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Cadillac CTS

2003-07 models built after September 2002

MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Good

Structure/safety cage	Injury measures				Restraints/dummy kinematics
Structure/safety cage	Head/neck	Chest	Leg/foot, left	Leg/foot, right	Restraints/dummy kinematics

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Good Good Acceptable Marginal Poor 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 — In the second test, measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. Head acceleration from the roof rail hit was negligible.

Watch crash test footage for this vehicle on YouTube Tested model year and trim level only; see "Tested vehicle specifications" below

Left to right:

Action shot taken during the second of two frontal offset crash tests.
The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the second crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.
Loading of the head into the airbag is shown in this photo taken during the second test.
Dummies' knees and/or shins routinely hit and often damage the areas under the dashboard. These areas are smoothly contoured in the CTS.

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: 3,554 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

See all test results for Cadillac CTS

Last updated: October 6, 2006