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2008 Cadillac CTS repairs by problem area

Engine (21%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (3%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (29%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (27%)

Other (8%)

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Chart based on 377 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Cadillac CTS.

2008 Cadillac CTS repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (28%)

< $100 (55%)

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Chart based on 176 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Cadillac CTS model years.

Cadillac CTS in Florida, United States Dec 2011 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012 52000 mi	Rear window went down by itself. Motor and regulator replaced

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Cadillac CTS in California, United States Jan 2008 - Mar 2010
Oct 2008 6000 mi	1. Check engine light on. 2. Air vent rattle. 3. Package tray rattle

Cadillac CTS in Arkansas, United States Feb 2008 - Jul 2016
Mar 2008 2305 mi	Intermittent electrical problems with instrument panel and center console stack lighting and controls. Dealer replaced entire center console stack, including radio, control assembly, and modules. Dealer replaced defective A-pillar upholstery pieces with new parts that were also defective. Dealer replaced driver's seat track adjuster assembly due to excessive slack and sideways movement of driver's seat. Intermittent vibration of shift knob and audible vibrations in drivetrain and/or exhaust system. Dealer tightened gear shift knob housing hold-down bolts, but failed to implement remedies described in two TSBs on this exact issue. Replaced entire center console stack. Replaced both A-pillar trim upholstery pieces. Replaced driver's seat track adjuster assembly. Removed rear inner fenders and installed Dyna Mat and undercoating. Tightened gear shift knob housing hold-down bolts.
Apr 2008 3000 mi	Small paint bubble on passenger-side door handle broke open, leaving a small but very noticeable paint chip down to the bare metal. Removed handle, sent to body shop, repainted, clearcoated, reinstalled. Dealer replaced defective driver-side A-pillar upholstery for the second time. Dealer loosened and repositioned various transmission and exhaust system mounting brackets as per 2 TSBs regarding audible vibrations. Also added clamp weights to the exhaust pipes to dampen vibrations. Following a previous repair of the passenger-side outside door handle, the door made a loud rattling noise each time it was closed. Removed door trim panel, found problem, corrected, reinstalled door trim. Driver-side A-pillar upholstery loose, mis-positioned, and causing a persistent squeak - after previous replacement of this upholstery trim piece. Corrected, no more squeak.
Dec 2008 9000 mi	Dealer previously damaged interior driver's door trim while replacing factory-defective driver's seat track assembly. Replaced door trim strip. Successful repair. Slight wind noise coming from top of driver's-door window was present at new car delivery. Now louder and distracting. Part (seal strip) on order. Intermittent rattle/buzz from rear deck was present at new car delivery. Now more consistent buzz with or without audio system on. Insulated cushion for rear deck on order. During a previous repair front-passenger-door window felt strip was incorrectly re-installed. Rather than simply correct, svc mgr ordered new part.
Jan 2009 10000 mi	Installed ordered part, driver's door window seal, but there's still too much wind noise in comparison to other three door windows. Felt window strip successfully replaced but, alas, rubber door trim strip was damaged. Ordered replacement part. Note: door has been repaired 3 times - 1st due to factory defect, 2nd & 3rd due to collateral damage caused by dealer service department. Slight rattle/buzz from rear deck, with or without audio on, was present at new car delivery and became progressively louder. Dealer ordered "insulated cushion" but did not install, instead found speaker shelf bracket defective, repaired, reinstalled.
Apr 2010 19000 mi	Rear package shelf intermittant rattle, buzz described in TSB #09-08-44-003 w/ prescribed remedy "install flocking tape and shim stock." Dealer resented mention of the TSB, and attempted alternate undisclosed, unsuccessful repair...
Aug 2010 21000 mi	Finally, after 2 years and 9 months, performed TSB plus added insulation between rear package shelf cover and metal rear deck Finally, after 2 years and 9 months, performed TSB 08-08-49-014 and added mylar washers to the HVAC center dashboard air outlet deflectors Finally, after 2 years and 9 months, completed TSB 08-07-30-044A. Previous trip reprogramed the transmission control module (TCM). This repair trip installed rubber insulators (2), GM P/N 20827776, between the rear drive axle and body.
May 2011 26000 mi	Noisy exhaust resonance/vibration heard in passenger cabin when at idle with foot on brake. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, dealer finally replaced entire dual exhaust system from engine exhaust manifolds to chrome exhaust pipe tips.
Dec 2011 32000 mi	TSB flocking material to correct rattling, buzzing rear package shelf between rear seats back and rear window Electric solenoid-controlled mechanical filter or shutter for low/high beam HID Xenon headlight (driver's side) does not work; so low beam only, no high beam. Water leak into truck from "center high mount stop light" aka 3rd brake light. Driver's door rubber surround seal cracked and split open. Engine compartment rear rubber seal loose and hanging down on driver's side, allowing increased engine noise into passenger cabin. Driver's side taillight housing loose and vibrating against body paint, causing paint chip around edge of plastic lense.
Jan 2012 32000 mi	Replaced complete driver's side HID Xenon headlight assembly due to failure of high/low beam solenoid shutter. Replaced trunk latch assembly which was damaged from previous repair of water leak into trunk (broken seal around CHMSL 3rd brake light).
Feb 2013 40500 mi US $200	Excessive oil consumption (1qt. in 1650mi. confirmed by oil consumption test). Rebuilt engine (heavy carbon buildup; new piston rings, bearings, seals, gaskets, etc.) Check engine light and codes. Replaced timing chain tensioners. Leaking seal around passenger-side HID headlight allowed rain water and wash water to enter, and resulting condensation on inside of lense would not clear, fogged headlight. Replaced complete headlight assembly.
Nov 2013 44900 mi	Previous engine rebuild failed to correct excessive oil consumption (1qt per 1200mi after rebuild). Disassembled engine again and detected out-of-round cylinder bores. Replaced rebuilt engine with crated new LLT engine.
Dec 2013 45000 mi US $820	Replaced A/C condensor (located in front of radiator). Leak discovered on first warm day after dealer installed new engine, suspicious. Original mfr's warranty expired and not covered by GMPP, vehicle owner paid 100% of repair bill.

