Total Complaints
101 filings
CADILLAC CTS · model year
101 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2010CADILLACCTS carries 101 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 CTS is air bags with 16 filings, followed by electrical system (15) and engine (10). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2010 CTS, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
101 filings
Crashes Reported
3 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 16 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15 |
| ENGINE | 10 |
| POWER TRAIN | 8 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5 |
| STEERING | 5 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 5 |
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | 1 |
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."
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. IF A NUT SUFFICIENTLY LOOSENS, THE TOE LINK COULD SEPARATE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOUL
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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agen
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 [XXX] in Hubbard Ohio, and I was trying to get to [XXX] 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. I thought maybe the starter was going, but it was odd because it was so many weeks far apart that it would happen. It might have been a total
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 [XXX] in Hubbard Ohio, and I was trying to get to [XXX] 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. I thought maybe the starter was going, but it was odd because it was so many weeks far apart that it would happen. It might have been a total
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 [XXX] in Hubbard Ohio, and I was trying to get to [XXX] 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. I thought maybe the starter was going, but it was odd because it was so many weeks far apart that it would happen. It might have been a total
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. Three pictures attached - one picture showing initial finding of green/black broken wire but light blue still visibly intact (insulation only), one picture showing same in close up, one picture showing both wires are not intact (light blue wire was inspected further a
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. Three pictures attached - one picture showing initial finding of green/black broken wire but light blue still visibly intact (insulation only), one picture showing same in close up, one picture showing both wires are not intact (light blue wire was inspected further a
I took my car 1200 Moss St., bingo alignment, and two weeks after my alignment my steering wheel shipped and I bought it over to the shop and told them that they did not talk to the school down on my control arms and the lady told me to get off of her premises and get out and I think thatâs not right she did not on her warranty and I called the police to get an incident report and she just was belligerent and pull guns on me and do all kind of crazy stuff. I would like to have someone investigate her please
I took my car 1200 Moss St., bingo alignment, and two weeks after my alignment my steering wheel shipped and I bought it over to the shop and told them that they did not talk to the school down on my control arms and the lady told me to get off of her premises and get out and I think thatâs not right she did not on her warranty and I called the police to get an incident report and she just was belligerent and pull guns on me and do all kind of crazy stuff. I would like to have someone investigate her please
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 800 333 4223. Contact at Cadillac customer service Miguel ext 591 6218. Given case #[XXX] 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. Owners contact # [XXX] Mike Maroon Cadillac contact, Dave 303 442 3160 R/o #[XXX] Do not have capability to upload files. Will fax upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
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.
Every time it rains, the inside of my vehicle floods through the ceiling and floors. This is a manufacture defect that is outside of my control. This is a safety issue because it causes mold and mildew in the vehicle which is a hazard to inhale. I'm also concerned that the possibility exist for an electrical hazard.
Every time it rains, the inside of my vehicle floods through the ceiling and floors. This is a manufacture defect that is outside of my control. This is a safety issue because it causes mold and mildew in the vehicle which is a hazard to inhale. I'm also concerned that the possibility exist for an electrical hazard.
Diag: DIAGNOSIS c/s service air bag error message on display. Code DTC B0014- Driver side air bag deployment loop- high resistance. Could not get repaired. Per Dealership the part needed is "discontinued". Non- working airbags are a huge concern. I think that parts for airbags should have to be produced if a vehicle needs serviced for such a problem! The vehicle is in excellent condition overall and should last many more years but this very much needed part for safety isn't even available! That is not right!!! No accident or incident has occurred but this issue is very much a concern.
Timing chain broke at 66,900 miles causing motor failure.
A black bolt in my steering column fell out onto my floormat and a second bolt was very loose, getting ready to fall out. The steering column just needs to be adjusted - recalibrated. No parts needed, very little time. Foundation Cadillac, Denver Colorado is charging me for diagnostics for bolts. Having my steering column fall would have been a huge safety issue. I need some help getting Foundation to adjust the steering column at no cost to me. My Cadillac is Out of Warranty.
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.
