Cadillac CTS
2003 models built before October 2002MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Chest | Leg/foot, left | Leg/foot, right | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Cadillac CTS was introduced in the 2003 model year as a replacement for the Cadillac Catera.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the CTS in two 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into deformable barriers. In the first test, the airbag deployed too late for optimal head protection. This led Cadillac to modify the airbag crash sensors on models produced after September 2002 (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door). The Institute tested a second CTS with the modified sensors, and the airbag inflated earlier.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. During rebound in both tests, the dummy's head hit the roof rail.
Injury measures — Measures taken from the neck, chest and left leg indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in the first test in a crash of this severity. A high acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, indicating that head injuries would be possible. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible. Head acceleration from the roof rail hit was low.
Left to right:
- Action shot taken during the first of two frontal offset crash tests.
- The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the first crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.
- A high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head bottomed out the airbag and hit the steering wheel in the first test.
- Forces on the lower right leg were high enough to indicate the possibility of injury in the first test.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Electronic stability control (optional)
- Antilock brakes
- Daytime running lights
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2003 Cadillac CTS 4-door
- Class: Large luxury car
- Weight: 3,627 lbs.
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Wheelbase: 113 in.
- Length: 190 in.
- Width: 71 in.
- Engine: 3.2 L V6
- EPA ratings: 18 mpg city | 26 mpg highway
