CADILLAC CTS · model year

2011 CADILLAC CTS

148 NHTSA complaints, 14 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011CADILLACCTS carries 148 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 14 crashes, 6 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 CTS is air bags with 23 filings, followed by power train (20) and electrical system (18). 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 2 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 2011 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.

148
Complaints
14
Crashes
6
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

148 filings

Crashes Reported

14 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS23
POWER TRAIN20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
ENGINE13
STEERING11
EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
SERVICE BRAKES6
SEATS4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
TIRES3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
WHEELS3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2

Recalls (2)

14V34100019/06/2014

AIR BAGS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured October 18, 2010, to June 2, 2011. In the affected vehicles, vibrations from the drive shaft may cause the vehicle's roll over sensor to command the roof rail air bags to deploy.

14V39400002/07/2014

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

Recent Complaints

20250528ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

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 that the mileage was 162,290.

Mileage: 162,290

20250516STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

Mileage: 153,000

20241003ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 switch unable to turn off car . Unhooking the battery and fuse only way to turn off car. Take car to good year for diagnostics and was told water in car ( this I know cause I see raining in car.) This problem has been on going for a few years with the raining. I being unknowing that this would happen. Unable to give Goodyear 4000 dollars to fix problem with no guarantee it would fix problem. My friend that owns shop had to take seats and to find the water in bottom of car and wiring harness and BCM AND FUSE BOX AS WELL PROGRAMMING NEED TO BE DONE THIS AS WELL IS INFO FROM DIAGNOSIS FROM GOODYEAR. Everytime I get out of car just to turn off I would have to lift hood disco

20241001STRUCTURE

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 vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that water was leaking onto the wiring on the floor. The sunroof drain was unclogged; however,

Mileage: 100,000

20241001ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that water was leaking onto the wiring on the floor. The sunroof drain was unclogged; however,

Mileage: 100,000

20231122AIR BAGS

My air bag light is on. I brought it to the dealer for repair. The dealer told me the airbag is unfixable due to the fact that the "Passenger seat presence sensor is broken and no longer manufactured". I now have a car that is fully functional aside from this issue and it's unsafe to drive. The dealer also refused to buy the car back from me for fair market value.

20230912AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to make an abnormal sound and the vehicle was inadvertently vibrating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V341000 (Air Bags, Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Mileage: 165,000

20230912POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to make an abnormal sound and the vehicle was inadvertently vibrating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V341000 (Air Bags, Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Mileage: 165,000

20230829AIR BAGS

Airbag warning

20221003FireSEATS

Heated seat when turned on caught on fire, burned me & the seat has burned leather. No warnings or lamps came on. It is available for inspection upon request.

20221003FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Heated seat when turned on caught on fire, burned me & the seat has burned leather. No warnings or lamps came on. It is available for inspection upon request.

20220818AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. Additionally, the "Service Air Bags" warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V341000 (Air Bags, Power Train). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Mileage: 95,000

20220429POWER TRAIN

Under previous GM Safety Recall Bulletin 14233, loss of grease from the center constant velocity (CV) joint over time results in vibrations of the propeller shaft that are transferred to the roll over sensor located on the floor above it. The condition was repaired under this recall in 2014, three years after the vehicle was manufactured. It is now 2022, and the same issue has happened again. Now, GM claims that there are no open recalls on the vehicle, yet the manufacturer defect remains and the issue has resurfaced. Being a safety recall, the repair should be covered by GM as stated in the bulletin (14233) regardless if the repair has been completed in the past, as the defect remains a safety issue. The vehicle in reference has 5 bolts sheared and the last remaining bolt fixing the center CV joint to the transmission was about to fall out, caused by the vibration of the CV joint that lost its grease.

20220204CrashSERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 -35 mph, there was a rattling noise detected from the front end of the vehicle. The brake pedal was applied but, failed to respond and crashed into a 2018 Ford. There were no reported injuries or fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Mileage: 45,000

20211216AIR BAGS

The air bag light comes on intermittently. It has been identified as a problem on several of the CTS and CTS-V forums.

20201104POWER TRAIN

IN 2014 GM ISSUED A RECALL ON THE SUPERSHARGER FOR THE 2010 TO 2015 CADILLAC CTS V AND THE CAMEO ZR1 I DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY NOTICE ABOUT IT. I AM REGISTERED ON THE GM RECALL SITE I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL NOW I AM HAVING THE ISSUE I CALLED GM AND THERE SAYING MY CAR IS OUT OF MILEAGE BUT IT WASN'T IN 2014 AND I ONLY LET THE DEALER WORK ON IT AND THEY DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING AND WHEN I SPOKE TO GM SHE COULDN'T FIND ANY PROOF THEY NOTIFIED ME ABOUT THE RECALL HOW CAN I GET THEM TO REPAIR MY CAR UNDER THE RECALL LIKE THEY SHOULD HAVE?MY ATTORNEY SAID TRY TO GET YOUR HELP FIRST BECAUSE YOU CAN MAKE THEM COMPLY I WOULD APPRECIATE A SPEEDY RESPONSE TO IF YOU CAN HELP ME THANK YOU.

Mileage: 149,500

20200909POWER TRAIN

EVERY TIME THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS PUT IN REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE WHEELS TURNED SHARPLY TO RIGHT OR LEFT, SUCH AS IN BACKING- OUT OF A TIGHT PARKING SPACE, THE CAR LABORS TO MOVE BACKWARDS AND BINDING NOISES EMANATE FROM DIFFERENTIAL OR REAR AXLE AREA OF THE CAR. THIS CONDITION LESSENS AND COMPLETELY DISAPPEARS AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS RETURNED TO THE STRAIGHT FORWARD OR STRAIGHT BACK POSITION. I BELIEVE THIS CONDITION HAS EXISTED IN EARLIER MODELS OF MY VEHICLE AND HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. THIS MALFUNCTION HAS EXISTED EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE USED CAR IN JUNE OF 2016. OTHER THAN THE DESCRIBED ISSUE, THE CAR HAS SERVED ME WELL.

Mileage: 64,000

20200824CrashAIR BAGS

WHILE DRIVING ON A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD AT APPROX 45 MPH, GOING INTO A SHARP LEFT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN ANY FURTHER. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE STEERING HAD GONE OUT COMPLETELY. THIS CAUSED ME TO TRAVEL STRAIGHT INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND LAUNCH INTO THE WOODS. NO INJURIES. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. RADIATOR WAS BENT INTO A U SHAPE. NO IDEA WHY NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY

Mileage: 84,000

20200824CrashSTEERING

WHILE DRIVING ON A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD AT APPROX 45 MPH, GOING INTO A SHARP LEFT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN ANY FURTHER. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE STEERING HAD GONE OUT COMPLETELY. THIS CAUSED ME TO TRAVEL STRAIGHT INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND LAUNCH INTO THE WOODS. NO INJURIES. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. RADIATOR WAS BENT INTO A U SHAPE. NO IDEA WHY NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY

Mileage: 84,000

20200819AIR BAGS

WHEN TAKING TURNS MY 2011 CTS CADILLAC FLASHES THAT MY AIR BAG MUST BE SERVICED. ON THE PASSENGER SEAT.

Mileage: 142,560

Compare 2011CADILLACCTS to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 CADILLAC CTS have?
The 2011 CADILLAC CTS has 148 NHTSA complaints, 14 crashes, 6 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 CADILLAC CTS?
The 2011 CADILLAC CTS received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 CADILLAC CTS?
Yes, the 2011 CADILLAC CTS has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 CADILLAC CTS?
The most-complained component for the 2011 CADILLAC CTS is AIR BAGS with 23 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2011 CADILLAC CTS safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 CADILLAC CTS has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.