Mileage: 123,000
There needs to be a better system on alerting used car buyers. When I purchased my car from Carvana used in 2017 at 83k-ish miles, I had no idea that there was an extended 10 yr/120k warranty on some models of GM vehicles. I have been experiencing issues with my car and just learning 1 yr and 30k miles too late that there were known issues, and that my issues most likely were related to the timing chain. Timing chains aren't generally something that wear out by 100k - had I been made aware of that when I purchased the car, then that would have been the first course of action. I checked the VIN, no recalls, but no extended warranty alerts either. Anyone else having issues would not have known other year models were experiencing problems that could have affected different year models as well. I have researched my cars issues and I have taken it to mechanics- even to a Chevrolet dealer when I first bought it. Absolutely no mention of this, until I just happened to stumble on a Cadillac fo
I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS WITH THIS EXACT PROBLEM. MY CAR WILL GET OUT OF GEAR WHEN I'M AT A STOP. IT WILL ACT AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. THERE ARE NO CODES THAT TELL YOU WHAT IS WRONG AND SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE FOUND THAT THE ISSUE IS THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CLUTCH GOES BAD. I ONLY HAVE 88K MILES ON MY CAR AND SO MANY PEOPLE SEAM TO HAVE THE EXACT SE PROBLEM AS I AM.
Mileage: 88,123
IN JANUARY CHEVROLET BURIEN DID SERVICING ON MY VEHICLE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE AFTER 3 WEEKS OF THEM HAVING IT; THEY GAVE IT TO ME WITH A FLAT TIRE WITH SEVERAL STUDS IN MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND THERE WAS AN INCH OF WATER ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I REQUESTED MANAGEMENT AND THEY DENIED ME AND FORCED ME TO MOVE MY VEHICLE OFF THE PROPERTY IN FEAR OF MY LIFE. THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE INSIDE ARE NO LONGER USABLE. THERE WAS MOLD ALL OVER THE INSIDE THAT SERIOUSLY EFFECTED MY ASTHMA. THEIR MANAGEMENT STILL HAS NOT CONTACTED ME ABOUT REMEDYING THIS ISSUE. THEY ALSO DAMAGED MY GLOVE BOX SO THAT THE WATER THAT THEY LET LEAK INTO MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T 'BUILD UP' AND CAUSE MORE DAMAGE SO THEY WERE COMPLETELY AWARE THAT THEY WERE LETTING MY CAR FLOOD WHILE STORING IT.
IN JANUARY CHEVROLET BURIEN DID SERVICING ON MY VEHICLE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE AFTER 3 WEEKS OF THEM HAVING IT; THEY GAVE IT TO ME WITH A FLAT TIRE WITH SEVERAL STUDS IN MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND THERE WAS AN INCH OF WATER ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I REQUESTED MANAGEMENT AND THEY DENIED ME AND FORCED ME TO MOVE MY VEHICLE OFF THE PROPERTY IN FEAR OF MY LIFE. THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE INSIDE ARE NO LONGER USABLE. THERE WAS MOLD ALL OVER THE INSIDE THAT SERIOUSLY EFFECTED MY ASTHMA. THEIR MANAGEMENT STILL HAS NOT CONTACTED ME ABOUT REMEDYING THIS ISSUE. THEY ALSO DAMAGED MY GLOVE BOX SO THAT THE WATER THAT THEY LET LEAK INTO MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T 'BUILD UP' AND CAUSE MORE DAMAGE SO THEY WERE COMPLETELY AWARE THAT THEY WERE LETTING MY CAR FLOOD WHILE STORING IT.
IN JANUARY CHEVROLET BURIEN DID SERVICING ON MY VEHICLE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE AFTER 3 WEEKS OF THEM HAVING IT; THEY GAVE IT TO ME WITH A FLAT TIRE WITH SEVERAL STUDS IN MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND THERE WAS AN INCH OF WATER ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I REQUESTED MANAGEMENT AND THEY DENIED ME AND FORCED ME TO MOVE MY VEHICLE OFF THE PROPERTY IN FEAR OF MY LIFE. THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE INSIDE ARE NO LONGER USABLE. THERE WAS MOLD ALL OVER THE INSIDE THAT SERIOUSLY EFFECTED MY ASTHMA. THEIR MANAGEMENT STILL HAS NOT CONTACTED ME ABOUT REMEDYING THIS ISSUE. THEY ALSO DAMAGED MY GLOVE BOX SO THAT THE WATER THAT THEY LET LEAK INTO MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T 'BUILD UP' AND CAUSE MORE DAMAGE SO THEY WERE COMPLETELY AWARE THAT THEY WERE LETTING MY CAR FLOOD WHILE STORING IT.
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
Rear-View Camera Failure
Roof Skin Separation While Driving
IEE Passenger Sensing System Mats
REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENT FAILURE
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.