Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
320–25K
1825–50K
2950–75K
2675–100K
23100–150K
1150K+
129 reports with mileage · 38 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
10 crash reports0 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
167 reports
59,000 miles · Sep 9, 2012
Equipment
WHILE JACKING UP THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR THE JACK BROKE AT THE BASE OF THE JACK WHERE THE TWO LEVERS CONNECT AND THE CAR FELL ABOUT A FOOT THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE JACK WAS SEATED LEVEL ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR AND IN AN UP RIGHT POSITION. I WAS NOT UNDER THE CAR, SO I WAS NOT INJURED. THE JACK HAS ONLY BEEN USED ABOUT FO…
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WHILE JACKING UP THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR THE JACK BROKE AT THE BASE OF THE JACK WHERE THE TWO LEVERS CONNECT AND THE CAR FELL ABOUT A FOOT THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE JACK WAS SEATED LEVEL ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR AND IN AN UP RIGHT POSITION. I WAS NOT UNDER THE CAR, SO I WAS NOT INJURED. THE JACK HAS ONLY BEEN USED ABOUT FOUR PREVIOUS TIMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10474404
16,900 miles · Oct 30, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrash
WE WERE LEAVING A DINER PARKING LOT IN THE AFTERNOON, WHEN I HAD TO STOP FOR A DELIVERY TRUCK BLOCKING OUR EXIT. WHEN THE TRUCK PULLED FORWARD I LIGHTLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD AND TO OUR LEFT(MY WIFE WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME). I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR CONTINUED FORWARD AND BEGAN …
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WE WERE LEAVING A DINER PARKING LOT IN THE AFTERNOON, WHEN I HAD TO STOP FOR A DELIVERY TRUCK BLOCKING OUR EXIT. WHEN THE TRUCK PULLED FORWARD I LIGHTLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD AND TO OUR LEFT(MY WIFE WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME). I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR CONTINUED FORWARD AND BEGAN TO TURN TO THE RIGHT AND I TRIED TO STEER THE CAR TO THE LEFT BUT THE STEERING DID NOT RESPOND RESULTING IN MY HITTING TWO PARKED CARS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE CADILLAC DEALER. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND SUGGESTED THAT THE SURGE WAS CAUSED MY A SECONDARY CAR MAT BUT COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE STEERING PROBLEM. THIS SAME SITUATION OCCURRED DURING OUR SEVERE SNOW STORM LAST WINTER. AT THE TIME I ASSUMED IT WAS DUE TO ICING CONDITIONS ON THE ROAD AND MY DEALER INDICATED THAT THEY HAD RESET THE CAR CODES TO CORRECT ANY ERRORS(STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT STAYED ON)
NHTSA ODI #10434468
Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2011
Electrical System
2009 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NOTICE OF RECALL FOR REMOVAL OF HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM *TGW THE CONSUMER DOES NOT WANT TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED ON HER VEHICLE, BECAUSE IT IS NOT NEEDED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10424802
13,000 miles · Jul 30, 2011
Electrical System
2009 CADILLAC CTS4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DRAINS BATTERY WHEN NOT DRIVEN 7-10 DAYS. THEN, CAR IS COMPLETELY DEAD. CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE FOUR TIMES NOW AND THE THIRD TIME WAS HELD FOR MORE THAN THREE WEEKS. NOW THE FOURTH TIME, GM HAS HAD THE CAR MORE THAN THREE WEEKS AGAIN WITH NO IDEA WHEN PROBLEM WILL BE DIAGNOSED OR SOLVE…
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2009 CADILLAC CTS4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DRAINS BATTERY WHEN NOT DRIVEN 7-10 DAYS. THEN, CAR IS COMPLETELY DEAD. CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE FOUR TIMES NOW AND THE THIRD TIME WAS HELD FOR MORE THAN THREE WEEKS. NOW THE FOURTH TIME, GM HAS HAD THE CAR MORE THAN THREE WEEKS AGAIN WITH NO IDEA WHEN PROBLEM WILL BE DIAGNOSED OR SOLVED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10416315
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2011
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
2009 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH SCREECHING BRAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. *TGW THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WA AFFECTED BY THE RECALL, REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN THE CONSUMER CALLED GM, SHE WAS INFORMED A LETTER WOULD BE SENT TO HER. UPDATED 08/27/14 UPDATED 09/11/14
NHTSA ODI #10401972
47,188 miles · Apr 28, 2011
SuspensionWheels
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS CAUSING THE SQUEAKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER WHILE DRIVI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS CAUSING THE SQUEAKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CONTACT BEGAN EXAMINING THE WHEEL AND NOTICED THERE WERE TWO HOLES IN THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE HOLES MOST LIKELY RESULTED FROM DEBRIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,188 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,288.
