Engine & cooling

Cadillac CTS Engine problems by year

320 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Cadillac CTS's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

67'03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19

Year	Engine complaints	Crashes	Injuries
2019	3	0	0
2018	1	0	0
2017	1	0	0
2016	4	0	0
2015	5	0	0
2014	9	0	0
2013	7	0	0
2012	6	0	0
2011	15	1	1
2009	51	0	1
2008	29	0	0
2007	30	1	2
2006	37	1	1
2005	38	2	2
2004	17	0	0
2003	67	1	2

Latest CTS engine complaints

2009 Cadillac CTS Brakes Engine & cooling

On October 30, 2026, at approximately 3:10 PM, my 2009 Cadillac CTS experienced an apparent engine and brake system failure while I was operating the vehicle. The vehicle lost power, and I was unable to stop despite applying the brakes. The exact component or components that failed have not yet been identified. The vehicle is currently available for inspection by insurance representatives, mechanics, manufacturer representatives, or other authorized investigators upon request. The apparent engine and brake failure...

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created an immediate safety hazard because I was unable to maintain control of the vehicle's speed or bring it to a safe stop. As a result, the vehicle struck utility power equipment near my residence. The incident placed me, nearby residents, pedestrians, and motorists at risk of injury. The collision also caused a power outage affecting homes in the surrounding neighborhood. At this time, the cause of the engine and brake failure has not been reproduced or confirmed by a Cadillac dealer or independent repair facility. The matter remains under investigation pending inspection of the vehicle and its components. The incident was reported to 911, and a police report was generated. The vehicle has been reported to my insurance carrier, USAA. As of the date of this statement, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by General Motors or a Cadillac dealer for purposes of determining the cause of the failure. Additional inspections may be conducted by insurance representatives, repair specialists, or other qualified parties. Prior to the incident, I did not observe any warning lamps, brake system alerts, engine warnings, or other messages that would have indicated an imminent loss of braking capability or engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly on October 30, 2026, at approximately 3:10 PM. The vehicle had recently undergone a 120,000-mile service inspection, and no issues were identified that would have suggested an imminent catastrophic failure.

2014 Cadillac CTS Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Caution - Pull Over Immediately - Turn off Engine and Wait to Restart Vehicle" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and followed the instructions, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The contact could not pull over in time, and the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure reoccurred on several...

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occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,250.

2014 Cadillac CTS Steering Electrical system Engine & cooling

I have taken my vehicle or rather had my vehicle towed back to my dealership on three different occasions for repair of a Shift Cable Replacement I can have a very bad accident in my vehicle or lose my life or injure someone else the first time I didn't understand why my vehicle shutdown while I was driving on a very busy highway I was very upset, and I had to pray that none ran into me Lucky for me my AAA service reached me at my location and towed my vehicle to the dealership where they kept it for five to six...

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days I had an extended warranty that I brought from the dealership (F.C Kerbeck and Sons 100 Route 73 in Palmyra N.J. 08065 [[redacted]]) this was incident occurred [redacted] Mileage (57874 The second incident happened happen [redacted] 66,000 the same thing happened the vehicle shutdown while driving and I could not shift my lever it was struck and my vehicle was rolling backwards I had to keep my foot on the brakes until AAA came to two once again I was worried that my car was going to slide into someone I mange to contact the dealership about my situation They keep it again for a few days because they had to order the cable they called it a Transmission Shift Control Cable This time I'm nit sure if I paid for it or my insurance because they did not give me a bill of what they did and when I complained About the third time of this incident happening Last [redacted] Mileage78853 I was out shopping miles from where I live pulled into a parking lot and guest what my car started to slide and shutdown I tried to shift into park but the gear was locked in drive I had to push down on the breaks while I call for help again from AAA I called the dealership complaining about this issue for a third time and again I asked them why is happening and that I could have an accident or lose my life and the service manger John told me that they only have records of this incident happening once he said that he has no record if it in his system But I INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2006 Cadillac CTS Transmission & drivetrain Brakes Engine & cooling

Engine burns 1quart of oil, 100 miles. Brakes went to floor, brake lines had holes at 69,000 miles. Driver rear axel leaks. 2006 Cadillac CTS is a lemon!! Money Pit !!!

2019 Cadillac CTS Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact stated that upon cleaning the catalytic converter and driving for 50 miles, the warning light turned off. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,990.