Cadillac CTS in Florida, United States Dec 2007 - Sep 2008
Jun 2008 2000 mi	NAV is a mess. Pull over for gas and it forgets where it is and cannot compute route to destination. Unit flashes back and forth between day/night. TSB Disc not in stock. Ordered.
Jul 2008 8000 mi	Engine stopped while driving. Dealer claims that due to Gas Tank Design, car can stall when going uphill with 3 gallons of gas in the tank. Car would not restart until it had been shaken (not stirred) for 15 miles on the back of a flatbed.
Sep 2008 8000 mi	GPS fixed with GPS operating system upgrade.

Cadillac CTS in California, United States Mar 2008 - Jun 2022
Jun 2010 23000 mi US $123	check engine light on after oil change, fuel mixture sensor stuck,needed to disassemble and reassemble
Jul 2010 24000 mi	coolant temp sensor failure
Jan 2011 13800 mi US $66	noise in dash linked to tach
Aug 2011 37200 mi	water pump, transmission sensor; also oil change and all air filters
Jun 2013 54000 mi US $430	tire air pressure sensors dead after 5 years, must be replaced
Dec 2015 80000 mi US $130	failed smog check
Apr 2016 82200 mi US $2500	fuel and emissions sensor replacement Drivers door outside handle actuator; new tires
Aug 2016 88000 mi US $2100	Alternator fried ECM module. Both replaced $2100. maint = air filter , tuneup, all belts wipers $533
May 2018 107000 mi US $265	Waterpump

