What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (2008–2013) CTS?

CTS owners have made 107 complaints about the 2008–2013 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 33rd out of 35 Cadillac generations in overall reliability, with real engine and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other CTS Generations

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (2008–2013) CTS Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 107 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 33rd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 35 eligible generations.

Recent 2nd Generation (2008–2013) CTS News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. It's summertime, so you might be picking up some good vibrations from the Beach Boys (kids, ask your parents). Or, if you're a CTS owner, you might be picking up bad vibrations from the drive shaft.

    To make matters worse, that faulty rear drive shaft is causing severe enough vibrations to trigger the car's rollover sensor, deploying the roof rail airbags randomly. Oy.…

    keep reading article "Rear Drive Shaft Vibrations Can Deploy the CTS Airbags"

  2. GM is recalling 19,225 Cadillac CTS vehicles from the 2013-14 model years because the wipers could stop working.

    I believe it was Socrates who said "a wiper that does not wipe is not a wiper at all." Or it could have been my Uncle Sal. Either way ... the failure will only happen after a very specific situation -- when the wipers are blocked by snow or ice while the vehicle is jump started. Given how awful last winter was I suppose that's actually pretty likely.…

    keep reading article "Very Specific Situation Can Kill the CTS Wipers"