2017 Cadillac CTS Transmission & drivetrain Engine & cooling

I purchased this vehicle is certified preowned Cadillac and during the warranty time I had a transmission issue that was causing the transmission to jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds, it would start jerking nonstop. I took it to the dealer and as per a service bulletin, they flushed the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission fluid. This was only a temporary fix because 30,000 miles later the same issues started occurring again and have gotten worse to the point that you can...

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smell the transmission clutches burning and the transmission overheating, possibly causing the number four piston rings to come apart, resulting in an engine replacement as well. I've had to replace engine as possible result, but the transmission problem is still there and it has also caused the check engine light to come on intermediately. This could result in a complete transmission failure, causing a vehicle to lose propulsion leading to a possible accident and injuries. This issue needs to be investigated and repairs or replacement made at the manufacturers expense.. This is a four-cylinder turbo engine and an eight speed automatic transmission. In my opinion, the transmission issue caused my engine failure. There should be investigated and an immediate recall issued.

2015 Cadillac CTS Suspension Brakes Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a loud grinding and squeaking sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was a high-pitched sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the water pump was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced, and the rear differential was leaking. The vehicle was...

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repaired, but the failure recurred. The water pump was replaced under the warranty. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced every two months. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

2006 Cadillac CTS Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control set to 75 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering, and the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the computer was not communicating with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the computer had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called but the phone disconnected. The failure mileage was approximately 181,475.

2019 Cadillac CTS Transmission & drivetrain Engine & cooling

I believe it's the transmission it's not changing gears like it supposed to only have 52,000 miles on the dash. It's have to be defective. No Incident

2013 Cadillac CTS Transmission & drivetrain Electrical system Engine & cooling

driving to work on very busy highway. The engine light and Service Battery charging system came on, then went to battery saver almost instantly. Radio cut off, heat cutt off and the Car cut off in the middle of the highway before I could safely get over. this caused me to fear for my life as the cars behind me barely had time to stop. a hair probably could not have fit between us. I did eventually safely get off the highway, had the car towed to a service center. There was 14 different codes.(low voltage, engine...

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running lean, low voltage and more. battery was checked and was 95 %, Alternator fine. was told it was the ECM. After looking on google some sites say there is a recall for 2013 cts some say there is not. there are multiple complaints on this issue and it is not safe. I called Cadillac gave my vin number and was told there was not a recall. Cadillac/GMC really need to issue a recall before something tragic happens, as it almost was me. Thank God that it wasn't.

2008 Cadillac CTS Electrical system Engine & coolingFire

Vehicle Purchase Statement - Top Tier Auto I, [[redacted]] , purchased a vehicle from Top Tier Auto on [[redacted]]. The vehicle details are as follows: VIN: [[redacted]] Warranty: 30-day coverage for the transmission and engine After owning the vehicle for only 15 minutes, I entered the freeway, and the car began to shake violently. Shortly after, a gentleman driving behind me alerted me that sparks and fire were falling from beneath the car. I immediately pulled over, just before the engine burst into flames. ...

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The Columbus Police Department responded to the scene and had to extinguish the fire. This incident occurred within minutes of purchasing the vehicle, despite the supposed 30-day warranty covering the transmission and engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2008 Cadillac CTS Transmission & drivetrain Electrical system Engine & cooling

Car went crazy one day while behind the wheel everything malfunctioned then car shut off and won't start again. I could of easily got into an accident had there been any other vehicles around. Kids were scared. Codes come up as U0100,U0140,U0101,C0242,B0081-0F,B0081-71,B1370-01,B1370-06,U0155-00,U0170-00,P0856-00.

2009 Cadillac CTS Engine & cooling

The car constantly makes a noise. Even when it's parked you can still smell gas. It jerks all the time. Been having problem with it since day one I got it.

2005 Cadillac CTS Engine & coolingCrash

Oil leaks from unknown location. Also make a grinding noise when accelerating.

2003 Cadillac CTS Steering Brakes Engine & coolingFire

Everything was really grate no problems. My brakes sounds like there is LOTS of AIR Coming from somewhere. My key ignition sometimes want turn over or easy to come out. Than the car started running hot. I've had it looked at Few times and can't seem to fix the problem. I've even brought a new coolant box or another name for it.. so now I can't drive it because my fluids keep coming out of the coolant tank please help me I don't know what to do. To complete this message I've even had a smog twice nonpassable. - Thank you any Questions [[redacted]] call/ text INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data