
Est. Cost: $300 - $700 per shock (aftermarket); $600 - $1,200 per shock (OEM)Rear Seat Pass-Through Water Leak
Water leaks into the trunk and rear seat area through the rear glass seal, trunk seal, or tail light gaskets. The water pools in the spare tire well and soaks the trunk carpet, causing mold, mildew, and a musty smell. In severe cases, the water reaches the rear seat area and damages the wiring harness for the rear seat heaters and power recline modules.
Inspect the trunk weatherstripping, rear glass seal, and tail light gaskets for deterioration. Replace any failed seals and reapply sealant as needed. Dry the trunk completely, remove and dry the spare tire well carpet, and check for mold growth. If electronics have been water-damaged, inspect and replace affected modules.
Est. Cost: $100 - $400 (seal replacement); $500+ (if electronics damaged)2 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Cadillac Cts. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.