Here Are The Cadillac CTS Years To Avoid

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Black CTS

CTS by M 93 — CC-BY-SA-4.0

With the rise of practical but mostly uninspired SUVs, many folks seem to believe that the era of the great American sedan is ending. Cadillac is one of the few manufacturers that pushes the luxury sedan movement with the Cadillac CTS.

If you’re planning to buy a Cadillac CTS, you’re mostly in good hands due to its reputation for reliability. However, some years are less reliable than others. According to RepairPal, the Cadillac CTS has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Today, we’ll walk you through the Cadillac CTS years to avoid and the good ones you can purchase worry-free.

Which Cadillac CTS Years to Avoid?

For your quick reference, here are the worst Cadillac CTS years to avoid in terms of general reliability:

  • 2006 Cadillac CTS
  • 2007 Cadillac CTS
  • 2008 Cadillac CTS
  • 2009 Cadillac CTS
  • 2014 Cadillac CTS

2006 Cadillac CTS

With 300+ NHTSA complaints and six recalls, as reported by CarComplaints.com, the 2006 Cadillac CTS is a year that’s best avoided. For this year, the top three problems are coolant leaking into the transmission, no engine compression, and internal engine oil cooler failure.

Another problem you should look out for this year is the coolant leaking into the transmission. One Cadillac CTS owner claimed that the vehicle’s engine compression was lost, and it took him over a month to get the engine replaced. According to the user, one of the hoses cracked, and the liquid coolant poured into the transmission. Unfortunately, the fix is relatively expensive since the entire cooling system, and the transmission has to be replaced.

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2007 Cadillac CTS

The 2007 Cadillac CTS is another year with 300+ NHTSA complaints and six recalls. However, its main problems are quite different from the 2006 model.

For starters, the most prominent issue for this model year is the broken timing chain. Rearing its ugly head at around 80k mileage, 2007 CTS owners have experienced a timing chain breakage, a huge safety issue.

Another issue that plagued this model was the steering wheel position sensor failure which caused the car to display a service stability message. This can result in the vehicle acting unexpectedly, like engaging the cruise control, jerking side to side, or trying to brake.

2008 Cadillac CTS

Unfortunately, the following year, the Cadillac CTS also had its own set of problems. Although the 2008 Cadillac CTS has issues, it’s not as bad as the others on this list.

Again, the faulty steering wheel position sensor returns and activates the service stability message. This will either trigger the brakes or cruise control, or the vehicle will swerve to one side. Replacing the steering wheel position sensor will cost around $100 outside labor.

Also, many owners have reported the 2008 CTS’ engine problems like rough idling, engine failure, and stalling. Mainly, these issues are caused by a seized motor, worn camshaft, or a faulty engine control module (ECM) sensor.

2009 Cadillac CTS

As per Car Complaints, the 2009 Cadillac CTS is one of the worst Cadillac CTS years to avoid, if not the worst. A significant reason for this is that the 2009 model has all of the top three issues that plagued the CTS lineup.

One of the most dreaded problems that concern this year is the dead transfer case. For starters, a dead transfer case is dangerous, especially when the case files are in transit. Another reason this is a severe problem is that it can happen early in the CTS’ life, like 60k+ miles on average. One user claimed his transfer case failed on the highway and crashed his CTS.

Transmission failures are also common with the 2009 CTS. A failed transmission can happen naturally due to normal wear and tear. However, like the dead transfer case issue, transmission failures happen ridiculously early with the 2019 CTS, only 10k+ miles.

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2014 Cadillac CTS

Consumer Reports rated the 2014 Cadillac CTS with a reliability rating of 3 out of 5. While it’s not the worst CTS you can get, it has plenty of significant problems.

The 2014 CTS is said to have a few problems with its interior accessories. For example, many users have reported that their touchscreen broke for no apparent reason. Multiple reports also stated issues with the car’s infotainment system and spotty Bluetooth connection.

In addition, a few owners have detailed the problem with the vehicle’s suspensions. Several reports of leaking steering fluid, while some owners claimed that the front suspension has failed to absorb bumps very well.

Which Cadillac CTS Years are Safe to Buy Used?

That wraps up our list of the Cadillac CTS years to avoid, so which ones are safe to buy used?

2010 Cadillac CTS

The 2010 year is an excellent example of “Cadillac” quality. From styling to performance to reliability, the 2010 CTS is a model year you can buy with confidence.

Sure, it’s not without problems, but most issues aren’t severe with cost-effective fixes. There’s an issue with the Passenger Seat Sensor, but it’s nothing that a quick dealer visit can’t fix.

THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE CADILLAC CTS

Although the CTS was discontinued after the 2019 model, it’s still a compelling alternative for used car shoppers. Let’s expand on this by reviewing the most reliable years of the Cadillac CTS.

2011 Cadillac CTS

With a 304 hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine, the 2011 Cadillac offers an outstanding balance of performance and refinement. It’s a luxury sedan that can compete with the best of them.

Aside from the praises for its interior and exterior styling, the 2011 CTS has a solid reputation for reliability. J.D. Power gave the 2011 CTS a Great rating by scoring 89 out of 100.

2019 Cadillac CTS

If you’re looking for a newer CTS model, the 2019 year is a good bet. The 2019 model is a breath of fresh air for Cadillac fans, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout, balanced suspension, and edgy exterior styling.

The 2019 CTS also offers an abundance of tech features and standard equipment, making it a strong competitor in the luxury sedan segment. This car is a demonstration of how satisfying a sports sedan can be.

Common Cadillac CTS Problems

The Cadillac CTS isn’t exactly the pinnacle of reliability, but it does have decent reliability ratings. However, the CTS isn’t without its reliability woes.

  • Interior accessories issues: While many CTS models struggled with interior accessory issues, they’re most prevalent with the 2014 model year. For example, many owners complained about the touchscreen display cracking for no reason. Some people complained about spotty Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Transmission problems: Numerous CTS models contended with transmission system issues which are mainly attributed to fluid leaks. In addition, ruptured transmission seals and a faulty torque converter may contribute to the CTS’s transmission woes. Unfortunately, fixing the transmission system can be expensive.
  • Faulty steering wheel position sensor: This was particularly annoying for Cadillac CTS models from 2003-2009. The defective sensor causes the service stability message to appear, automatically triggering the brakes. Some drivers claimed they had to swerve to the side and manually apply the brakes. The steering wheel position sensor must be replaced to fix the issue.
  • Engine issues: This issue was reported for the 2008 model. According to the complaints, the 2008 CTS had numerous engine issues, which yielded symptoms like engine failure, stalling, and rough idling.
  • Electrical issues: Electrical problems have popped up in various Cadillac CTS models, with the 2008-2009 and 2013-2014 years facing issues more frequently. These problems range from glitchy infotainment systems to malfunctioning lights and battery failures.
  • Cooling system problems: When it comes to the cooling system, the 2003-2004 and 2008-2009 models have had their share of troubles, including overheating engines and leaks. These issues are often traced back to water pump or radiator failures.
  • Suspension issues: Suspension woes, including the early wear and tear of components like bushings and shocks, have been a notable concern, particularly for the 2003-2007 models. This can affect the car’s handling and comfort over rough surfaces.
  • Differential problems: Rear differential problems have caused headaches for owners of the 2004-2007 and 2009 models, leading to unsettling noises and, in worse cases, complete failures that require expensive repairs.
  • Infotainment system glitches: The more recent models, from 2014 to 2017, haven’t been immune to issues either, with many drivers reporting frustrations with the CUE infotainment system. Complaints include unresponsive touchscreen and various software glitches.
Are Cadillac CTSs typically reliable?

First appearing for the 2003 model year and being discontinued after 2019, the Cadillac CTS has a mixed record for dependability. In particular, many years from the 2000s are the most problematic.

How much does a used Cadillac CTS typically cost?

Prices for a second-hand Cadillac CTS fluctuate considerably, depending on the model year and other factors (like mileage, condition, and equipment). CoPilot Price Pulse reports that a 2008 CTS has an average asking price of $8,839. This compares to $30,537 for a 2020 CTS, reflecting a 17% increase over normal market conditions.

 Is the Cadillac CTS a good car to purchase?

The Cadillac CTS is a more affordable alternative to the midsized BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But, like with most cars, there are good and bad examples. Obviously, buying from the most reliable Cadillac CTS years is the way to go.

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