Model year

2016 Cadillac CT6

Sedan, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 10, 2018 to Oct 20, 2025.

Recall campaigns covering this model year322k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints11Close to the median 2016 sedan
Severity index27.32016 sedans average 7.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2016 Cadillac CT6 peaked in 2025, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

012342018201920202021202220232024202542026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

55% of complaints about the 2016 Cadillac CT6 name powertrain

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Powertrain
6
Airbags
2
Engine and cooling
2
Fuel system
1
Suspension
1
Wheels
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

3 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Cadillac CT6

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2016 Cadillac CT6
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
21V-759Sep 29, 2021Park/Position lights may be excessively brightLighting181Repair or modification
18V-437Jun 28, 2018Inboard child seat anchorage bars may have had excess structural adhesive applied during assembly, which can interfere with the installation of a…Child seats22,043Repair or modification
16V-687Sep 23, 2016Bolt that connects the front passenger seat belt webbing to the seat's anchor plate may be missingSeat belts131Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2016 Cadillac CT6

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

11 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Oct 20, 2025Failure Sep 27, 2025Philadelphia, PAAir bagsCrash1 injured1 killed

    The contact's husband owned a 2016 Cadillac CT6. The contact stated that while her husband was making a left turn, the vehicle was struck on the front passenger side by another vehicle. The contact stated that her husbands air bag did not deploy. Medical attention was needed, and the contact's husband was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to the tow lot, where it was deemed a total loss. The contact stated that there were no additional injuries. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was unknown.

    NHTSA complaint 11694492
  2. Filed Aug 8, 2025Failure Mar 2, 2025Lamarque, TXEngine

    The turbo boost failed cylinder 2 ( after being repaired ) continues to show issues

    NHTSA complaint 11679344
  3. Filed Mar 31, 2025Failure Feb 17, 2025Desert Hot Springs, CAPower train

    I am experiencing recurring transmission and drivability issues with my 2016 Cadillac CT6. 1.Rough Shifting: When shifting from park to reverse, the transmission shifts roughly, causing a noticeable jolt throughout the vehicle. 2.Fluid Leakage: I have observed fluid leaking from underneath the car when parked in my driveway. However, the leak is inconsistent—it disappears for a few days after rain or washing my driveway but then reappears under similar conditions. 3.Delayed Shifting: When accelerating from a stoplight, there is a delay before the transmission engages, causing hesitation before the car moves forward. 4.Automatic Start-Stop Issue: The vehicle has an automatic engine shut-off feature that activates when stopping at a light. When I take my foot off the brake, the engine restarts abruptly, causing a harsh jerk that shakes the entire car. This makes it feel like the transmission or another component is not engaging smoothly. 5.Check Engine Light Issue: The check engine light came on for a day, but before I could take it to a repair facility, it turned off on its own. Because of this, I was unable to retrieve any diagnostic codes. I am concerned these issues indicate a faulty transmission system or related defect that may worsen over time. I request an investigation into whether this is a common defect in the 2016 Cadillac CT6 and if any recalls or manufacturer repairs are available.

    NHTSA complaint 11651834
  4. Filed Feb 2, 2025Failure Jan 26, 2025El Dorado, ARPower train

    The car keep losing power pressure when driving it's jerk when put into gear

    NHTSA complaint 11640230
  5. Filed Apr 15, 2024Failure Aug 20, 202019,000 milesBoston, MAPower train

    The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CT6. The contact stated that while in reverse, the vehicle accelerated inadvertently. The brake pedal was depressed to stop the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving between 30-45 MPH on several occasions, the gears shifted, and the vehicle jolted forward. Additionally, that contact stated that the vehicle was constantly shaking. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was first not able to be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer for the third time where it was diagnosed that an unknown harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred a month later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11583068
  6. Filed Aug 4, 2023Failure Nov 1, 2022Waldorf, MDFuel/propulsion system, Power train, Unknown or other

