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Cadillac Cts Problems

The Cadillac CTS is a luxury sport sedan produced from 2003 to 2019, representing Cadillac's push into BMW and Mercedes territory. With over 6,100 complaints and 26 reported deaths, the CTS has a mixed reliability record that varies by generation. The CTS offered sharp handling and distinctive styling that departed from traditional Cadillac designs. The high-performance CTS-V variants became genuine performance benchmarks.

6,168
Total Complaints
47
Total Recalls
17
Model Years
26
Reported Deaths
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

2012 2015 2016

Common Problem Categories

Power Train 950
Air Bags 782
Electrical System 768
Engine 466
Service Brakes 386

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2019 32 0 0 0 Good
2018 16 2 2 0 Good
2017 64 2 2 0 Good
2016 94 3 0 6 Good
2015 130 2 8 6 Good
2014 382 6 16 0 Average
2013 212 2 40 0 Average
2012 160 2 20 0 Good
2011 296 2 28 12 Average
2010 202 3 6 4 Average
2009 444 4 36 0 Average
2008 502 2 30 16 Average
2007 622 4 88 18 Below Average
2006 732 4 78 6 Below Average
2005 792 4 90 12 Below Average
2004 588 3 66 2 Below Average
2003 900 2 92 38 Below Average

Cadillac Cts Years to Avoid

The 2003 Cadillac CTS is the worst year to avoid, being the first year of an all-new model with typical launch quality issues. The 2003-2007 first-generation models experienced problems with the rear differential, suspension components, and various electrical systems. The 2008-2013 second-generation models with the 3.6L direct-injection V6 had timing chain issues similar to other GM vehicles with this engine. The CUE infotainment system in 2013-2019 models is prone to touchscreen delamination and unresponsive behavior.

Best Cadillac Cts Years

The 2018 model year CTS offers refined third-generation performance with resolved early-model issues. The 2014-2016 models benefit from production improvements while avoiding end-of-cycle neglect. The CTS-V models from 2016-2019 offer supercar performance with generally good reliability for such high-performance vehicles. Look for examples with documented dealer maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions