Cadillac CTS Best and Worst Years (2005–2019)
Avoid the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009 Cadillac CTS, which carry the highest complaint indexes (93, 79, 86, and 100) and multiple recalls. The 2016-2019 models are rated Best, with complaint indexes from 21 down to 0.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2005Avoid 2006Avoid 2007Avoid 2009Best 2016Best 2017Best 2018Best 2019
- Model years
- 15
- 2005–2019
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,680
- Recall campaigns
- 22
- Crashes reported
- 133
- Fires reported
- 22
- Top problem area
- Transmission & Powertrain
CTS Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Cadillac CTS problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Avoid | 93 | 277 | 25 | 4 | 6 | Transmission & Powertrain | 19 | — |
| 2006 | Avoid | 79 | 269 | 23 | 2 | 6 | Airbags | 19 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 86 | 217 | 26 | 6 | 6 | Airbags | 19 | — |
| 2008 | Caution | 71 | 175 | 12 | 3 | 2 | Electrical System | 20 | — |
| 2009 | Avoid | 100 | 167 | 10 | 0 | 5 | Engine | 20 | — |
| 2010 | Good | 36 | 67 | 2 | 1 | 3 | Electrical System | 21 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 64 | 101 | 11 | 3 | 2 | Electrical System | 21 | — |
| 2012 | Good | 43 | 65 | 6 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 50 | 73 | 10 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 57 | 146 | 4 | 0 | 6 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 29 | 47 | 2 | 2 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Best | 21 | 31 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Electrical System | 24 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Best | 14 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 24 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Best | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 24 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Best | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
CTS years to avoid: what went wrong
2009 Cadillac CTS Index 100 · 167 complaints · 5 recalls
Engine problems dominate 2009 complaints at 36 percent, with a median failure mileage of 74,000, including a fatal crash reported after a rental vehicle incident. Electrical system and transmission/powertrain issues each made up 17 percent of complaints, with failures around 55,000 and 59,000 miles respectively. Owners also described a suspension failure involving a wheel that became bent and crooked at higher mileage. NHTSA lists five recall campaigns for this year, including one for a rear suspension toe link nut that could loosen. The complaint index of 100 is the highest of any CTS model year, with three deaths recorded.
2009 engine problems →2009 electrical system problems →2009 transmission & powertrain problems →
2005 Cadillac CTS Index 93 · 277 complaints · 6 recalls
Owners reported transmission and powertrain problems most often, making up 30 percent of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage around 28,000 miles. Airbag complaints followed at 27 percent, with failures reported near 88,500 miles, including non-deployment during crashes. Electrical system issues, including a case of smoke from under the hood, and brake concerns rounded out the top problem areas. NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for this model year, covering the fuel system, electrical/key systems, and the passenger sensing system tied to airbag deployment. The complaint index of 93 is among the highest in the model's history.
2005 transmission & powertrain problems →2005 airbags problems →2005 electrical system problems →
2007 Cadillac CTS Index 86 · 217 complaints · 6 recalls
Airbags and brakes tied as the leading problem areas for 2007, each near 29 percent of complaints. Airbag failures were reported around 81,150 miles, including a case of non-deployment during a low-speed crash. Owners also reported electrical failures near 99,000 miles, including a stall and rollaway incident, plus an engine compartment fire and a suspension/wheel failure that damaged a wheel. Six recall campaigns cover this model year, touching the fuel system, electrical/key systems, and airbag sensing mat. The complaint index is 86, the third-worst of any CTS year.
2007 airbags problems →2007 brakes problems →2007 electrical system problems →
2006 Cadillac CTS Index 79 · 269 complaints · 6 recalls
Airbags were the top complaint area for 2006, at 32 percent of complaints, with owners describing non-deployment in crashes and failures around 64,000 miles. Brake complaints followed at 23 percent, with a median failure mileage of 68,000. Owners also reported electrical system failures, including a fire after a grinding noise while driving, and engine issues such as unintended racing while in reverse. Six recall campaigns apply to this year, including the same fuel system and airbag sensing mat recalls seen in 2005. The complaint index sits at 79.
2006 airbags problems →2006 brakes problems →2006 electrical system problems →
Most common Cadillac CTS problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Transmission & Powertrain384 (23%)
- Electrical System345 (21%)
- Airbags315 (19%)
- Engine307 (18%)
- Brakes266 (16%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires144 (9%)
- Other128 (8%)
- Steering120 (7%)
- Structure & Body116 (7%)
- Fuel System77 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Cadillac CTS should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009 Cadillac CTS carry the highest complaint indexes (93, 79, 86, and 100) and are rated Avoid relative to other CTS years.
- What are the best Cadillac CTS years?
- The 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 CTS are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 21, 14, 0, and 7, the lowest in the model's 15 covered years.
- What is the most common problem area for the Cadillac CTS?
- Across all years, Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 23 percent of the 1,680 total complaints, followed by Electrical System at 21 percent and Airbags at 19 percent.
- How many recalls does the Cadillac CTS have?
- NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns across all Cadillac CTS model years from 2005 to 2019.
- Is the 2009 Cadillac CTS reliable?
- The 2009 CTS has the highest complaint index (100) of any CTS year and is rated Avoid, with engine problems reported by 36 percent of complainants and three recorded deaths.