Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% | 15,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% | 63,000 miles |
| 2014 | 17 | 12% | 60,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2012 | 7 | 11% | 70,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 41,000 miles |
| 2009 | 11 | 7% | 60,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% | 3,000 miles |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% | 30,000 miles |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% | 49,000 miles |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% | 27,000 miles |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% | 19,000 miles |
| 2003 | 11 | 4% | 51,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds the rear end of the vehicle lowered. There was an abnormal roaring noise detected from the wheels. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the failure was due to the run flat tires. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the differential was not properly lubricated; and informed him not to drive the vehicle. The parts to repair the vehicle was on back order. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Steering wheel became inoperable while vehicle in motion, vehicle shut down multiple times while driving causing all loss of power to vehicle, accelerator stuck and fuel shut off when going hard on brake did not work requiring snit into neutral, many other issues. Taken to dealer for repair many times in service over 40+ days since November 2016. Not safe to operate. Cue screen replaced muriople times as well because of electrical issues and even air conditioning switching to heat, windows randomly rolling down while vehicle is parked in a parking lot, speedometer goes off and then comes back on while driving. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact discovered a recall on the vehicle under NHTSA campaign number: 20V038000 (suspension). The contact stated that prior to knowing about the recall, the service rear axle warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact called Cadillac of bellevue 600 116th ave ne, bellevue, wa 98004 where he was informed that the part was not available for the recall repair. The contact had not spoken with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 62,500. The VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the contact heard a roaring noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but did not find an issue with the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving however, the abnormal noise was still heard while the contact was driving the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a failure with the rear axle differential which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling noise present coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was very unstable and was vibrating and shaking abnormally. The contact that the rear suspension warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
I went to get my car checked at the mechanic because the suspension was making noise. I thought it was the struts which I coudnt change because Cadillac does not make the parts any longer. They found my frame is actually cracked and are charging $3k to fix! They told me to not drive it, imagine how scary it would be if it complete cracks while driving! This is a huge safety concern and upon investigating it looks like I'm not the only one having the same issue, this needs to be recalled
Found a crack along the tab of my subframe along the rear control arm pocket. Searching for solutions and repairs, I found several hundred people who broke the tab while driving on CTSVowners, ctsvforum and various Facebook groups This seems to impact both the base model and V series CTS.
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac CTS years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (17), 2004 (16), 2005 (16), 2003 (11) and 2009 (11) model years. Suspension complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Cadillac CTS suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-089 (rear, Feb 11, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Cadillac CTS suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles; 62% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (17 mentions), followed by the front (3).
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.