Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Cadillac CTS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, he noticed there was a puddle of fuel on the ground coming from the passenger's side fuel line. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with corrosion on the fuel line causing the fuel leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Fuel supply stops and engine stalls when I get near or below 1/4 tank. I can restart the engine and it will run for anywhere from a few seconds to sometimes a minute, but mostly only a few seconds. Limp my car this way to a gas station, fill the tank, problem solved. I know it had fuel in the tank as it only took 11 gallons with my 16 gallon tank. Installed a new fuel pump, problem continues. This can put someone in a life threatening situation. The first time it happened I was passing a semi truck on a 2 lane Interstate with cars and trucks behind me. Just as I got half way on the semi's left, I'm doing about 70 mph, the engine stalls. Luckily, I kept a cool head and turned on my blinker as the car slowed down. The semi behind me took a hint and backed off so I could coast to the right shoulder. This could very easily have caused a fatal accident. …
Ever since I purchased this 2008 CTS vehicle, I have dumped thousands of dollars to repair the vehicle even after the "recall repairs". Problems persist and the car has become more dangerous than ever. The vehicle had inspected by the dealership a number of times the first 5 years of ownership the first 3, listed below, were the replaced recalls from dealership, the rest are known safety issues that gm denies to admit to faults and recalls. *Ignition starter replacement (still have starter failure issues after 2 repairs from gm) *washer fluid warmer removal (they just snipped the wires and removed the component but left hot wires exposed in vehicle) *motherboard ecm replacement recall(ecm is still faulty and has caused dozens of electrical issues. **************** battery drains over night. …
The fuel pump fuel feed line has developed a leak and is spraying fuel creating a fire hazzard. On top of the tank sits the fuel pump. On the fuel pump the feed tube connects to the fuel line which then goes to the engine. This leak created a fuel odor and got progressively worse. I found dampness on top of the tank, which was gasoline. Upon my further investigation I noticed the fuel spraying out of a pin hole sized crack. This is similar to a recall issued on other GM vehicles in the past and I feel the Cadillac CTS should be included. I've notice other people having the same issues via an online search at Cadillac web forums. I performed the repair myself but it is a very labor intensive and expensive repair for a non capable person if done by a dealer or repair shop. …
The problem started with the timing chain, which LED to coil issues and catalytic converters issues which LED to low head beams constantly burning out. Everytime work is done it causes a chain reaction to other parts in the car that requires more and more money. Now the engine light is still on and I am told that since the first catalytic converter was repaired, the second one now needs replacing and the low head beam on the passenger side has wiring issues that will not allow the new bulb to burn, I am told that the wiring appears to be spliced. The catalytic converter was replaced in April and so was the low beam bulb. Headlight was replaced in April, 2015 it is not working today and was told by dealership that the wiring had been spliced or burned out. Radio speakers do not work and all was centered around issues with coils and catalytic coverters.
The car only has 35000 miles on it. The engine misfires constantly when giving gas especially if your going up hill and there is more load on the vehicle. After I had $5000 worth of work to fix the problem at a Cadillac dealership. They couldn't fix the issue so they came back and said that we needed a new engine. We told them over and over again that we don't think it's the engine but they guaranteed us the new engine would fix the problem. So another $5000 later and still not fixed. The vehicle idles fine, it only happens while driving. The check engine light eventually comes on indicating misfires in 2 cylinders
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Cadillac CTS. While driving 35 MPH, the contact smelled fuel inside the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to ritchey Cadillac (located at 932 n nova rd #101, daytona beach, fl 32117, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 73,271. Consumer stated GM models 2006,2007 and 2008 were recalled but Cadillac should have been recalled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Cadillac CTS. The contact smelled fuel in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel pump on top of the fuel tank. The dealer (Cadillac of arlington, 2001 n collins st, arlington, tx 76011) was made aware of the failure, but could not assist. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Cadillac CTS. Immediately after pulling the vehicle inside the garage, a very strong fuel odor was present. The fuel odor seeped inside the house. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that a line in the fuel tank failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Cadillac CTS. While the vehicle was parked, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V542000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. The VIN was not available.
Fuel System complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2008 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2008 Cadillac CTS, 16% of the model year's 175 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Cadillac CTS fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2008 Cadillac CTS, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Cadillac CTS fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.