Last updated: 2026-05-15
Cadillac vs Chevrolet: Reliability Compared
Cadillac
4 models tracked
Chevrolet
13 models tracked
Comparing Cadillac and Chevrolet on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Chevrolet currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than Chevrolet?
| Metric | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 4 | 13 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 17 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 198 | 1004 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $907/yr | $634/yr |
Cadillac vs Chevrolet: The Verdict
The numbers favor Chevrolet here, but Cadillac isn't far behind. We scored 17 models between the two makes: Cadillac at 68/100 and Chevrolet at 72/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at $634/year versus $907/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1365 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Chevrolet's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Cadillac and Chevrolet Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 71/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 79/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
Chevrolet's advantage in repair costs (+9 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Cadillac vs Chevrolet: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 3 of 4 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($907/year avg)
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($634/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 13 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 134 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Cadillac and Chevrolet Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac or Chevrolet?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at an average of $634/year compared to $907/year for Cadillac. That's a difference of $273/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1007/yr
Average: $907/yr
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $634/yr
Cadillac vs Chevrolet Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 8 models) | 68/100 | 70/100 | Chevrolet |
Chevrolet wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs Chevrolet
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 15%114 | 24%2,809 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%113 | 18%2,063 |
| ENGINE | 36%282 | 15%1,758 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6%46 | 9%1,001 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%35 | 8%987 |
| STEERING | 5%36 | 7%805 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%5 | 3%357 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6%49 | 3%304 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%33 | 1%66 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Cadillac vs Chevrolet Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Cadillac owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 26 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Chevrolet owners reported 408 crash-related, 134 fire-related, and 375 injury-related complaints. Cadillac has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Cadillac
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Chevrolet
408
Crash reports
134
Fire reports
375
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and Chevrolet Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Cadillac Models
Chevrolet Models
Cadillac vs Chevrolet Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Cadillac's reliability is declining in recent model years, which is worth noting if you're shopping for a newer vehicle. Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 76/100.
Chevrolet's recent trajectory is encouraging, while Cadillac has been trending the wrong way. For newer model years, this momentum matters.
| Model Year | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(3) | 78/100(11) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 67/100(3) | 74/100(12) | Chevrolet |
| 2023 | 65/100(3) | 73/100(11) | Chevrolet |
| 2022 | 59/100(1) | 73/100(11) | Chevrolet |
| 2021 | 64/100(2) | 70/100(11) | Chevrolet |
| 2020 | 69/100(2) | 71/100(11) | Chevrolet |
| 2019 | 72/100(2) | 69/100(12) | Cadillac |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 68/100(11) | Cadillac |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Cadillac vs Chevrolet: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Cadillac and Chevrolet. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or Chevrolet?
The data favors Chevrolet, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Chevrolet Trax leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Chevrolet costs less to maintain — $634/year vs $907/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1365 in savings.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Cadillac vs Chevrolet: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than Chevrolet?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Cadillac or Chevrolet?
Which make has more recalls, Cadillac or Chevrolet?
What are the most reliable models from Cadillac and Chevrolet?
What are the least reliable models from Cadillac and Chevrolet?
What are the most common problems with Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Cadillac or Chevrolet?
How many Cadillac and Chevrolet models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Cadillac or Chevrolet?
Are Cadillac and Chevrolet getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Cadillac or Chevrolet?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Cadillac or Chevrolet?
Comparing Cadillac vs Chevrolet? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.