Cadillac CTS: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Cadillac CTS years to approach with the most caution are 2006. The strongest years in our data are 2017, 2018, and 2019. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2019), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Cadillac CTS year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2019 Recommended 7 Rear differential and pinion seal can leak or whine with clunking from the rear axle; out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.; CUE infotainment touchscreen can become unresponsive or laggy and develop screen bubbling or cracking.; The 8-speed automatic can shift roughly or hesitate, especially in the lower gears. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 7 Rear differential and pinion seal can leak or whine with clunking from the rear axle; out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.; CUE infotainment touchscreen can become unresponsive or laggy and develop screen bubbling or cracking.; The 8-speed automatic can shift roughly or hesitate, especially in the lower gears. Full report ↗
2017 Recommended 6 Rear differential and pinion seal can leak or whine with clunking from the rear axle; out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.; CUE infotainment touchscreen can become unresponsive or laggy and develop screen bubbling or cracking.; The 8-speed automatic can shift roughly or hesitate, especially in the lower gears. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Rear differential and pinion seal can leak or whine with clunking from the rear axle; out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.; CUE infotainment touchscreen can become unresponsive or laggy and develop screen bubbling or cracking.; The 8-speed automatic can shift roughly or hesitate, especially in the lower gears. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.; Takata airbag inflator recall affects later second-gen cars; the inflator can rupture.; Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.; Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults.; The direct-injection V6 is prone to intake-valve carbon buildup and high-pressure fuel-pump problems, sometimes with a gasoline odor. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Rear differential can fail or seize with grinding and clunking from the rear axle and pinion or torque-converter seal leaks; the 3.6 twin-turbo V-Sport had a roll-pin recall where the rear wheels could lock.; Electronic shifter or shift cable can fail so the car will not engage Park, creating a rollaway risk.; CUE infotainment touchscreen delaminates, cracks or stops responding, the subject of a class-action complaint. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.; Takata airbag inflator recall affects later second-gen cars; the inflator can rupture.; Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.; Takata airbag inflator recall affects later second-gen cars; the inflator can rupture.; Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 4 Rear differential can fail or seize with grinding and clunking from the rear axle and pinion or torque-converter seal leaks; the 3.6 twin-turbo V-Sport had a roll-pin recall where the rear wheels could lock.; Electronic shifter or shift cable can fail so the car will not engage Park, creating a rollaway risk.; CUE infotainment touchscreen delaminates, cracks or stops responding, the subject of a class-action complaint. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 4 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.; Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults.; The direct-injection V6 is prone to intake-valve carbon buildup and high-pressure fuel-pump problems, sometimes with a gasoline odor. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 4 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.; Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults.; The direct-injection V6 is prone to intake-valve carbon buildup and high-pressure fuel-pump problems, sometimes with a gasoline odor. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 4 Airbag warning light and occupant or passenger-presence sensor faults are frequently reported and can disable the airbag system.; 3.6L V6 engine problems including timing-chain failure, internal oil-cooler failure and coolant leaking into the transmission.; Driveline and rear-axle pinion-seal leaks with clunking, plus automatic-transmission and powertrain complaints on early cars. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 4 Airbag warning light and occupant or passenger-presence sensor faults are frequently reported and can disable the airbag system.; 3.6L V6 engine problems including timing-chain failure, internal oil-cooler failure and coolant leaking into the transmission.; Driveline and rear-axle pinion-seal leaks with clunking, plus automatic-transmission and powertrain complaints on early cars. Full report ↗
2006 Avoid 3 Airbag warning light and occupant or passenger-presence sensor faults are frequently reported and can disable the airbag system.; 3.6L V6 engine problems including timing-chain failure, internal oil-cooler failure and coolant leaking into the transmission.; Driveline and rear-axle pinion-seal leaks with clunking, plus automatic-transmission and powertrain complaints on early cars. Full report ↗

Cadillac CTS problems by year

2019 Cadillac CTS Recommended

Final-year third-gen CTS: a mature, sharp-handling rear-drive sport sedan with few reported problems, strong engines and a premium cabin; running costs and steep depreciation are the main cautions.

  • Rear differential and pinion seal can leak or whine with clunking from the rear axle; out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.
  • CUE infotainment touchscreen can become unresponsive or laggy and develop screen bubbling or cracking.
  • The 8-speed automatic can shift roughly or hesitate, especially in the lower gears.

2018 Cadillac CTS Recommended

One of the best used CTS years: refined, well-equipped and reliable with very few complaints; pricey repairs and fast depreciation are the trade-offs.

  • Rear differential and pinion seal can leak or whine with clunking from the rear axle; out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.
  • CUE infotainment touchscreen can become unresponsive or laggy and develop screen bubbling or cracking.
  • The 8-speed automatic can shift roughly or hesitate, especially in the lower gears.

2017 Cadillac CTS Recommended

Late third-gen CTS with improving reliability and excellent dynamics; watch for rear-differential noise and the clunky CUE infotainment.

  • Rear differential and pinion seal can leak or whine with clunking from the rear axle; out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.
  • CUE infotainment touchscreen can become unresponsive or laggy and develop screen bubbling or cracking.
  • The 8-speed automatic can shift roughly or hesitate, especially in the lower gears.

