Cadillac CTS Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 462 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Cadillac CTS across 17 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (84). The words owners use most often: “rear differential” (31% of reports).
- 462power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 15mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $4,300typical repair cost reported by owners
- 35%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rear differential: mentioned in 144 of 462 complaints (31%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Cadillac CTS at $4,300, and half of them between $1,450 and $5,300.
Based on 17 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2008–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 329 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 462 complaints, 15 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 6 an injury.
Cadillac CTS power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 CTS | 3 | 30% | — |
| 2018 CTS | 3 | 38% | 12,300 |
| 2017 CTS | 9 | 33% | 51,124 |
| 2016 CTS | 9 | 29% | 30,000 |
| 2015 CTS | 20 | 42% | 79,000 |
| 2014 CTS | 84 | 58% | 78,000 |
| 2013 CTS | 13 | 18% | 27,000 |
| 2012 CTS | 4 | 6% | 65,309 |
| 2011 CTS | 22 | 22% | 46,500 |
| 2010 CTS | 9 | 13% | 41,500 |
| 2009 CTS | 28 | 17% | 59,000 |
| 2008 CTS | 21 | 12% | 83,000 |
| 2007 CTS | 33 | 15% | 80,000 |
| 2006 CTS | 45 | 17% | 41,500 |
| 2005 CTS | 82 | 30% | 28,086 |
| 2004 CTS | 52 | 23% | 20,050 |
| 2003 CTS | 25 | 8% | 28,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Air bags; power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2011
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the roof rail air bags deploy unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of crash and injury to the occupants.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear drive shaft assembly, free of charge. General Motors distributed an interim letter to owners on August 27, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14233.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2014
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.
Risk: If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft:seal
Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak.
Risk: A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of control increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on february 1, 2008. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-800-458-8006 or http://www.cadillac.com; pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.pontiac.com; and saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or http://www.saturn.com.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving, the air bag warning light and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Service Vehicle Soon" was displayed. Additionally, the rear end of the vehicle made an abnormal roaring sound. The vehicle was…
Engine burns 1quart of oil, 100 miles. Brakes went to floor, brake lines had holes at 69,000 miles. Driver rear axel leaks. 2006 Cadillac CTS is a lemon!! Money Pit !!!
Vehicle primarily failed while parked at owner residence [XXX] and remained inoperable for approximately three weeks prior to tow to Cadillac dealership. The ignition key became trapped and could not be removed. A manual override release beneath the driver-side steering column was required to free…
On April 30,2026 I was pulling into a parking space and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park with my foot the brake and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park with my foot the brake and the gear shifter wouldn't go in to park . The tow truck driver who finally responded was able to lift the…
My 2014 Cadillac CTS has been making what sounded like road noise. After another person road in my car that was not in it daily like I was, they told me how loud it really was. After further investigation, my rear differential has gone out at only 80,000 miles. Itâs impossible to drive due to the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Cadillac CTSs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 462 owner complaints about power train for the Cadillac CTS. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Cadillac CTS power train?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Cadillac CTS?
Owners report a typical cost of $4,300 (half paid between $1,450 and $5,300), from 17 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Cadillac CTS?
The most frequent phrase is “rear differential”, in 144 of 462 complaints.
Other Cadillac CTS problems
- Electrical System problems (383)
- Air Bags problems (378)
- Engine problems (236)
- Service Brakes problems (194)
- Steering problems (162)
- Suspension problems (119)
- Structure problems (113)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (111)
See all Cadillac CTS problems.