    Approximately in November 2022, I was driving my 2016 Cadillac CT6. While operating at a normal speed of 40 mph, while in traffic the vehicle began to hesitate and a loss of power. The vehicle was towed to Waldorf Cadillac & Chevrolet. The vehicle was diagnosed with a transfer case issue. The vehicle in the repair shop for approximately 4 months. I retrieve my vehicle in February 2023, with a brand-new Transfer Case with a price tag of $2,200.00. On Thursday, August 3, 2023, I managed to drive the vehicle back to Waldorf Cadillac & Chevrolet to have to vehicle repaired. The vehicle is doing the same thing it was doing , when the vehicle was previously in the Repair Shop. The Technician informed me that Cadillac recommend the fluid in the transmission be changed to a high-performance fluid. This recommendation was issued to the dealers several months ago. Now the dealer is charging me approximately $1,000.00 for Transmission Fluid. I asked the Technician why the problem wasn't corrected while previously in the shop. No reply. If Cadillac knows this is the problem, why is the customer being charged for this service, if this will correct the problem. There is 64,000 miles on my vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11536546
  7. Filed Mar 25, 2023Failure Aug 2, 2020Abington, PAPower train

    Vehicle has sudden violent forward Jerking motion at stops, delayed performance when accelerating ,hard shifting when changing gears, clunking noise when shifting into low gear

    NHTSA complaint 11513710
  8. Filed Apr 15, 2021Failure Apr 11, 202158,000 milesMishawaka, INAir bagsCrash1 injured

    VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HWY. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN LAUNCHED INTO A DITCH. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE INCIDENT.

    NHTSA complaint 11408187
  9. Filed Aug 25, 2020Failure Aug 24, 202016,500 milesWestville, NJEngine

    WHEN I AM TURNING UNDER 25 MPH, I ACCELERATE AND THERE IS A DELAY AND A DRAG BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE. IF I DO NOT ALLOW ROOM, I COULD GET HIT BECAUSE THERE IS A DELAY. VERY DANGEROUS. ALMOST FEELS LIKE A VACUUM ISSUE.

    NHTSA complaint 11351240
  10. Filed Nov 1, 2018Failure Jul 31, 2018750 milesJenkintown, PAPower train

    CAR WILL NOT RESPOND FOR AT LEAST 2 SECONDS DURING A SLOW, ROLLING STOP, WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. UNABLE TO PERFORM EVASIVE MANUEVER, IF NEEDED, SECONDARY TO THE DELAY TO ACCELERATOR INPUT. HARSH 2-1 DOWNSHIFTS ALSO AT SLOW SPEEDS AND CAN EVEN FEEL AS THOUGH YOU WERE STRUCK FROM BEHIND. HIGHWAY DRIVING IS EXCELLENT; CITY DRIVING CHALLENGING WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE DRIVER HAS TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. FIND IT VERY UNUSUAL AFTER OWNING 5 OTHER CADILLACS AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS A PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED VEHICLE FROM CADILLAC DEALER. THE CAR HAD 650 MILES ON IT AND I TRULY BEATIFUL/SHOWROOM CONDITION. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION RE-FLASHED, WHICH PROVIDED PERHAPS A 1-2 DAYS RELIEF. I WILL CONTINNUE TO PERSUE WITH DEALER, BUT WANTED YOU GUYS TO BE AWARE. CADILLAC SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM; NEW/DIFFERENT TYPE OF TRANSMISSION OR RE-WORK THE 8L45/8L90'S WITH DIFFERNET VLAVES/SOFTWARE OR BUY IT BACK FROM ME.

    NHTSA complaint 11144689
  11. Filed May 10, 2018Failure Feb 1, 20182,300 milesGrapevine, TXSuspension, Unknown or other, WheelsCrash

    THIS CAR HAS SAFETY ISSUES. I PURCHASED A YEAR AGO. THE AXLE AND WHEEL BROKE OFF IN ON THE CAR WITHIN 30 DAYS. THE CAR HAS HUGE MANUFACTURER BREAKDOWN. IT WOULDN'T START DIDN'T CARE WHAT GEAR IT WAS IN IT WAS ROLLING AND ALMOST RAN OVER MY FRIEND AND RAN OFF INTO A DITCH. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS IN CAR DUE TO THE REAR SUSPENSION. SHAKING. I BROUGHT IT IN AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO DUPLICATE IT. BOTH TIRES HAVE BLOW OFF THIS 2016 CT6 WITH 23K MILES ON IT I BOUGHT IT WITH 26 MILES ON IT 100K WARRANTY NO DEDUCTIBLE, SCRATCH DENT AND DING REPAIR AND GMAC OR FRANK KENT WHERE I PURCHASE THE CAR NO WILL THE DEALERS. I BOUGHT THE EXTRA CONTRACTS FOR ARE BLOWING ME OFF. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP NOW B/C IT TORE OFF BOTH MIRRORS BACKING INTO GARAGE. I HAVE NO SIDE MIRROR. THE CAR WAS DRIVING ITSELF THEY CORRECT IS SELF AND BACKED INTO WALL. BLOWOUT OF NEW TIRES, NAVIGATION'S ISSUE TELLING ME TO GO TO THE WRONG PLACES BUT SCREEN SHOWS SOMETHING ELSE. HAVING TO CALL ONSTAR JUST TO CHECK DIAGNOSTICS TO SEE IF NEW CAR IS OKAY. BUT THEY CAME BACK WITH GREEN WITH ALL THE BENT, AXLE BROKEN OFF WHEEL, BLOWOUTS NAVIGATION ISSUES AUTO-STOP AND INDICATOR LIGHTS NOT WORKING IN THE CAR.I WONDER IF THE WHEEL IS ABOUT TO BREAK OFF AGAIN WITH IT BEING BENT ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THEY SAY STILL SAFE TO DRIVE! REALLY! I WANT THIS CAR FIXED OR ANOTHER CAR. ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE THAN IT HAS BEEN WITH ME. I HAD TO PURCHASE NEW CASH DUE TO THIS RIGHT SIDE AND SUSPENSION. THE BEST PLACE FOR THE CAR NOW IS WHERE IT IS IN THE SHIP. STEERING CAR IS OUT OF LINE PULLS TO RIGHT HARD TO STEER DUE TO AWD CAR

