Cadillac CTS Suspension Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 119 complaints analyzed

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).

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.

Under 10k miles23 · 28%
10k–25k miles10 · 12%
25k–50k miles17 · 21%
50k–75k miles15 · 19%
75k–100k miles7 · 9%
100k–150k miles5 · 6%
150k+ miles4 · 5%

How serious are the reports?

Of 119 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 4 an injury.

Cadillac CTS suspension complaints by model year

Peak: 2014, with 17 complaints
2003: 112003112004: 16162005: 162005162006: 10102007: 6200762008: 442009: 112009112010: 112011: 2201122012: 772013: 7201372014: 17172015: 5201552016: 442017: 1201712019: 11

n = 119 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSuspension complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2019 CTS110%—
2017 CTS14%—
2016 CTS413%15,053
2015 CTS510%36,600
2014 CTS1712%60,000
2013 CTS710%33,500
2012 CTS711%70,000
2011 CTS22%20,180
2010 CTS11%41,000
2009 CTS117%60,000
2008 CTS42%3,000
2007 CTS63%23,580
2006 CTS104%49,000
2005 CTS166%23,086
2004 CTS167%17,572
2003 CTS114%51,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2008, with 12 complaints
2003: 220032004: 32005: 520052006: 102007: 120072008: 12122009: 420092010: 42011: 620112013: 32014: 920142015: 82016: 420162017: 62018: 720182019: 42020: 520202021: 42022: 420222023: 22024: 920242025: 42026: 32026

n = 119 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Suspension:rearFeb 11, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V089000 · 44,147 vehicles

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…

Received Sep 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764700

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…

Received Aug 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11758015

Front subframe crack around lower control arm bushing area. Common problem that’s going to end up killing someone when it completely separates

Received Jan 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11710859

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…

Received Jul 25, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11676097

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. I’m not sure what the problem is but it’s a huge safety factor in drivability.

Received Mar 11, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11647538
Cadillac CTS
2014 Cadillac CTS photographed in Pointe-Claire , Quebec , Canada .. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

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

See all Cadillac CTS problems.