Cadillac CTS in Virginia, United States Nov 2007 - May 2011
Dec 2007	A-pillar trim fit poorly; delayed delivery by a day so dealer could swap the trim with another car.
Mar 2011 29000 mi	drivers door lock could freeze added insulated strip on door jam reprogrammed for timing

Cadillac CTS in Georgia, United States Nov 2007 - Jun 2013
Jan 2008 5000 mi	Front bumper alignment.
Feb 2008 7000 mi	Trunk lid shocks failed. Trunk lid shocks repaired.
Apr 2008 9000 mi	Drive shaft out of balance. Needed re-indexing. Rattles in passenger back door. Rattling exhaust system. Mounting needed adjustment.
Mar 2009 22000 mi	Sunroof noisy due to seal no sealing properly.
Jun 2009 24000 mi	Problems fixed: drivetrain drone and brakes squeals. In both cases TSB applied successfuly.
Feb 2010 33000 mi	Sunroof seals replaced due to wind noise.
Oct 2010 42000 mi	Repaired faulty connection.
Nov 2010 42800 mi	Replaced all timing chains and chain tensioners.
Mar 2011 47000 mi	ECU reflash
Jun 2011 50000 mi	Replaced door lock assembly.
Oct 2011 55000 mi	Leaking A/C condenser replaced.
Jan 2012 46800 mi US $180	HID bulb failed

Cadillac CTS in California, United States Nov 2007 - Mar 2010
Jan 2008 1000 mi	Cup holder door mechanism failure. Plastic anchor for cargo net broke. Exterior console panels pulling away from wood trim on both sides of console. Steering wheel vibration and steering wheel has play to right of center.

Cadillac CTS in South Carolina, United States May 2008 - Nov 2012
Nov 2008 3000 mi	Center stack went completely.No radio, Nav, HVAC. Initially told entire center stack needed to be replaced.Then was told a center stack control relay needed to be replaced but center stack was good. Finally was told control relay and radio was replaced.

Cadillac CTS in California, United States Nov 2007 - Jun 2014
Mar 2008 2000 mi	Rear differential recall said bolt needed to be tightened, but ended up replacing entire rear differential.
May 2008 3000 mi	Wireless key remote ceased functioning. Ordered a second key which came in 5 days later and was programmed to car by the dealer.
Jan 2011 19200 mi	battery constantly dead because of drain on battery caused by one of car's defective computers
Jan 2013 16200 mi US $133	Excessive end play on left end camshaft. Installed 2 seals, a gasket kit and 2 washers.
Sep 2013 29000 mi US $1500	Engine light came on so I took it to dealer who said they had to drop the engine to check out the problem. Whatever it was, the problem was fixed. However, 95% of my bill was labor.

Cadillac CTS in Pennsylvania, United States Jul 2008 - May 2014
Mar 2009 5000 mi	A-pillar trim on both sides of the CTS. Nav/radio system needed software update, disc with the update had to be ordered. Installed nav/radio software update Replaced warped A-pillar trim.
Apr 2009 8000 mi	Red light on OnStar system flashed. OnStar said it was a wiring problem (and the OnStar module was replaced the previous month). Code B2485 showed faulty Bluetooth antenna. Part ordered. Poor connectivity wth VCIM. Replaced antenna under warranty.
Jul 2010 18000 mi	Brake pedal squeaked during application on cold days. Navigation screen squeaked going up on hot days. Small storage compartment at the base of center stack did not latch following earlier repair to fix nav screen squeak. Repaired center stack storage compartment that had been damaged.
Jul 2011 28300 mi	OnStar light illuminated red rather than green intermittently. OnStar advisor said it was a problem with the OnStar battery, but dealer said Bluetooth antenna was loose. Dealer reattached antenna. So far, repair seems to work.
Mar 2012 35000 mi	High pressure fuel pump failed. Car went into reduced engine power mode. Pressure was 55 psi rather than 3000. Part replaced on day 2. Both key fobs intermittently failed, so the car would sometimes not unlock or start.
Jun 2013 49000 mi	Car went into limp home mode briefly and service engine soon light illuminated. Took to the dealer the next day and they replaced the TAC module under the powertrain warranty.

Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States Jan 2011 - Aug 2011
Feb 2011 48000 mi	Timing chain adjustment

Cadillac CTS in Ohio, United States Jul 2011 - Sep 2011
Sep 2011 92000 mi	Drivers side keyless entry does not work. Cadillac diagnosed and I fixed the problem.

Cadillac CTS in Oklahoma, United States Jul 2008 - Feb 2022
Sep 2018 94000 mi US $80	Electric brake booster pump stopped working. Caused hard brake pedal at start until engine warmed up. Replaced in about 10 minutes. This was a replacement for the original one that went bad two years ago. Bought the part on Amazon. Used a screwdriver and 2 10mm wrenches to change it.

Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States Nov 2010 - Jul 2014
Apr 2011 58000 mi	Tire pressure sensor failed
Aug 2011 64900 mi	backup sensor not working
Nov 2011 69000 mi	Door latch assembly intermittently not actuating power electrical components. Driver door control circuit for radio and interior lighting intermittent failure.
Jun 2013 94000 mi	timing belt failed

Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States Oct 2009 - Mar 2015
Apr 2013 96000 mi US $210	Spark plugs and coils
Mar 2015 123000 mi US $1200	Transmission module failed...They foxed issue but gave me a new one..Now its hard for car to go into gear. They want to replace entire transmission for 4500..They acknowledge they did not do something correct, but dealer doesn't want to fix

Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States Nov 2009 - Apr 2011
Feb 2010 24600 mi	front drivers seat would not heat

Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States Aug 2008 - Mar 2009
Sep 2008	Center console making squeaking noises. Improved, but still present. Passenger side AC vent thumbwheel was stuck. Ordered new one for installation in October. Bezel on center console had small scratch, replaced. Excessive wind noise from sunroof. Sunroof Adjusted, fixed, but caused new issues.
Oct 2008 1000 mi	Dealer added insulation to center stack. 90% resolved. Part replaced and resolved.
Feb 2009 2000 mi	Thumbwheel was replaced. Driver seat squeaks. Seatback replaced. 90% resolved.

Cadillac CTS in Wisconsin, United States Nov 2007 - Apr 2013
Dec 2007	XM Radio failed, static on FM, radio had to be replaced

Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States Mar 2008 - Jan 2016
Feb 2010 28000 mi	One tire pressure sensor failed & was replaced.
Apr 2010 29700 mi	OnStar & GM Remote Diagnostic results indicated a failing coolant pump that should be checked at the dealer within 7 days. Part was replaced under warranty.
Mar 2014 86000 mi US $135	Vacuum hose & broken elbow were replaced. RE: How badly? - Engine misfire noticeable when cold & on hard acceleration as well as check engine light on. RE: How discovered? - Driver noticed the engine misfire and THEN noticed the warning. Driver's side DRL dead. Requires removal of entire front facia. Told them not to do it for the quoted $200. RE: Who paid? - They miscommunicated internally & did it anyway. For free! except price of the bulb, $25. Excellent!!!
Aug 2014 92000 mi US $501	Engine misfire/running rough. They did a "top engine clean." Driver's exterior door handle not opening the door. Adjusted the door mechanism. Car ran fine for two days, then both problems returned. Engine misfire/running rough. This time they pulled the heads & manually cleaned out heavy carbon build-up. Driver's exterior door handle won't open the door. They replaced the driver's door actuator. The car actually seems fixed.

Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States Nov 2007 - Mar 2010
Jul 2008 7000 mi	Nav screen squeaks during lowering and raising. New nav system ordered. Car used two quarts of oil in 5,000 miles. Presently performing an oil usage test supervised by the dealer. Driver's seat not stable, repair attempted, unresolved. Driver's window squeaks when lowering and raising. Dealer says can't replicate.