2016 Cadillac CTS Caution

Third-gen CTS settling down after early glitches; good to drive but rear-differential and CUE infotainment issues still appear and resale is weak.

  • Rear differential and pinion seal can leak or whine with clunking from the rear axle; out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.
  • CUE infotainment touchscreen can become unresponsive or laggy and develop screen bubbling or cracking.
  • The 8-speed automatic can shift roughly or hesitate, especially in the lower gears.

2015 Cadillac CTS Caution

Early third-gen CTS with notable rear-differential failures plus shifter and CUE infotainment complaints; great handling, but reliability and repair costs are concerns.

  • Rear differential can fail or seize with grinding and clunking from the rear axle and pinion or torque-converter seal leaks; the 3.6 twin-turbo V-Sport had a roll-pin recall where the rear wheels could lock.
  • Electronic shifter or shift cable can fail so the car will not engage Park, creating a rollaway risk.
  • CUE infotainment touchscreen delaminates, cracks or stops responding, the subject of a class-action complaint.

2014 Cadillac CTS Caution

All-new third-gen launch year with the most complaints of its generation: rear-differential failures, a balky CUE touchscreen and shifter faults; buy only with records.

  • Rear differential can fail or seize with grinding and clunking from the rear axle and pinion or torque-converter seal leaks; the 3.6 twin-turbo V-Sport had a roll-pin recall where the rear wheels could lock.
  • Electronic shifter or shift cable can fail so the car will not engage Park, creating a rollaway risk.
  • CUE infotainment touchscreen delaminates, cracks or stops responding, the subject of a class-action complaint.

2013 Cadillac CTS Caution

Final second-gen year, among the more dependable CTS sedans; sharp to drive, but the 3.6 V6 timing-chain risk and Takata airbag history warrant a check.

  • 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects later second-gen cars; the inflator can rupture.
  • Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults.

2012 Cadillac CTS Caution

Second-gen CTS with recurring electrical and HID-lighting faults plus Takata airbag exposure; engaging dynamics offset by pricey upkeep.

  • 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects later second-gen cars; the inflator can rupture.
  • Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults.

2011 Cadillac CTS Caution

Second-gen CTS with a Takata airbag recall and powertrain complaints; rewarding to drive but reliability and repair costs are middling.

  • 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects later second-gen cars; the inflator can rupture.
  • Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults.

2010 Cadillac CTS Caution

Best-regarded early second-gen CTS with the fewest complaints, yet the 3.6 direct-injection V6 timing-chain risk and CTS running costs keep it a cautious buy.

  • 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.
  • Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults.
  • The direct-injection V6 is prone to intake-valve carbon buildup and high-pressure fuel-pump problems, sometimes with a gasoline odor.

2009 Cadillac CTS Caution

One of the weaker CTS years: peak 3.6 V6 timing-chain failures plus transfer-case and driveline complaints; strong dynamics but costly potential repairs.

  • 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.
  • Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults.
  • The direct-injection V6 is prone to intake-valve carbon buildup and high-pressure fuel-pump problems, sometimes with a gasoline odor.

2008 Cadillac CTS Caution

First second-gen year with fuel-odor, electrical and early timing-chain complaints; improved interior and handling, but verify engine history.

  • 3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chains can stretch and wear, triggering check-engine lights and a rattle; replacement is costly.
  • Electrical gremlins and HID or exterior-lighting failures are common, including dash and lighting faults.
  • The direct-injection V6 is prone to intake-valve carbon buildup and high-pressure fuel-pump problems, sometimes with a gasoline odor.

2007 Cadillac CTS Caution

Final first-gen CTS plagued by 3.6 timing-chain failures and steering-position-sensor faults; a fun rear-drive sedan but below-average reliability.

  • Airbag warning light and occupant or passenger-presence sensor faults are frequently reported and can disable the airbag system.
  • 3.6L V6 engine problems including timing-chain failure, internal oil-cooler failure and coolant leaking into the transmission.
  • Driveline and rear-axle pinion-seal leaks with clunking, plus automatic-transmission and powertrain complaints on early cars.

2006 Cadillac CTS Avoid

Among the worst CTS years: coolant-into-transmission, oil-cooler and engine-compression failures with multiple recalls; avoid unless fully documented.

  • Airbag warning light and occupant or passenger-presence sensor faults are frequently reported and can disable the airbag system.
  • 3.6L V6 engine problems including timing-chain failure, internal oil-cooler failure and coolant leaking into the transmission.
  • Driveline and rear-axle pinion-seal leaks with clunking, plus automatic-transmission and powertrain complaints on early cars.

2005 Cadillac CTS Caution

First-gen CTS with heavy powertrain and airbag-warning-light complaints; engaging to drive but aging electronics and below-average reliability.

  • Airbag warning light and occupant or passenger-presence sensor faults are frequently reported and can disable the airbag system.
  • 3.6L V6 engine problems including timing-chain failure, internal oil-cooler failure and coolant leaking into the transmission.
  • Driveline and rear-axle pinion-seal leaks with clunking, plus automatic-transmission and powertrain complaints on early cars.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Cadillac models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.