VehicleVerdict

2011 Cadillac CTS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 Cadillac CTS sits mid-pack among CTS years: 148 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 148, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (24), airbags (23), and transmission (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

148

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other CTS years?

CTS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted450 complaints2003: 450 complaints2004: 294 complaints2005: 396 complaints2006: 371 complaints2007: 314 complaints2008: 252 complaints2009: 222 complaints2010: 101 complaints2011: 148 complaints2012: 81 complaints2013: 106 complaints2014: 196 complaints2015: 65 complaints2016: 47 complaints2017: 32 complaints2018: 10 complaints2019: 16 complaints
CTS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CTS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Cadillac CTS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2416%
Transmission2316%
Airbags2316%
Engine1510%
Steering117%
Body & Structure96%
Lighting85%
Tires & Wheels75%
Speed Control75%
Brakes64%
Other43%
Seats43%
Fuel System21%
Suspension21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Driver Assistance11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2011 Cadillac CTS have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V394000Electrical SystemJuly 2, 2014 · 554,328 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

14V341000TransmissionJune 19, 2014 · 16,932 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured October 18, 2010, to June 2, 2011. In the affected vehicles, vibrations from the drive shaft may cause the vehicle's roll over sensor to command the roof rail air bags to deploy.

Consequence

If the roof rail air bags deploy unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of crash and injury to the occupants.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear drive shaft assembly, free of charge. General Motors distributed an interim letter to owners on August 27, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14233.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2011 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION RECALL NOTICE. *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, IF THE RECALL HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 23, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS IT SEIZED IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE APPROACHED SPEEDS UP TO 80 MPH AND ONLY STOPPED AFTER HE CRASHED INTO A HOME. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR WAS THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 17, 2013 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD AT APPROX 45 MPH, GOING INTO A SHARP LEFT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN ANY FURTHER. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE STEERING HAD GONE OUT COMPLETELY. THIS CAUSED ME TO TRAVEL STRAIGHT INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND LAUNCH INTO THE WOODS. NO INJURIES. AIR BAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 19, 2020 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT THE CAR CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 13, 2014 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD AT APPROX 45 MPH, GOING INTO A SHARP LEFT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN ANY FURTHER. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE STEERING HAD GONE OUT COMPLETELY. THIS CAUSED ME TO TRAVEL STRAIGHT INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND LAUNCH INTO THE WOODS. NO INJURIES. AIR BAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 19, 2020 · crash

2011 Cadillac CTS — common questions

Is the 2011 Cadillac CTS reliable?

It is close to typical for the CTS: 148 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 CTS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (24 complaints), airbags (23 complaints), transmission (23 complaints).

Does the 2011 Cadillac CTS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Cadillac CTS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac CTS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CTS years to avoid are 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2004, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among CTS years belongs to 2018.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.