NHTSA ODI #10398090
27,248 miles · Apr 10, 2011
Exterior Lighting
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ON THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLAMP MELTED AND PREVENTED THE USE OF THE HEADLIGHT. SECOND INCIDENT IN 8 MONTHS, WITH THE FIRST OCCURRING ON THE LEFT FRONT HEADLAMP. DEALER BLAMED INCIDENT ON HEAT GENERATED BY THE HALOGEN HEADLAMP.
NHTSA ODI #10396273
10 miles · Mar 28, 2011
StructureSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY 2 MPH WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOWER AND DRAG TOWARD THE GROUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONLY WHEN ENTERING AND EXITING A DRIVEWAY OR WHEN DRIVING ON ROAD SURFACES WITH FIVE TO SIX INCHES OF SNOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY 2 MPH WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOWER AND DRAG TOWARD THE GROUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONLY WHEN ENTERING AND EXITING A DRIVEWAY OR WHEN DRIVING ON ROAD SURFACES WITH FIVE TO SIX INCHES OF SNOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10. UPDATED 05/03/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SITS TOO LOW TO THE GROUND, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT END TO DRAG. UPDATED 11/16/11
NHTSA ODI #10393083
13,187 miles · Mar 8, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURERS SATISFACTION PROGRAM FOR THE TIMING CHAIN. AFTER THE REMEDY WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURERS SATISFACTION PROGRAM FOR THE TIMING CHAIN. AFTER THE REMEDY WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,187.
NHTSA ODI #10386891
Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2011
Exterior Lighting
I AM FINDING THAT THE NEWER VEHICLES WITH THE LED TAIL LIGHTS ARE VERY DISTRACTING. WHEN FOLLOWING THESE CARS AND MOVING MY EYES FROM SIDE TO SIDE THE PWM SWITCHING FREQUENCY CAUSES ME TO SEE A STROBING EFFECT. THIS SEEMS TO BE WORSE ON THE CADILLAC'S WITH THE LARGER TAIL LIGHTS. BUT THERE ARE GETTING TO BE MORE AND MORE CARS…
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I AM FINDING THAT THE NEWER VEHICLES WITH THE LED TAIL LIGHTS ARE VERY DISTRACTING. WHEN FOLLOWING THESE CARS AND MOVING MY EYES FROM SIDE TO SIDE THE PWM SWITCHING FREQUENCY CAUSES ME TO SEE A STROBING EFFECT. THIS SEEMS TO BE WORSE ON THE CADILLAC'S WITH THE LARGER TAIL LIGHTS. BUT THERE ARE GETTING TO BE MORE AND MORE CARS WITH THE NEW LED LIGHT. APPARENTLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE LIGHTS GO ON STEADY AND I DO NOT SEE THE EFFECT. SOME OF THE NEWER SIGNS ON SOME OF THE KWIK TRIP STORES IN OUR AREA ARE ALSO DISTRACTING. WHEN SEEN IT MAKES ME THINK THERE IS A FIRE TRUCK OR POLICE CAR WITH THE FLASHERS ON. IT WILL BE A BIG PROBLEM WHEN MORE CAR COMPANIES START USING THEM. *TR
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A WAX COATING ON THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK JAM NUTS MAY ALLOW THE NUT(S) TO LOOSEN. IF A NUT SUFFICIENTLY LOOSENS, THE TOE LINK COULD SEPARATE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN INBOARD OR OUTBOARD. OWNERS MAY HEAR A METALLIC CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT MAY WARN OF A LOOSENING NUT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE SUDDEN CHANGES WITH VEHICLE HANDLING AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN ALL WAX RESIDUE FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK AND INSTALL TWO NEW JAM NUTS. IF NECESSARY THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK MAY BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND CTS-V VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE FRONT PASSENGER MAY BE AT AN INCREASED RISK OF LEG INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT ASSEMBLY AND, IN SOME VEHICLES MODIFY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STRUCTURE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GM IS RECALLING 12,662 MY 2009 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A SOFTWARE CONDITION WITHIN THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MAY DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED OR ENABLE IT WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED, INCREASED PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2009 Cadillac Cts Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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