How common are transmission problems in the 2011 Cadillac CTS?

NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 CTS, which is 22% of the 101 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2011 Cadillac CTS?

The data provided does not list any related recalls specifically tied to the 2011 model year, though some complaint narratives mention a powertrain campaign associated with other CTS model years.

At what mileage do these transmission issues typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 CTS is 46,500 miles.

Are transmission problems worse in the 2011 CTS than other years?

Among the model years listed, 2011 has the second-highest complaint count at 22, behind 2014's 84 complaints, and its 22% share is lower than 2014's 58% and 2015's 40% share.

Did any of these transmission complaints involve a crash?

Yes, NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 CTS, with no fires reported.

2011 Cadillac CTS Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Cadillac CTS, 22% of all 101 complaints filed for the year. Median failure mileage is 46,500. No related recalls are listed for this year in the data, though owners reference a powertrain campaign tied to later model years.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 22; 22% of 101
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 46,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the drive shaft snapping or breaking, in one case while the car was being moved by a technician after service.
Some describe a loud clanking or grinding noise from the drive shaft and pinion flange area at highway speeds, requiring drive shaft replacement.
Several report rear differential failures, with a few owners saying the differential had to be replaced more than once.
Owners describe a persistent groaning noise from the rear drivetrain that dealer fluid changes did not resolve.
One owner reported the transmission seizing in reverse while shifting gears, leading to a loss of control and a crash.
Some owners mention wheel hub and sensor failures on multiple corners of the vehicle over time.

When 2011 Cadillac CTS transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 30, 2010, latest Sep 12, 2023.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2010 to Sep 2023; peak Aug 2014 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Cadillac CTS

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by CTS model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200582 (30%)
200645 (17%)
200733 (15%)
200821 (12%)
200928 (17%)
20109 (13%)
201122 (22%)
20124 (6%)
201313 (18%)
201484 (58%)
201519 (40%)
20169 (29%)
20179 (33%)
20183 (38%)
20193 (30%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2011 Cadillac CTS?: NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 CTS, which is 22% of the 101 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2011 Cadillac CTS?: The data provided does not list any related recalls specifically tied to the 2011 model year, though some complaint narratives mention a powertrain campaign associated with other CTS model years.
At what mileage do these transmission issues typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 CTS is 46,500 miles.
Are transmission problems worse in the 2011 CTS than other years?: Among the model years listed, 2011 has the second-highest complaint count at 22, behind 2014's 84 complaints, and its 22% share is lower than 2014's 58% and 2015's 40% share.
Did any of these transmission complaints involve a crash?: Yes, NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 CTS, with no fires reported.