Cadillac CTS Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the Cadillac CTS across 16 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (17). The words owners use most often: “rear differential” (13% of reports).
- 119suspension complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 30%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 16 of 119 complaints (13%)
- Control arm: mentioned in 12 of 119 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 81 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 119 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 4 an injury.
Cadillac CTS suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 CTS | 1 | 10% | — |
| 2017 CTS | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2016 CTS | 4 | 13% | 15,053 |
| 2015 CTS | 5 | 10% | 36,600 |
| 2014 CTS | 17 | 12% | 60,000 |
| 2013 CTS | 7 | 10% | 33,500 |
| 2012 CTS | 7 | 11% | 70,000 |
| 2011 CTS | 2 | 2% | 20,180 |
| 2010 CTS | 1 | 1% | 41,000 |
| 2009 CTS | 11 | 7% | 60,000 |
| 2008 CTS | 4 | 2% | 3,000 |
| 2007 CTS | 6 | 3% | 23,580 |
| 2006 CTS | 10 | 4% | 49,000 |
| 2005 CTS | 16 | 6% | 23,086 |
| 2004 CTS | 16 | 7% | 17,572 |
| 2003 CTS | 11 | 4% | 51,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Suspension:rear
Model years: 2009, 2010
Problem: 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 would be able to turn inboard or outboard. Owners may hear a metallic clanking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle that may warn of a loosening nut.
Risk: The driver may experience sudden changes with vehicle handling and may not be able to control the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will clean all wax residue from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts. If necessary the rear suspension toe link may be replaced. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before march 24, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I went to get my car checked at the mechanic because the suspension was making noise. I thought it was the struts which I coudnt change because Cadillac does not make the parts any longer. They found my frame is actually cracked and are charging $3k to fix! They told me to not drive it, imagine how…
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the rear axle, rear differential, and another undisclosed warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem thatâs going to end up killing someone when it completely separates
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a loud grinding and squeaking sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was a high-pitched sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the water pump was…
My 2013 has only 75k miles on it and all the dash lights flash and the car fails every couple of days. It has a brand new battery but the gauges on the dash continue to dance. Iâm not sure what the problem is but itâs a huge safety factor in drivability.

Frequently asked questions
Do all Cadillac CTSs have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 119 owner complaints about suspension 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 suspension?
Yes: 1 safety recall list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the Cadillac CTS?
The most frequent phrase is “rear differential”, in 16 of 119 complaints, followed by “control arm” (12).
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)
- Structure problems (113)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (111)
See all Cadillac CTS problems.