Recall 18V595 affects 52,867 2014-2016 Cadillac Cts vehicles for overheating front seat heaters. Repair is free at any franchised Cadillac dealer.
Cadillac is recalling 52,867 2014-2016 Cts vehicles with heated front seats because the flexible heating mats can become damaged and produce excessive heat. In cold weather, a damaged seat heater can turn on during remote start when no one is inside, which increases the risk of fire; Cadillac dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The heated front seats in the 2014-2016 Cadillac Cts use flexible heating mats built into the seat cushions. Those mats contain electrical conductors that warm the seat when the heater is turned on, including when the vehicle uses automatic heated-seat activation after remote start. The system depends on the mat staying intact as people get in, sit down, and move in the seat.
On affected Cts vehicles, mechanical strain can damage the conductor inside the seat heater mat. A damaged area creates higher electrical resistance, which concentrates heat in that spot instead of spreading it evenly through the mat. Over time, that damaged section can produce excessive heat when the seat heater is active, especially if the heater turns on while the vehicle is unoccupied.
Occupants can notice that the seat heater produces no heat, uneven heat, or excess heat in specific spots. Those are warning signs that the heater mat is not working as designed.
Who's affected?
This spans 3 model years for the Cts, all tied to the seat assembly.
| 2016 Cadillac Cts | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2015 Cadillac Cts | seat assembly |
| 2014 Cadillac Cts | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 52,867 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
In cold weather, a damaged seat heater that turns on during remote start can overheat while the vehicle is unattended, increasing the risk of fire. Warning signs include no heat, uneven heat, or overly hot spots from the seat heater. Avoid remote start until the recall repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Cadillac dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Cadillac Cts is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Cadillac dealer to schedule the free body-control-module recalibration that stops automatic heated-seat activation after remote start.
- Bring the recall notice if Cadillac sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V595 when you call.
- Avoid using remote start until the dealer completes the recalibration.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Cadillac technician recalibrates the body control module software. The update disables automatic activation of the heated front seats when the vehicle is remotely started, which addresses the excessive heat condition described in recall 18V595. The recall repair is free, with software work and labor covered by Cadillac. Because the remedy is available, schedule service with a Cadillac dealer and ask the service desk to reference GM recall 18286.
Timeline
| September 7, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 7, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 7, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 31, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 1, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V595?
Recall 18V595 covers 52,867 2014-2016 Cadillac Cts vehicles equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats can become damaged over time and produce excessive heat. Cadillac dealers recalibrate the body control module for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Cadillac Cts is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V595. If it is, contact a franchised Cadillac dealer to schedule the body control module recalibration. The repair disables automatic heated-seat activation during remote start and is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Cadillac dealers will recalibrate the body control module free of charge. The recall repair began November 1, 2018.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a seat-heater fire after remote start in cold temperatures. If a damaged seat heater turns on while no one is inside the vehicle, the heater can overheat and increase the risk of a fire.
What if I bought my Cadillac Cts used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Cts is included, then call a franchised Cadillac dealer and reference recall 18V595 when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V595000 |
|---|---|
| Cadillac customer service | 1-800-458-8006 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V595 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V595000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →