2016 Cadillac CT6
The 2016 Cadillac CT6 marked Cadillac’s return to the full-size luxury sedan segment. It offered a blend of comfort, technology, and performance, aiming to compete with established European rivals. Engine options included a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 265 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6L V6 generating 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 delivering 404 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the CT6 for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. Common complaints centered on the complicated infotainment system, some build quality issues, and occasionally, reliability concerns.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining sound from the engine, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
- Recalls: None Found
3.6L V6
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Engine ticking or rattling noise, especially on startup, check engine light, potential for engine damage if left unaddressed.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioners.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level.
- Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or other affected seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+, depending on the location of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
- Catalytic Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor engine performance, reduced fuel economy.
- Solution: Replacement of catalytic converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining sound from the engine, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+ (due to the complexity and dual turbos)
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Sweet coolant smell, visible coolant leaks, overheating.
- Solution: Replacement of hoses, water pump, or other cooling system components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+, depending on the location of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (All Engines)
- Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, especially between lower gears, hesitation when accelerating, transmission slipping.
- Solution: Software update to the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Replacement of valve body if problem persists.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for software update. $800 - $2,000+ for valve body replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, especially under light load, transmission slipping.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride quality, uneven ride height, clunking noises from the suspension. Error message on the dash.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected MRC shock absorber.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500 per shock absorber.
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Suspension Problems (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, failure to maintain ride height, air compressor failure.
- Solution: Replacement of air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+, depending on the component.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- CUE Infotainment System Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Slow response times, screen freezing or blacking out, system reboots, connectivity issues (Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto).
- Solution: Software update, replacement of the CUE unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software update. $800 - $1,500+ for CUE unit replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, frequent jump starts.
- Solution: Identification and repair of parasitic drain, replacement of battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for diagnostic and repair. $200 - $400 for battery replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Headlights flickering, dimming, or failing to operate.
- Solution: Replacement of headlight bulbs, ballasts, or headlight assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per headlight, depending on the complexity.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Water Leaks (Sunroof/Trunk)
- Description/Symptoms: Water intrusion into the cabin or trunk, damp carpets, musty smell.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of sunroof seals, trunk seals, or drainage tubes.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on the location and severity of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Heater/Cooler Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters or coolers failing to operate or operate intermittently.
- Solution: Replacement of heating/cooling element or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per seat.
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window/Lock Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to roll up or down, door locks malfunctioning.
- Solution: Replacement of window motor, door lock actuator, or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window/door.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary The 2016 Cadillac CT6 had a mix of issues, ranging from minor electrical glitches to more significant engine and transmission problems. The engine issues, especially with the timing chains on the 3.6L V6 and turbocharger failures on the 3.0L, could be costly to repair. The 8-speed automatic transmission also had some issues with harsh shifting. The CUE infotainment system’s unresponsiveness was a common complaint. While the car offered a luxurious experience, potential buyers should be aware of these possible maintenance costs. Severity ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially major repairs.