Cadillac CTS Structure Problems
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Cadillac CTS across 14 model years. The 2003 model year has the most (22). The words owners use most often: “trunk lid” (6% of reports).
- 113structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 10mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 32%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.
- Trunk lid: mentioned in 7 of 113 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 88 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 113 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 10 an injury.
Cadillac CTS structure complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Model years: 2007
Problem: Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 118, 'power operated window, partition, and roof panel systems.' under the standard, the sunroof may only be closed when the ignition is on, or after the ignition is turned off, but before either of the front doors are opened. The affected vehicles may exhibit a condition where the sunroof can be closed after the ignition is turned off and the doors are opened.
Risk: This standard specifies requirements for power operated window, partition, and roof panel systems to minimize the likelihood of death or injury from their accidental operation.
Fix: Dealers will install a wire harness. The recall began on may 29, 2008. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the carbon fiber-optic piece on the rear passenger door was fractured. The contact stated the occupant was exiting the rear passenger's door when the occupant was stabbed by the carbon fiber-optic piece. The…
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…
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.
Cracked subframe. The CTS-V is known for this. Many of the guys on the news groups have the same issue. I had mine welded and replaced the lower control arms as a result.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Cadillac CTSs have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 113 owner complaints about structure 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 structure?
Yes: 1 safety recall list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Cadillac CTS?
The most frequent phrase is “trunk lid”, in 7 of 113 complaints.
Other Cadillac CTS problems
- Power Train problems (462)
- Electrical System problems (383)
- Air Bags problems (378)
- Engine problems (236)
- Service Brakes problems (194)
- Steering problems (162)
- Suspension problems (119)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (111)
See all Cadillac CTS problems.