Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 30% | 75,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 13% | 12,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% | 14,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% | 72,000 miles |
| 2014 | 9 | 6% | 85,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% | 23,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% | 65,000 miles |
| 2011 | 15 | 15% | 39,000 miles |
| 2010 | 12 | 18% | 42,000 miles |
| 2009 | 50 | 30% | 88,000 miles |
| 2008 | 29 | 17% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 30 | 14% | 88,000 miles |
| 2006 | 37 | 14% | 80,000 miles |
| 2005 | 38 | 14% | 74,000 miles |
| 2004 | 17 | 8% | 90,000 miles |
| 2003 | 67 | 21% | 73,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact stated that upon cleaning the catalytic converter and driving for 50 miles, the warning light turned off. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,990.
The auto stop/start cannot be safe. I almost got t-boned in my first several hundred miles in a new car with this feature. I was at a complete stop and needed to make a left across traffic. I did not realize the delay would be that great and almost got t-boned turning across traffic. The engine hesitates when you're stopped and moving from the brake to the gas. This fraction of a second has to make a difference...the only thing has to be whether it is significant. When turning left across traffic (t-bone) or turning right into traffic (rear end), a fraction of a second is huge. Even if the driver gets used to this over time, friends and family that drive the car too will likely not be accustomed to this delay. Would like to see comparison of t-bone victims and rear end victims of accidents of people with auto stop/start vs drivers who don't have it. …
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a loud grinding and squeaking sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was a high-pitched sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the water pump was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced, and the rear differential was leaking. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The water pump was replaced under the warranty. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced every two months. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brakes , emergency brake , engine overheating , How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car shut off in the highway while i was with my kids Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes it went in the shop 05/12/22 but problem with car still continued Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes i dont know how it passed due to emergency brake and engine & brakes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes first engie light came on then car shut off
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Caution - Pull Over Immediately - Turn off Engine and Wait to Restart Vehicle" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and followed the instructions, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The contact could not pull over in time, and the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,250.
Burning smell, traction control, rear axle service along with suspension lights all came on the odometer. Shakes at low idle and wont stay running. Happened this weekend after pulling into the driveway after driving. We scanned code for cylinder 4 misfire. On scanner we had multiple other cylinder misfires but cylinder 4 is a dead misfire. We removed spark plug and found wore. We initially thought to start with replacing spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. We consulted with customer and agreed to replace all spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. After replacing we found no change in cylinder 4 misfire. We removed and re installed original coil and re tested. We performed a compression test on cylinder 4 and have 0 PSI. We thought possible carboned valve stuck open due to direct injection system. We performed a GDI carbon clean but still no change. …
driving to work on very busy highway. The engine light and Service Battery charging system came on, then went to battery saver almost instantly. Radio cut off, heat cutt off and the Car cut off in the middle of the highway before I could safely get over. this caused me to fear for my life as the cars behind me barely had time to stop. a hair probably could not have fit between us. I did eventually safely get off the highway, had the car towed to a service center. There was 14 different codes.(low voltage, engine running lean, low voltage and more. battery was checked and was 95 %, Alternator fine. was told it was the ECM. After looking on google some sites say there is a recall for 2013 cts some say there is not. there are multiple complaints on this issue and it is not safe. I called Cadillac gave my vin number and was told there was not a recall. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac CTS years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (67), 2009 (50), 2005 (38), 2006 (37) and 2007 (30) model years. Engine complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Cadillac CTS engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Cadillac CTS model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Cadillac CTS engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (23 mentions), followed by the cooling system (9).
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.