Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 10% | 7,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% | 88,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2012 | 5 | 8% | 11,000 miles |
| 2011 | 9 | 9% | 56,000 miles |
| 2010 | 8 | 12% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 5% | 37,000 miles |
| 2008 | 14 | 8% | 59,000 miles |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% | 50,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% | 46,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% | 51,000 miles |
| 2004 | 17 | 8% | 48,000 miles |
| 2003 | 22 | 7% | 70,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the carbon fiber-optic piece on the rear passenger door was fractured. The contact stated the occupant was exiting the rear passenger's door when the occupant was stabbed by the carbon fiber-optic piece. The contact stated that the occupant was stabbed in the back of the right arm. No medical attention was needed. The contact stated that the carbon fiber optic pieces on all four of the door panels and the glove compartment had been replaced several times. The contact stated the glove compartment carbon fiber optic piece was replaced three times. In addition, the contact stated that the carbon fiber optic pieces on each door panel had been replaced twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and several cases were filed. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. While driving at a low rate of speed or stopping, the vehicle made a clanking sound and jerked with a loud noise. While shifting gears automatically, a loud wind noise could be heard through the door jams of the front driver and passenger side doors. Also, the instrument panel lights would fade in and out without warning, the outside temperature display was incorrect, and a tapping noise could be heard coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac of grand forks (located at 2700 s washington st., grand forks, nd 5820[phone]), but the failures could not be duplicated. The front driver and passenger doors have been repaired several times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the issues and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the front passenger side hub bearing was failing because the parts in the vehicle were deteriorating quickly after installation. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was taken to ken batchelor Cadillac (11001 w. Ih-10, san antonio, tx 78230 [phone]) where the technician stated that there was a default with the replacement parts failing prematurely. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact to submit the complaint in writing for additional assistance. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Original window label has government 5 star rating for frontal crash and rollover. This was important to me as this will probably be my last car. Letter dated May 16, 2014 from GM changed the 5 star rating to no rating at all. I'm sure GM used the original window label in determining cost of car and dealers used it as a selling point. The cost was substantial to me and I May not have bought it at all if I had known correct safety rating. I feel I was deceived, lied to, and mislead.
As I approached a street from a store parking lot, I stepped on the brake but the car did not slow. As I saw I was not going to stop, I tried to steer the car to the right to try to avoid crossing into traffic. The steering wheel would not turn. I was going very slowly and saw the face of the driver of the car that hit me. That car hit my car twice. Once in the front left corner and then in left rear corner, as my car spun 90 degrees to the right from the first impact. Someone asked me if my car had turned off. I said I didn't know because the engine is so quiet. A responding sheriff's deputy told my husband the driver who hit me said he saw me looking at him and was sure I was going to stop. Later analysis by a Cadillac technician revealed error codes from the front wheel speed sensors. I have been told a wheel speed sensor malfunction can affect braking.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the electrical touch pad seized to operate without warning, which caused the door not to open normally. The contact stated that the failure only occurred on the driver side of the vehicle. The contact received notification of a manufacturer's customer service campaign to address the failure by pressing an emergency release button, but it did not repair the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a water leak. The contact noticed that the front driver's side seat, door arm rest and floor were significantly wet after rainfall. The contact stated that the failure later occurred on the front passenger's side of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the infotainment system, the heating system, the A/C, and the engine failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuse box and wiring needed to be replaced due to the electrical failure. The contact stated that upon disconnecting the battery and removing the fuse, the vehicle turned off. …
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon inspection underneath the frame rail, the contact became aware that there was rust on both sides of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.
Related recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac CTS years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (22), 2004 (17), 2008 (14), 2009 (9) and 2011 (9) model years. Body complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Cadillac CTS body problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 07V-468 (roof and pillars, Oct 4, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Cadillac CTS body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (50 mentions), followed by the body › trunk lid (12).
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.