2011 Cadillac CTS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Cadillac CTS has a complaint index of 64, ranking 6th-worst out of 15 model years, with a Caution verdict. It had 101 complaints, 2 recalls, and electrical system problems led at 27% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 64/100
- #6 of 15 CTS years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 101
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2011 Cadillac CTS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System27 (27%)
- Airbags23 (23%)
- Transmission & Powertrain22 (22%)
- Engine19 (19%)
- Structure & Body13 (13%)
- Steering11 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (9%)
- Brakes8 (8%)
- Other4 (4%)
- Fuel System2 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the transmission unexpectedly seizing in reverse or refusing to engage gear, sometimes causing the vehicle to lunge or accelerate uncontrollably before crashing.
- Some owners describe the engine seizing while driving, occasionally paired with brake failure at the same time.
- Multiple owners report airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed and side-impact crashes.
- Owners describe sudden brake malfunctions where pressing the pedal did not stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision.
- One owner reported a fire starting under the vehicle after a normal drive, with no prior warning lights.
- Owners mention confusion around the ignition key recall and whether it played a role in crashes they experienced.
2011 Cadillac CTS recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V394000Jul 2, 2014Electrical System554,328 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 14V341000Jun 19, 2014Airbags16,932 vehicles
Air bags
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured October 18, 2010, to June 2, 2011. In the affected vehicles, vibrations from the drive shaft may cause the vehicle's roll over sensor to command the roof rail air bags to deploy.
Risk: If the roof rail air bags deploy unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of crash and injury to the occupants.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear drive shaft assembly, free of charge. General Motors distributed an interim letter to owners on August 27, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14233.
2011 Cadillac CTS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Cadillac CTS reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2011 CTS a complaint index of 64 and a Caution verdict, ranking 6th-worst among 15 model years of the CTS. Electrical system issues were the top complaint area at 27%.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Cadillac CTS?
- NHTSA complaints point to electrical system issues (27%), airbags (23%), transmission and powertrain (22%), and engine problems (19%) as the leading concern areas.
- Does the 2011 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 CTS: one involving the ignition key ring affecting airbag operation and one for a rear drive shaft assembly linked to rollover risk. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2011 CTS compare to other CTS years?
- The 2011 model's complaint index of 64 is worse than 2010 (36, Good) and 2012 (43, Good), but better than 2005-2009 years, several of which carry an Avoid verdict with indexes up to 100.
- At what mileage do 2011 CTS problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 40,500 miles, though individual problem areas vary, with engine issues appearing around 30,000 miles and airbags around 72,741 miles.