Problems · NHTSA complaints

2009 Cadillac CTS problems

Owners filed 168 complaints about the 2009 Cadillac CTS with NHTSA between Jan 2009 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (50).

Complaints
168
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
3
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Structure9
  11. Electronic stability control (esc)6
  12. Service brakes, hydraulic6
  13. Tires5
  14. Seat belts4

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20098
201019
20119
20122
20134
201421
201521
201622
201711
201815
201917
20205
20210
20223
20235
20243
20252
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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 crash2 related recalls
“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

Air bags

13 reports4 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was swaying to the left or the far right without the contact moving the steering wheel. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle was easier to control. The contact stated the traction control, TPMS, service brake assist, air bags, and service stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V089000 (Suspension) and called the NHTSA Hotline to see if the VIN was included. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 11, 2025Suspension, Air bags, TiresODI 11641895

Steering

12 reports3 crashes
“Severe and sudden malfunction of the ABS/Stabilitrak system at 45MPH causing loss of directional control of the vehicle. Failure caused by disintegration/cracking of ABS/HUB RELUCTOR RINGS, feeding incorrect wheel speeds to stability system. This failure caused a total loss of power, vehicle veering right despite full left steering input, ABS activation continuously (increasing stopping distance). Vehicle exited road due to loss of control.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 5, 2024Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesODI 11581265

Suspension

11 reports1 crash1 related recall
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK AND FORTH SEVERAL TIMES TO MCELWAIN MOTOR CAR COMPANY CHEVROLET (812 BEAVER AVE, ELLWOOD CITY, PA 16117, (724) 824-1223) DUE TO THE WHEELS, WHEEL BEARINGS, AND BRAKE SYSTEM CORRODING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT UTILIZED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE OUT OF FEAR THAT IT MAY NOT WORK WHEN NEEDED. ALSO, THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED THE LAST TIME THE DEALER DROPPED OFF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES FOR THE TIMING CHAIN. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO HONOR TSB: 11340C (SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT TIMING WEAR) EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 120,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE DEALER MAY NEED TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN AND TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO COVERAGE OF THE SPECIAL ADJUSTMENT CAMPAIGN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 5, 2019Suspension, Service brakes, EngineODI 11184300
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

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