2007 Cadillac CTS: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

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. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2007 Cadillac CTS ranged from $30,570 to $37,030 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Mixed track record

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.

Sources (4)

rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/cadillac-cts-years-to-avoid/
motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/avoid-6-cadillac-cts-model-years-if-you-want-rel…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/cadillac/cts
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=cadillac&model=cts&…

Known issues

Airbag warning light and occupant or passenger-presence sensor faults are frequently reported and can disable the airbag system.

widespread · 167 NHTSA complaints · electrical
3.6L V6 engine problems including timing-chain failure, internal oil-cooler failure and coolant leaking into the transmission.

commonly reported · 30 NHTSA complaints · typically 70k–120k miles · engine
Driveline and rear-axle pinion-seal leaks with clunking, plus automatic-transmission and powertrain complaints on early cars.

occasional · 55 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Premature brake-rotor warping and accelerated brake wear are common.

commonly reported · 50 NHTSA complaints · brake
Steering-wheel position sensor failure triggers traction- and stability-control warning lights.

occasional · steering

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=cadillac&model=cts&…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=cadillac&model=cts&…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=cadillac&model=cts&…
rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/cadillac-cts-years-to-avoid/
motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/avoid-6-cadillac-cts-model-years-if-you-want-rel…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Sharp rear-wheel-drive handling and bold styling that relaunched Cadillac as a sport-sedan brand.
Strong 3.6 V6 with an available 6-speed manual, plus a high-performance CTS-V.
Affordable used entry into a luxury sport sedan.

Cons

Cheaper interior plastics than European rivals and a firm ride.
Engine problems including timing-chain, oil-cooler and coolant-into-transmission failures.
Airbag-warning-light and occupant-sensor faults plus premature brake wear.
Below-average long-term reliability with a typical lifespan around 150,000 miles.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
2.8	$30,570	discontinued	—	—
3.6	$33,430	discontinued	—	—
Sport	$37,030	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2007-cadillac-cts-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $650–700/yr
Expected lifespan	~150k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/cadillac/cts

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2007 Cadillac CTS have?

Documented issue patterns include: 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; Premature brake-rotor warping and accelerated brake wear are common. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2007 Cadillac CTS reliable?

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.

How much did the 2007 Cadillac CTS cost new?

Between $30,570 and $37,030 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Cadillac CTS expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.