Cadillac CTS in Georgia, United States Nov 2007 - Mar 2009
Dec 2007 1000 mi	The turn signal lever was not activating the "lane change" feature when changing lanes to the right. The turn signal levers were on backorder and I had to take it back in January. There was a speaker grill on the dash coming unglued.
Jan 2008 1000 mi	As stated above, the lane change function of the turn signal was malfunctioning. diagnosed in dec, part didnt come in until jan.
Feb 2008 3000 mi	Rubbing of exhaust on frame, created a vibration and thumping sound when going over bumps.

Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States Oct 2007 - Oct 2010
Nov 2007 2000 mi	CD/DVD player stopped working. Unit was replaced.
May 2008 3000 mi	Steering wheel cruise control toggle sticks in "increase" position.
Nov 2008 5000 mi	Satellite radio dead.

Cadillac CTS in Indiana, United States Aug 2007 - Mar 2012
Mar 2009 29000 mi	Wind noise in sunroof.
Apr 2009 30000 mi	Wind noise in sunroof fixed. Replaced all seals
Sep 2010 51000 mi	sky light rattles

Cadillac CTS in California, United States Jan 2008 - Dec 2016
Aug 2008 6000 mi US $500	Few problems.. most warranty works. Trunk lid misaligment. Unable to take the key out of the fob. License plate light loose.. service dept closed when pick up.. need another trip
Jan 2011 21000 mi US $101	Cushion Track on driver seat bent, replaced Exulary pump faulty, replaced, warning from onstar Auxiliary pump faulty, warning from onstar under engine cooling section, replaced, fixed

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Cadillac CTS in Illinois, United States Oct 2007 - Oct 2010
Jun 2008 9000 mi	Navigation Operating System has bugs and new disc to fix has been issued but dealer didn't have it so it is on order.
Oct 2008 15000 mi	Update didn't fix it, dealer will order & install new unit.
Dec 2008 17000 mi	Navi was not recalculating route on certain trips.
Jun 2009 25000 mi	Driver door sapelle wood insert cracked.
Sep 2009 29000 mi	Sapele wood trim piece on drivers door was cracked and was replaced under warrenty
Jul 2010 34000 mi	Disconnected heated washer fluid due to safety issues forcing recall. Washers didn't work afterwards. Return visit did not fix problem and will now have to return third time.
Aug 2010 35000 mi	Dealer failed on first 2 visits to fix problem. Put in new washer nozzles third visit and fixed problem.

Cadillac CTS in Massachusetts, United States Jul 2010 - Jan 2012
Aug 2010 45000 mi	Water leaked into interior after rain. Dealer did not fix first trip. Second trip 2 days later dealer fixed, found sunroof drain blocked and then cleared drain. XM check antenna displayed and XM reception intermittent. Comes & goes, dealer could not fix. Problem still occurs regularly.
Jan 2011 54000 mi	Check engine light, repair code DTC P0011 intake camshaft position (CMP)came up. Dealer said problem occurs with dirty or low oil. Neither were the case, but I had dealer change oil anyways. Problem not fixed, check engine light still on XM intermittent check antenna on display. New unit installed. Replaced cam chain
Jun 2011 65000 mi	Noise coming from rear differential. Dealer could not hear.
Aug 2011 69000 mi	Transfer case shaft stripped, car would not move. Dealer installed new shafts, etc. under power train warranty Rear differential seal leaking, distorted ring, pinion, & bearing. Dealer replaced rear differential under power train warranty
Sep 2011 71000 mi US $550	Passenger side headlight out. Need to remove the grille and front bumper to repair. Shop for the wiring harness melted inside fixture, so new fixture was required @ $400 for the part + labor.
Jan 2012 US $1000	Left front caliper was frozen, causing brake to drag and poor fuel economy.

