It’s impossible not to talk about the Cadillac CTS when it comes to the top luxury cars. Aside from having low ownership costs, it has great gas mileage, making it one of the most economical vehicles to maintain. General Motors (GM) manufactured and marketed the CTS from 2003 to 2019.
Are Cadillac CTS Reliable Cars?
RepairPal gave the Cadillac CTS a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 17th out of 31 luxury midsize cars. The annual repair and maintenance cost for the CTS is $660, which is $70 less than its competitors. But while the CTS has a lower frequency of annual repair shop visits than other luxury midsize cars, the model has a 16% probability of having severe damages. That’s higher than the average 12%.
Top Cadillac CTS Problems
As dependable as the Cadillac CTS is, it may develop issues that affect its drivability and ride comfort. Here are some of the most common problems found across different CTS model years:
Loss of Power Due to Illuminated StabiliTrak and Trac Control Lights
The Cadillac CTS is equipped with a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliTrak. It is designed to improve vehicle safety in difficult driving conditions. Drivers report loss of engine power because of this system. Some owners of the 2019 model have had to replace the engine wiring harness, as it is not getting enough voltage transferred to the transmission. This caused the StabiliTrak and Trac control lights to illuminate.
Interior Accessories Problems
The 2014 Cadillac CTS has had quite a few problems with its internal accessories. For instance, many owners of this model year have complained about a cracked touch screen for no reason at all. Some have also complained about malfunctioning Bluetooth settings, faded cruise control buttons, and a faulty infotainment system.
Premature Light Bulb Failure
Many owners of the 2003-2013 and 2015 Cadillac CTS redesigns report several instances of premature light bulb failure. They have had to replace worn-out headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and fog lights in as early as two years.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivers of some 2012 Cadillac CTS Performance Coupes report violent jerking from their vehicles when backing and turning. Many also report hearing bumping noises, which sound like their car is struggling to stay in gear. This issue may become noticeably worse in cold weather.
Keep in mind that vehicle jerking can be caused by more than one issue. These include a low transmission fluid level, a stuck valve body, faulty torque converters and accumulators (for automatic transmission vehicles), and more. If your vehicle exhibits this symptom, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a licensed mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.
Transmission Failure
Transmission failure has been a common issue found in some 2009 Cadillac CTS units. It can be caused by several factors, such as transmission fluid leaks, a clogged transmission fluid filter, broken transmission bands and gears, a faulty torque converter, and ruptured transmission seals.
Loose Rear Bezel Cover
A loose rear bezel cover may not seem like a major issue, but it has been the most common problem reported by 2003 Cadillac CTS owners. Many drivers have complained about their back light panel falling off due to poorly manufactured bezels. Some paid as much as $680 to replace the plastic cover and the assembly connected to it.
Faulty Steering Wheel Position Sensor
A faulty steering wheel position sensor in some 2003-2009 and 2011 redesigns tended to activate the service stability message, which automatically engaged the brakes. Some vehicles often swerved to one side, requiring the driver to manually apply the brakes. A replacement steering wheel position sensor typically costs around $100 excluding labor costs.
Dead Transfer Case
A dead transfer case has been a common problem found in some units of the 2009 Cadillac CTS. Owners report that their wheels would completely stop while driving due to the loss of power in the drive axles. Upon having their vehicles checked, they discovered that the spline between the transmission and transfer case was stripped.
This led many owners to replace the spindle and have their transmissions rebuilt. A new transfer case can cost around $1,100 plus labor costs.
Passenger Seat Sensor Failure and a Leaking Rear Axle Pinion Seal
Some 2003-2008 and 2010-2011 models of the CTS have had problems with their passenger seat sensor, which caused the supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbag light to illuminate.
There have also been reports of vehicles with rear wheels that locked up and made clunking noises due to a leaking rear axle pinion seal. If left unaddressed, this may result in internal rear-end damage. An aftermarket pinion seal replacement can cost anywhere between $20 and $50 plus labor costs.
Engine Problems
Rough idling, engine failure, and stalling are some of the most common 2008 Cadillac CTS problems reported by its owners. These issues were typically caused by a worn camshaft, a seized motor, or a faulty engine control module (ECM) sensor.
Electrical Problems
The 2003 Cadillac CTS has had its fair share of electrical problems. Some owners report that its battery gets drained too fast, causing the ignition switch, lighting systems, and alarms to malfunction.
Other owners have also complained about a no-start condition despite having a new battery, starter, and relay. This can be due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor, a bad ignition coil, or a cracked distributor cap or rotor. Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.
Keep in mind that even a luxury vehicle like the Cadillac CTS will require repairs and parts may need to be replaced over time. However, this shouldn’t keep you from taking advantage of this vehicle’s excellent performance and superb features. By familiarizing yourself with the model’s most common issues, you can prevent problems and extend your Cadillac’s service life.
How to Get Replacement Parts for Your Cadillac CTS
Whether you’re dealing with faulty steering wheel position sensors or damaged transmission seals, you’ll have to replace any broken parts if you want to keep driving your Cadillac CTS. A faulty steering wheel position sensor is likely to interfere with your brakes, which means you’re at greater risk of getting into an accident. You’ll have to avoid driving until you replace the faulty sensor. Luckily, getting replacement parts for your Cadillac CTS is fast and easy with CarParts.com.
CarParts.com offers a wide selection of steering wheel position sensors, pinion seals, and other Cadillac CTS parts, all sourced from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Just be sure to use our vehicle selector and search filters, so you can easily browse through our catalog. Thanks to our warehouses strategically located around the US, CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping. You can expect to receive your package in as fast as two business days, as long as you order by 12 p.m. ET.
Don’t wait until your Cadillac CTS starts acting up before replacing its defective parts. Check out our catalog of high-quality steering wheel position sensors, pinion seals, transmission seals, and more at CarParts.com today.
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