Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Cadillac CTS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about Technical Service Bulletin:10-07-30-005a (Transmission output shaft and transfer case input shearing). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The all wheel drive link is not working. This causes the stabilitrac and abs to go out leaving only rear wheel drive. With very little weight in the rear of the car, it is very difficult to drive in snow or rain conditions as the car slides very easily. This is the 2nd time it's happened.
At 101,000 miles my 2009 Cadillac CTS AWD starting to "thump" when shifting from reverse to drive or vice versa. It also did it when coming to a stop. This started happening on a Thursday. I made an appointment for service for the following Wednesday at the dealer. On my way to the service appointment, the transmission failed one mile from the dealership on a busy highway. I managed to safely get the vehicle off the road without causing an accident. I called the dealer and told them what had happened. They didn't even offer to come and get me when I could see the building from where I broke down. I had to call a wrecker to bring them the car. They said my transmission was ruined and it would cost me 3995 to repair it. Needless to say, the car wasn't worth the investment. I had OnStar for the entire life of the vehicle. I never received any diagnostic warnings regarding my transmission. …
CTS timing chain bad - engine codes p0008 & p0017 coming up - was told by Cadillac of las vegas that there was a service bulletin related to this issue, but for some reason, my VIN was not included. Regarding TSB 11340 (NHTSA reference- 10043857), which states, "if premature wear of the timing chain occurs on your 2007 model year GMC acadia; Saturn outlook; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac CTS 2009 model year 2009 equipped with a 2.8l/3.6l v6 engine, within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge" our 2009 Cadillac CTS we are experiencing the exact issue mentioned in the bulletin, but GM refuses to acknowledge any culpability in the matter, despite the vehicle being within the parameters established within the bulletin. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly rolled backwards out of the driveway and crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree. Both the driver and passenger doors were bent. There were no injuries. Auto star (4395 buford hwy, peachtree corners, ga 30071, [phone]) towed the vehicle away and declared it destroyed. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V394000 (electrical system). The dealer was suing the contact for the remaining balance owed for the vehicle. The insurance company was not paying the claim because they stated there was a manufacturer defect that caused the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. While driving approximately 5 MPH in an intersection, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the main shaft, transfer case fluid, output shaft, gasket infield, fluid transmission dex6, and the shot supplies needed to be replaced. The dealer also diagnosed that the transfer case assembly needed to removed and replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. ..updated 07/31/17
I purchased a Cadillac CTS and the timing chain is out. The engine light came on and I brought the vehicle to an authorized dealer and was told that this was out. I have googled this model and have found others to have had the same problem. Why haven't someone held this company responsible for placing a know fault part into their vehicle. I will never purchase another Cadillac and I will inform my circle of friends about the service and lack of care. This was my second Cadillac and my last.
The spline on the transmission stripped out because of rust and I believe poor workmanship. The vehicle just went out of warranty two months ago. It will cost me aprox. $4000. To repair. Potential hazzard. If I were on the interstate it May have caused a terrible accident. When will GM have a recall so I can get my money back?
01/07/16,my wife and my son of 3 years were driving a 2009 CTS with 77K. All of a sudden the vehicle stops and won't move. No warning signs,nothing! As she tried to put the vehicle in gear she heard a whining noise. The car would not move.
The transmission failed while the vehicle was stationary at a stop sign on a street road in blacksburg, virginia the consumer stated a few months after purchasing the vehicle, the transmission locked up at 59,000 miles.
Transmission complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Cadillac CTS, 17% of the model year's 167 complaints. The component named most often is driveline (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Cadillac CTS transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2009 Cadillac CTS, though it has 5 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 2009 Cadillac CTS transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.