Most common 2010 Cadillac CTS problems
Share of the 67 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac CTS complaints by model year
Best CTS years: 2018, 2019, 2017. Years to avoid: 2006, 2005, 2007, 2003. Compare all years →
2010 Cadillac CTS recalls (3)
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
Suspension › Rear
General motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Cadillac cts vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which a wax coating on the rear suspension toe link jam nuts May allow the nut(s) to loosen.
Remedy: Dealers will clean all wax residue from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts. If necessary the rear suspension toe link May be replaced. This service will be performed free of charge.
Equipment
GM is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Cadillac cts all wheel drive and cts-v vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 20, 2010.
What 2010 Cadillac CTS owners say
Air bags
Airbag warning light and Service Air Bag on dash. Code B0087-00 Left Rear SIS. Replaced sensor, still getting warning. Sensor is in LR door. Research revealed possible known issue with bending fatigue from routine door open/close motion and subpar wire size/material causing wire failure. Opened wire harness at pillar and green/black wire was completely separated at typical bending point. Light blue wire was not visibly broken (insulation still intact) but the wire within was broken upon removal of insulation. These are the two wires (light blue and green/black) to the impact sensor. Please investigate GM use of substandard or undersize wiring in entire SRS system especially at bending fatigue potential failure points. …
Passenger presence module malfunction is intermittent. When the malfunction occurs there is a warning light plus "Service Airbag" on the instrument panel. Sometimes the light and warning go off after several minutes, sometimes stays on for days. In Virginia presence of this warning during an annual safety inspection is considered a failure. The vehicle in question is a 2010 Cadillac CTS-V with heated/cooled Recaro seats. Dealership has confirmed that the issue is the module but says the module is not available or on backorder (for years). Issue was first reported to dealer in 2018 and again in 2022 with no resolution. Estimated repair cost is in excess of $1500.
Electrical system
Airbag warning light and Service Air Bag on dash. Code B0087-00 Left Rear SIS. Replaced sensor, still getting warning. Sensor is in LR door. Research revealed possible known issue with bending fatigue from routine door open/close motion and subpar wire size/material causing wire failure. Opened wire harness at pillar and green/black wire was completely separated at typical bending point. Light blue wire was not visibly broken (insulation still intact) but the wire within was broken upon removal of insulation. These are the two wires (light blue and green/black) to the impact sensor. Please investigate GM use of substandard or undersize wiring in entire SRS system especially at bending fatigue potential failure points. …
All of a sudden when I started my car, the lights flickered constantly, the power steering failed, and it blew my starter and fairly new battery. I was so scared; I thought it was going to catch on fire because it smelled burnt. And I was on [redacted] in Hubbard Ohio, and I was trying to get to [redacted] and safety to which I did. THANK Goodness for AAA. I was told this happened because of a plug in wiring to heat or warm the washer fluid. It is available for inspection. My safety was impacted because, I had no power steering, flickering lights and smell of burnt stuff. My problem was fixed by an independent shop. My vehicle was not inspected by a GM dealer or my insurance. Was inspected by an independent shop that it was towed to. Warnings prior to incident: I would turn the ignition and nothing. But that would only happen several weeks apart. …
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer, who diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who performed an unknown repair; however, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. Additionally, the RPM and power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Engine warning light on. Diagnosed by Mike Maroon Cadillac, Boulder Colorado as Po008 code Bank one engine timing off. Further diagnosed as faulty engine cam chain. Advised not to drive car. Car available for inspection. Not being driven. Safety put at risk by possible major engine failure during use. Problem confirmed by two other repair facilities. Engine warning light on for several months. Problem confirmed by Mike Maroon Cadillac, Boulder Colorado. Taken there at the request of Cadillac customer service phone [phone]. Contact at Cadillac customer service Miguel ext 591 6218. Given case #[redacted] Vehicle inspected by Mike Maroon Cadillac at the request of Miguel at Cadillac customer service. Inspection done at owners expense. Cadillac customer service not returning calls. …
2010 Cadillac CTS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 22 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 26 / 19 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 18 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Cadillac CTS a good car?
Based on 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 CTS rates better than average: 58% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CTS at the same age. 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 2010 Cadillac CTS?
The air bags — 16 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (16) and engine & cooling (12).
How many recalls does the 2010 Cadillac CTS have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2010 Cadillac CTS, the most recent from July 2, 2014 (ignition). 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 2010 Cadillac CTS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 56,000 miles; 44% 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.