2011 Cadillac CTS problems and complaints

Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Cadillac CTS. The most-reported areas: Air Bags (25), Power Train (25), Electrical System (20).

Key takeaways

  • 108 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 11 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 6 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Air Bags2523%
Power Train2523%
Electrical System2019%
Engine1312%
Steering1110%
Structure98%
Exterior Lighting87%
Service Brakes66%
Vehicle Speed Control66%
Unknown Or Other55%
Seats44%
Tires44%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2011 Cadillac CTS SW AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5
2011 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5
2011 Cadillac CTS 2 DR AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2011 Cadillac CTS SW RWDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Electrical System - filed 2025-05-28

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 86,140 and at the time of registration, it was discovered ...

Structure - filed 2025-05-16

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. T...

Electrical System - filed 2024-10-03

Water leaking in car like raining in car. The car radio and air conditioner panel wouldn’t turn off . It was draining batter after car would be turned off. Then after that water continues to leak. Took out fuse to stop from draining battery but had to buy new battery. Water continues to leak through car. Now ignition s...

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More for the 2011 Cadillac CTS

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.