2011 Cadillac CTS transmission problems

The 2011 Cadillac CTS has 23 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Transmission complaints

16%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

CTS transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2011 Cadillac CTS have?

NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac CTS transmission — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2011 Cadillac CTS transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 14V341000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.