Last updated: 2026-05-15
Cadillac vs GMC: Reliability Compared
Cadillac
4 models tracked
GMC
5 models tracked
Comparing Cadillac and GMC on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
GMC currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than GMC?
| Metric | Cadillac | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 69/100 |
| Models Tracked | 4 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 17 | 29 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 198 | 1162 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $907/yr | $647/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Cadillac vs GMC: The Verdict
GMC edges out Cadillac on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 4 Cadillac and 5 GMC models, GMC averages 69/100 to 68/100 — a 1-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, GMC is cheaper to maintain at $647/year versus $907/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1300 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that GMC advantage.
Where Cadillac and GMC Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | GMC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 78/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Cadillac vs GMC: 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
GMC
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (69/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Cadillac and GMC Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
GMC
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac or GMC?
Based on independent repair cost data, GMC is cheaper to maintain at an average of $647/year compared to $907/year for Cadillac. That's a difference of $260/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1007/yr
Average: $907/yr
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Cadillac vs GMC Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | GMC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 68/100 | 69/100 | GMC |
GMC wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs GMC
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Cadillac | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 36%282 | 27%1,443 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%114 | 22%1,163 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%113 | 14%742 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%35 | 8%410 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6%46 | 7%372 |
| STEERING | 5%36 | 5%287 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6%49 | 5%245 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%33 | 3%169 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Cadillac vs GMC 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. GMC owners reported 128 crash-related, 34 fire-related, and 138 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
GMC
128
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
138
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and GMC Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Cadillac Models
Cadillac vs GMC 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. GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 76/100.
The trend lines are moving in opposite directions: GMC is getting more reliable while Cadillac is sliding. That's worth watching if you're buying a newer model year.
| Model Year | Cadillac | GMC | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(3) | 76/100(5) | GMC |
| 2024 | 67/100(3) | 75/100(5) | GMC |
| 2023 | 65/100(3) | 67/100(5) | GMC |
| 2022 | 59/100(1) | 67/100(5) | GMC |
| 2021 | 64/100(2) | 66/100(5) | GMC |
| 2020 | 69/100(2) | 68/100(5) | Cadillac |
| 2019 | 72/100(2) | 69/100(4) | Cadillac |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 68/100(5) | Cadillac |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Cadillac vs GMC: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Cadillac and GMC. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or GMC?
The data favors GMC, 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 Cadillac XT5 leads both lineups with a score of 74/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that GMC costs less to maintain — $647/year vs $907/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1300 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 GMC: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than GMC?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Cadillac or GMC?
Which make has more recalls, Cadillac or GMC?
What are the most reliable models from Cadillac and GMC?
What are the least reliable models from Cadillac and GMC?
What are the most common problems with Cadillac and GMC vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Cadillac or GMC?
How many Cadillac and GMC models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Cadillac or GMC?
Are Cadillac and GMC getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Cadillac or GMC?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Cadillac or GMC?
Comparing Cadillac vs GMC? 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.