Is Cadillac reliable?
34% of the 62 Cadillacs we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, averaging 53/100 — they tend to be in noticeably worse shape than average.
#24 of 24
Longevity rank#1 Tesla holds up to ~190k~76k
Trouble-free mileageacross all body styles62
Cadillacs inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections53/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100Based on 62 used Cadillacs we inspected, they tend to be in noticeably worse shape than average — average condition 53/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
56%
Oil leaks · Engine
56%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
45%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
35%
Dirty or low engine oil · Engine
24%
Share of inspected Cadillacs where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 15%
Good 19%
Mediocre 35%
Poor 31%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on Cadillacs.
71%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
5%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
24%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
Compare with another brand:
Cross-shopping? Cadillac vs BMW · Cadillac vs Lexus · Cadillac vs Mercedes
How long does a Cadillac last?
Across every Cadillac body style we've inspected — sedans, SUVs and anything else pooled together — the average one's condition dips below decent (a 55/100 score) around ~76k miles. It ranks Cadillac #24 of 24 brands we have enough data to rate; the longest-lasting, Tesla, holds up to ~190k. Shopping a Cadillac near that mileage? Expect more wear ahead — see which makes give the best odds at your budget.
Good cars by mileage
Good cars by age
Share of Cadillacs in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
Cadillac models we've inspected
Escalade
16 cars · profile soon
CTS
12 cars · profile soon
Recently inspected:
2014 Cadillac CTS · 96k mi — flagged: smoothness, low coolant / cooling system issues, oil leaks. Inspected Aug 30.
2016 Cadillac XTS · 38k mi — flagged: fuel trim out of range, body control module. Inspected Aug 21.
The bottom line
Any Cadillac on a lot needs an engine-first look. Fuel-trim problems and oil leaks hit more than half of them, with dirty or low oil and active error codes close behind, so check for leaks, oil condition, and a live scan before you talk money. These cars typically fall below decent shape around 76,000 miles and rank last for longevity, so stay well under that mileage or be ready to walk. Worn tires show up often enough to use as a bargaining chip. If the engine is already leaking or throwing fuel-trim faults, leave — this brand does not hold up.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems with a used Cadillac?
Across the Cadillacs we inspected, the items we flag most often are fuel trim out of range (56%), oil leaks (56%), active error codes (45%).
Thinking of buying a Cadillac? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 62 inspections · updated Sep 11, 2026
