Last updated: 2026-08-24
Cadillac vs Genesis: Reliability Compared
Cadillac
5 models tracked
Genesis
6 models tracked
Comparing Cadillac and Genesis on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Cadillac currently leads with an average score of 70/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than Genesis?
| Metric | Cadillac | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 67/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 201 | 97 |
Cadillac vs Genesis: The Verdict
The numbers favor Cadillac here, but Genesis isn't far behind. We scored 11 models between the two makes: Cadillac at 70/100 and Genesis at 67/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
Where Cadillac and Genesis Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | Genesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 61/100Good | 58/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 75/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Cadillac's advantage in recall impact (+7 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Cadillac vs Genesis: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($866/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Genesis
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
How Reliable Are Cadillac and Genesis Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
Genesis
Cadillac vs Genesis Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | Genesis | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 70/100 | 65/100 | Cadillac |
Cadillac wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs Genesis
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Cadillac | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 31%288 | 8%38 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%147 | 26%122 |
| POWER TRAIN | 16%147 | 15%72 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%66 | 14%64 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%47 | 4%18 |
| STEERING | 4%38 | 5%25 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5%49 | 1%6 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%37 | 2%8 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%15 | 5%23 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2%20 | 3%13 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Cadillac vs Genesis Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Cadillac owners reported 43 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 26 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Genesis owners reported 32 crash-related, 2 fire-related, and 18 injury-related complaints. Genesis 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
43
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Genesis
32
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
18
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and Genesis Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Cadillac Models
Cadillac vs Genesis Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Cadillac's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Genesis's reliability is improving — recent model years average 71/100.
| Model Year | Cadillac | Genesis | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(4) | 73/100(3) | Cadillac |
| 2025 | 73/100(5) | 69/100(5) | Cadillac |
| 2024 | 69/100(5) | 70/100(5) | Genesis |
| 2023 | 69/100(5) | 66/100(4) | Cadillac |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 64/100(3) | Cadillac |
| 2021 | 68/100(4) | 67/100(2) | Cadillac |
| 2020 | 69/100(4) | 67/100(2) | Cadillac |
| 2019 | 71/100(3) | 61/100(2) | Cadillac |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 55/100(1) | Cadillac |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Cadillac vs Genesis: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Cadillac and Genesis. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or Genesis?
Cadillac comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Cadillac XT5 leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
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 Genesis: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than Genesis?
Which make has more recalls, Cadillac or Genesis?
What are the most reliable models from Cadillac and Genesis?
What are the least reliable models from Cadillac and Genesis?
What are the most common problems with Cadillac and Genesis vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Cadillac or Genesis?
How many Cadillac and Genesis models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Cadillac or Genesis?
Are Cadillac and Genesis getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Cadillac or Genesis?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Cadillac or Genesis?
Comparing Cadillac vs Genesis? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Cadillac comparisons
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 via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.