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Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2009 Cadillac CTSRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 168 owner complaints for the 2009 Cadillac CTS. Most complaints involve engine (50) and power train (28). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
19–21mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Jul 2014
Owner complaints
168
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: ignition

Free remedy

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 agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Electrical systemReported Jul 2, 2014NHTSA 14V394000

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

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.

SuspensionReported Feb 11, 2011NHTSA 11V089000

Equipment

Free remedy

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND CTS-V VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

EquipmentReported Sep 13, 2010NHTSA 10V414000
See all 5 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

168 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2009 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine50
  2. Power train28
  3. Electrical system26
  4. Air bags13
  5. Steering12
  6. Suspension11
  7. Vehicle speed control11
  8. Service brakes9
  9. Fuel/propulsion system9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each CTS model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2003319
2004229
2005284
2006272
2007218
2008175
2009168
20100
2011108
201267
201373
2014146
201550
201631
201727
20188
201910
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
3
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

50 reports
“On October 30, 2026, at approximately 3:10 PM, my 2009 Cadillac CTS experienced an apparent engine and brake system failure while I was operating the vehicle. The vehicle lost power, and I was unable to stop despite applying the brakes. The exact component or components that failed have not yet been identified. The vehicle is currently available for inspection by insurance representatives, mechanics, manufacturer representatives, or other authorized investigators upon request. The apparent engine and brake failure created an immediate safety hazard because I was unable to maintain control of the vehicle's speed or bring it to a safe stop. As a result, the vehicle struck utility power equipment near my residence. The incident placed me, nearby residents, pedestrians, and motorists at risk of injury. The collision also caused a power outage affecting homes in the surrounding neighborhood. At this time, the cause of the engine and brake failure has not been reproduced or confirmed by a Cadillac dealer or independent repair facility. The matter remains under investigation pending inspection of the vehicle and its components. The incident was reported to 911, and a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2026Service brakes, EngineODI 11774916

Power train

28 reports1 crash
“The all wheel drive link is not working. This causes the stabilitrac and abs to go out leaving only rear wheel drive. With very little weight in the rear of the car, it is very difficult to drive in snow or rain conditions as the car slides very easily. This is the 2nd time it's happened.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 24, 2024Power train, Service brakesODI 11573764

Electrical system

26 reports1 crash
“May car just stopped working come to find out water was leaking from my sunroof which I always keep my closed. Found out water in leaking from sunroof to my mom board now mechanic is saying to take to dealership I no its gonna be a lot of money to fix electric issue smh.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 15, 2023Electrical systemODI 11521986
All 2009 CTS problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CTS
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, 255HP · Rear-Wheel Drive
182621$2,950423
CTS
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, DI · Rear-Wheel Drive
172620$3,100444
CTS AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, DI · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172620$3,100444
CTS AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, 255HP · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172520$3,100444
CTS
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, DI · Rear-Wheel Drive
162519$3,300468
CTS
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, 255HP · Rear-Wheel Drive
162519$3,300468
  • CTS
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, 255HP
    18 city · 26 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • CTS
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, DI
    17 city · 26 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • CTS AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, DI
    17 city · 26 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • CTS AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, 255HP
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • CTS
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, DI
    16 city · 25 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • CTS
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, 255HP
    16 city · 25 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

3 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Cadillac CTS as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 5663Vehicle 5096Vehicle 5752
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 CTS questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Cadillac CTS have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2009 Cadillac CTS problems?

Owners filed 168 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (50), power train (28), electrical system (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Cadillac CTS get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Cadillac CTS at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026