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Sep 2007 - Dec 2013
Jun 2011 40000 mi	Computerized oil change interval changed so that oil changes are done more frequently.
Dec 2011 45000 mi	Front drivers side door handle would no longer open up door. Front drivers side electric door lock and mechanism replaced.
Apr 2013 61200 mi US $500	Grinding/humming sound from front right wheel area. Dealer replaced faulty wheel bearing
Jul 2013 62000 mi US $650	Another wheel bearing replaced Traction control and brake warning lights illuminated Sensor defective and replaced

Cadillac CTS in Massachusetts, United States Sep 2010 - Sep 2011
Oct 2010 35000 mi	Rear drivers side window failed to open

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Sep 2007 - Nov 2007
Sep 2007 250 mi	AWD warning lamp came on. A pin was bent and fixed issue. Car had a paint run above the gas door. They wet sanded it out, but it was left with the horrible swirl marks from it.
Oct 2007 2000 mi	The is a rumble coming from the rear end of the car starting at 45MPH. GM sent engineers out to do some driving with me and agreed that there is a problem and that it was not normal. They attempted to repair the car immediately by swapping parts from anot The is a rumble coming from the rear end of the car starting at 45MPH. GM sent engineers out to do some driving with me and agreed that there is a problem and that it was not normal. They attempted to repair the car immediately by swapping parts from anot

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Mar 2008 - Apr 2011
Jun 2009 8000 mi	rear half shaft seal
Sep 2010 15000 mi	The center stack module went out and the radio,HVAC were dead.

Cadillac CTS in Massachusetts, United States May 2008 - Jan 2010
Jul 2008 6000 mi	Both back windows would not go up or down.
Jan 2009 9000 mi	Radio would turn off on its own and some icons on touch screen would not work at times. Heard a rattling noise coming from the rear speaker deck. OnStar module was loose and was tightened.
Mar 2009 10000 mi	Service stability and traction control light came on. Fixed with flash of new software.
Jul 2009 12000 mi	Window regulator for the front passenger side window broke. Part ordered, but on national back order and I am still waiting for it to come in.
Aug 2009 12000 mi	Front Passenger window regulator motor had an internal short and the window would not go up or down. Part replaced and problem is fixed.
Nov 2009 12995 mi	Check engine activated a dealer found a faulty O2 sensor. Part replaced, problem solved. Ipod will not connect via USB cable to the stereo. Dealer advised TSB reveals that the problem most likely sits with the Ipod itself. No repair could be had. Oxygen sensor replaced.

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Feb 2008 - Oct 2017
Mar 2008 7000 mi	Numerous wind noises coming from the front doors/windows and windshield.
Sep 2009 25000 mi	Driver's seat frame had to be replaced. Driver's seat stopped moving forward or backward. Motor would engage, but seat would not move. Fixed by replacement of seat frame.
Jun 2010 31000 mi	Timing belt needs replacement.

