2007 Cadillac CTS Problems & Complaints

Use caution1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the CTS at the same age

Owners have filed 217 complaints about the 2007 Cadillac CTS with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 1.5× as many as a typical CTS model year at the same age — above average, so look closely at the problem areas below before you buy. The most reported problem area is the air bags (64 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles). 6 recalls cover this model year.

217complaints
6recalls
26crashes
6fires
17injuries
0deaths

Most common 2007 Cadillac CTS problems

  • Air bags~82,000 miles
    6429%
  • Brakes~57,000 miles
    5927%
  • Electrical system~99,000 miles
    4119%
  • 3315%
  • Engine & cooling~88,000 miles
    3014%
  • Steering~50,000 miles
    167%
  • Other / not specified~143,000 miles
    94%
  • Body & structure~50,000 miles
    84%
  • Speed control & acceleration~80,000 miles
    84%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~29,000 miles
    63%
  • Suspension~30,000 miles
    63%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~130,000 miles
    63%
  • Lights~110,000 miles
    52%
  • Wheels & tires~17,000 miles
    42%
  • Seats~68,000 miles
    42%
  • Seat belts~50,000 miles
    31%
  • Equipment & accessories~28,000 miles
    31%
  • Stability & traction control~234,000 miles
    31%
  • A/C & heater
    10%

Share of the 217 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Cadillac CTS complaints by model year

’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19313224277269217175167671016573146493127810
Owner complaints per model year, Cadillac CTS. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best CTS years: 2018, 2019, 2017. Years to avoid: 2006, 2005, 2007, 2003. Compare all years →

2007 Cadillac CTS recalls (6)

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 14V-542 · Sep 9, 2014 · 10,005 vehicles

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015.

Electrical system › Ignition

NHTSA recall 14V-394 · Jul 2, 2014 · 554,328 vehicles

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.

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.

Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA recall 10V-644 · Dec 17, 2010 · 95,927 vehicles

General motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Cadillac cts vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which repeated flexing of the passenger sensing system mat in the front passenger seat May cause the mat to kink, bend, or fold. This flexing can break the connections in the mat.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger sensing system free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about March 15, 2011.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA recall 10V-105 · Mar 17, 2010 · 139,131 vehicles

General motors has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2003-2007 Cadillac cts vehicles currently registered in or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island,…

Remedy: Dealers are to replace both front brake hose assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010.

Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal

NHTSA recall 07V-589 · Dec 20, 2007 · 275,936 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and May experience a fluid leak.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2008. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006 or http://www.Cadillac.com; Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.Pontiac.com;…

Structure › Body › Roof and pillars

NHTSA recall 07V-468 · Oct 4, 2007 · 16,677 vehicles

Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 118, 'power operated window, partition, and roof panel systems.' under the standard, the sunroof May only be closed when the ignition is on, or after the ignition is turned off, but before either of the front doors are opened.

Remedy: Dealers will install a wire harness. The recall began on May 29, 2008. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2007 Cadillac CTS:

Failure of the rear differential

NHTSA investigation PE07037 · opened Jul 17, 2007 · closed Dec 27, 2007 · led to recall 07V-589

Odi evaluated two different alleged defects involving rear drivetrain components during this preliminary evaluation.GM is conducting a recall to address one of the defect conditions and odi has opened an engineering analysis to continue its investigation of the other alleged defect.

IEE Passenger Sensing System Mats

NHTSA investigation EQ11001 · opened Feb 7, 2011 · closed Jul 19, 2011

On December 17, 2010, General Motors (GM) notified the NHTSA that it had decided certain 2005 - 2007 model year Cadillac CTS vehicles contain a safety related defect.GM stated that certain CTS vehicles contain a passenger sensing system mat, manufactured by IEE, in the front passenger seat that may flex causing the mat to kink, bend or fold.If this flexing causes the connections in the mat to break, the passenger…

What 2007 Cadillac CTS owners say

Air bags all 64 →

The contact owned a 2007 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving 40-43 MPH, a bicyclist suddenly pulled in front of the vehicle. The contact veered away from the bicyclist, causing the vehicle to crash into a utility pole. The utility pole was damaged. The air bags failed to deploy, and the contact hit the chest and head against the steering wheel. The contact immediately went to the hospital and was provided medical assistance. The contact sustained contusions on the chest and on the head, and the contact sustained bruises on the left and right legs. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure was approximately 71,000.

71,000 miles · Sep 2025 · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the passenger's side air bag was deactivated while occupied by a passenger. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

125,000 miles · Jan 2023

Brakes all 59 →

The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac CTS. The contact works for an independent mechanic and place the vehicle on a lift and noticed that both the driver's and passenger's side rear brake cable had cracks and leakage of brake fluid from the brake line due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Supply › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · 79,000 miles · Oct 2021

Brakes failed. This happened at low speed and control was kept of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was seen the flexible brake line connecting the driver's side brake caliper had separated at the point it transitions from rubber to metal. It happened immediately after turning right at a stop light and there was no warning. The design of the transition meant that there was no leak of fluid (warning) until the connection had corroded to the point it lost its strength, failed and completely detached. The local GM dealership was called and they advised there was no recall and would only work on the vehicle for payment, so it was not taken to them. The components were replaced on both sides. Old parts have been kept.

Mar 2025

Electrical system all 41 →

The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the ignition switch failed, and the steering wheel locked causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed on the driver's side on-ramp. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact and his daughter sustained injuries to the back but did not seek medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, then to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V394000 (Electrical System). The contact received the recall notification after the crash. The contact stated that the dealer refused to provide a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle owner was responsible for the cost of the repair. …

130,000 miles · Dec 2020 · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated upon parking the vehicle, he attempted to release the ignition key from the ignition switch however, the key remained stuck inside the ignition switch. The message Thief was displayed. The contact was able to release the ignition key after several minutes. The contact stated upon entering the ignition key inside the ignition switch and starting the vehicle in his garage, the message Thief was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle but could not release the ignition key from the ignition switch. The contact stated that the ignition key had remained stuck inside the ignition key for a week. Additionally, the contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park(P). An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for repair. The vehicle was not repaired. …

Ignition › Switch · 99,000 miles · Jul 2022

2007 Cadillac CTS engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.8L 6-cyl6-speed manualRWD15 / 25 / 19
2.8L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD16 / 24 / 19
3.6L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD16 / 25 / 19
3.6L 6-cyl6-speed manualRWD15 / 24 / 18
6.0L 8-cyl6-speed manualRWD14 / 22 / 16

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2007 Cadillac CTS a good car?

Based on 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 CTS rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the CTS at the same age. It is one of the CTS years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2007 Cadillac CTS?

The air bags — 64 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal › sensor/control module. Next are the brakes (59) and electrical system (41).

How many recalls does the 2007 Cadillac CTS have?

There are 6 recalls for the 2007 Cadillac CTS, the most recent from September 9, 2014 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac CTS?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2019 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2005, 2007 and 2003. See the full Cadillac CTS years comparison.

At what mileage do 2007 Cadillac CTS problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 32% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.