    NHTSA complaint 11093258
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

1,372 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • PIT5698F Sep 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
  • PIP5700H Sep 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
  • PIP4902W Sep 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT5099J Jul 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PI to help diagnose A/C concern
  • PIT3271Q Apr 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
  • PIP6104 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
  • PIP4902V Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIP5700G Jan 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
  • PIP4902U Jan 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • 25-NA-156 Jun 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
  • 00-06-01-026R Jun 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
  • PIT5214G Nov 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of Genera…
  • PIP5700F Oct 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
  • 23-NA-153 May 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
  • PIP6088 Oct 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI Addresses a possible solenoid wiring fault and how to inspect the build date to identify
  • PIP6086 Sep 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI advises dealers to inspect for a missing pump gasket if the vehicle exhibits no movement following a VB replacement
  • PIP6085 Sep 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates a possible issue with an engine timing chain, gear or crankshaft key.
  • 13598 Sep 9, 2025 · Other
    New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
  • PIP4902T Aug 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIC5650M Aug 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B306…
  • 15-NA-010 May 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
  • PIP4902S Jun 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PI0281L Apr 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • 07-00-89-037W Apr 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
  • PIP4964F May 29, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Code P2097 or P2099. Technician will need to perform an i…
  • PIC6352B Apr 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to inspect the LVDS cable connections if unable to learn the Night Vision camera.
  • 25-NA-087 Apr 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
  • 25-NA-052 Mar 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
  • 13-08-116-001K Mar 31, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
  • 24-NA-098 Mar 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
  • 25-NA-065 Mar 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
  • 15-06-03-001F Mar 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
  • 08-03-10-006I Mar 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
  • PIT5551R Apr 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates a "Forward Collision System Reduced" message displayed on the DIC when the Forward Automatic Braking has been set to the "Alert" setting.  This is normal when the FAB has been set to  "Alert".
  • 25-NA-052 Mar 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
  • PIP5943A Mar 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician on diagnostic aids to help with the diagnosis and repair of 8 Speed Transmissions
  • 17-NA-073 Mar 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
  • 05-03-07-009L Feb 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
  • 11-00-89-005Y Feb 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only).
  • 05-08-51-001L Feb 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film.
  • PIP5966A Mar 2, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
  • PIP5966A Mar 2, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
  • 16-NA-109 Feb 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
  • 07-00-89-037V Feb 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
  • PIP5358D Feb 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessm…
  • PIT5551Q Feb 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates a "Forward Collision System Reduced" message displayed on the DIC when the Forward Automatic Braking has been set to the "Alert" setting.  This is normal when the FAB has been set to  "Alert".
  • 16-NA-019 Feb 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
  • 22-NA-074 Jan 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
  • 21-NA-043 Jan 31, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
  • 10-08-110-001L Jan 31, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
  • 01-08-42-001Q Jan 27, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines.
  • 09-06-04-026Z Jan 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
  • 07-00-89-037U Jan 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
  • 20-NA-132 Jan 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
  • 18-NA-263 Dec 14, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information for variable diagnostic time allowances on select labor operations (U.S. Only).
  • 08-07-30-035I Nov 27, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
  • 19-NA-219 Nov 22, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.