Cadillac CTS in Washington, United States Oct 2007 - Jun 2018
Feb 2008 4000 mi	A rattle in the center console, bad door seal, reseal paint.
May 2009 13000 mi	Had to order a new module which regulates the placement of the seats mirrors etc when entering and leaving the car
Jun 2009 13000 mi	Car was taken back to have ordered parts installed.
Jan 2010 17000 mi	Found small amount of water leaking into trunk. Dealer found leak and repaired. Problem taken care of.
Sep 2010 23000 mi	One of the keyless FOB's was not working properly. Dealer replaced FOB. Problem solved.
Jun 2011 27000 mi	I started noticing a slight wind noise and squeaking coming from the sunroof. I had the sunroof inspected while in the shop for normal maintenance. The checked it out and found that the seal for the sunroof did indeed have to be replaced
Aug 2011 27900 mi	After the couple of weeks the squeaks returned and the wind noise was even worse than original. The replaced a couple of clips and the noise is gone for now.
Sep 2012 33000 mi US $105	While the caddy was in for an oil change and wheel rotation and balancing, the mechanic found that the right front wheel seal was just beginning to show signs of a leak. They replaced both seals under warranty.
Jan 2013 35000 mi US $450	While driving, the "check Engine" light came on and stayed on. I called OnStar and they confirmed there was a problem. I took the car to the dealer and they determined that one coil had failed. They replaced the Coil and Spark Plug.
May 2014 40000 mi	Replacement of the guide rails for the driver's seat. They also found a short in the On*Star module which was shorting out.
Jan 2015 44000 mi	After starting my engine I noticed that the "Check Engine" light had come on. I called Onstar. they diagnosed Cam sensor. I called dealer and they told me not to drive. They sent tow truck to bring car to dealership.
Mar 2015 44000 mi	While returning home I noticed a miss in the engine and the check light came on.I contacted Onstar.It was a bad sparkplug. It was towed to dealer.The plug and coil was replaced. Because of the promised savings I had them all relaced.
Apr 2017 50000 mi US $1100	There was a small water leak coming in from the sunroof and trunk. Had a water leak in the Sunroof. Removed the sunroof, cleaned all the crud, cleared the drains and replaced the Sunroof.
Sep 2017 51346 mi US $670	had to replace Ignition Switch and Cylinder

Cadillac CTS in Connecticut, United States Sep 2011 - Oct 2016
Sep 2011 38000 mi US $450	Dealer repaired passenger mirror controls.
May 2012 48300 mi US $2300	Brought in to dealer. They claimed it was low on oil which caused issue. Came back 3 days later with same issue. Brought it back to the dealer for same CEL code. They realized after it burnt a quart of oil in 4 days the timing chain had stretched. Replaced timing chain and some other misc. gaskets.
Oct 2012 51000 mi US $800	Sunroof drain was clogged. They cleaned out both sides and removed interior to let dry out. Got the car back in 2 days.
Dec 2012 54000 mi US $400	Brought the car into the dealership because the passenger door stopped working. Took about 4 hours for them to fix the door. Brought the car into the dealership because the passenger door stopped working. Took about 4 hours for them to fix the door.
May 2013 60600 mi US $150	#6 cyclinder went coil went bad. Finally convince us to get rid of car. 7th trip to dealer in less then 2 years of buying it. Cadillac is a POS.
Jun 2013 59850 mi US $800	Again the sunroof drains clogged and it all leaked into the car. Sunroof leaking into the interior again.
Aug 2013 66000 mi US $400	Once again the front and rear drains clogged and leaked into the car.
Oct 2014 78700 mi US $160	Had to have rear front TPMS sensors replaced. Still hasn't fixed the problem due to the fact the fronts have failed as well now and need to be replaced as well.

Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada Sep 2013 - Jul 2014
Oct 2013 80060 mi	Rear hub/abs sensor replaced. Dealer where I purchased paid for the repair.
Jan 2014 84300 mi C $100	Door handle switch needed replacing

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Nov 2013 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014 56000 mi US $1200	out of balance drive shaft. Bearing failed in rear drive. Needed new bearing and shaft. Second time around on this repair. Cadillac refused to help

Cadillac CTS in Florida, United States Apr 2014 - Aug 2019
May 2014 63200 mi	My right front tie rod broke. Snapped in the middle. Fortunately, occurred in parking lot and not on Expressway. Had trouble starting the car a few times. Each time it started up after waiting ten minutes. A friend of mine says he has heard of a GM system whereby the vehicle when it thinks it is being stolen goes into a self-imposed lock down.
Jul 2014 63200 mi	A dealer found that the battery wasn't properly charged. Replaced it. Since then no-start problem hasn't reoccurred.
Sep 2015 82000 mi US $1168	Latch and door lock assembly--driver's door did not recognize key in proximity or open command from key fob. Replace center infotainment assembly--controls for AC, radio, navigation stuck.
Mar 2017 106000 mi US $300	AC blowing wam air, evaporator core replaced neither rear door would respond to open button on key fob; lock activators both sides replaced Front left tire pressure monitor stopped working, it was replaced and the dealer also replace the right front tire pressure monitor Needed to replace rotors in addition to pads
Jul 2017 110371 mi US $484	Left head light, bulb failed. Dealer performed full diagnostic to verify just the bulb.
Dec 2017 115967 mi US $899	Water getting into car through sunroof tray, sunroof front and rrear window seals were replaced, end caps re-seal Rear driver side door would not respond to key fob to unlock

Cadillac CTS in South Carolina, United States - Jun 2009
Jun 2009 8000 mi	squeaking brakes, fixed the fronts but said the rear brakes are not warranty repair for squeaking. GM says the noise may go away.

Cadillac CTS in Switzerland Jan 2013 - Dec 2014
Jun 2013 68820 mi $200	Battery replaced after 5 yrs and 108,000 km of service
Sep 2013 70060 mi	one rear wheel sensor assembly replaced (under warranty).
Feb 2014 74480 mi	Differential has had trouble with sharp turns at very low speed (<10-15km/h). Known CTS issue, according to garage. Cured by replacement of diff fluid every 40,000 km, again according to garage. rear brake calipers

Cadillac CTS in Virginia, United States Mar 2013 - Jul 2015
Mar 2014 65000 mi US $100	replace tire pressure sensor.
Aug 2014 71627 mi US $3298	replace water pump replace water pump; replace air filter; rep cabin air filter; front brakes and rotors replaced; cleaned injection sys; brake sys flush; power steering service
Sep 2014 72000 mi US $760	check engine light on: dealer diagnosed one spark plug and coil replacement. Also diagnosed and replaced water pump belt and AC belt, both worn.
Mar 2015 77000 mi US $200	Engine not firing on all cylinders; changed plugs
Jun 2015 81000 mi US $100	electrical and system failures; module(s) reset

Cadillac CTS in Oregon, United States Aug 2007 - Nov 2010
Jun 2009 15000 mi	Accelerator sensor failed.
Sep 2010 19000 mi	Timing chains defective from supplier. Replaced stretched defective timing chains.

Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada Mar 2008 - Oct 2013
May 2008 3100 mi C $3	Front left headlight washer nozzle cover ,very loose applied automotive adhesive - appears to be working.
Sep 2012 17980 mi C $100	right rear door lock failed to function, required replacement
Jul 2013 23140 mi	battery died ,this was the original battery

Cadillac CTS in Nevada, United States Jan 2013 - Jul 2022
Feb 2013 32700 mi	Rumble at 45 mph still under investigation.
Apr 2013 36000 mi US $45	I had constantly complained to the dealer about the carbon buildup and black exhaust with rapid acceleration. They did nothing. Finally asked if air filter ever replaces. ANS: NO Replaced air filter, no further problems and better mileage.
Aug 2015 60000 mi US $200	Trunk lid leaking water into interior of trunk lid Wiring harness causing front day driving light to fail
Jul 2022 85000 mi US $250	Battery replacement

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Feb 2011 - Apr 2014
Sep 2013 93000 mi US $150	HEadlight replaced
Apr 2014 98000 mi US $400	Brake sensor replaced for ABS and traction control

Cadillac CTS in New Jersey, United States Sep 2007 - Jan 2011
Mar 2008 8000 mi	The camshaft needed to be replaced as their was some movement in that area.

Cadillac CTS in Kansas, United States Nov 2007 - Mar 2010
Feb 2008 6000 mi	Wind noise from sunroof.
Mar 2008 8000 mi	Wind noise from sunroof. Successful repair.

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008 10000 mi	Rear window motor was very weak. It felt like it was going to break down soon. They changed the window regulator.
Feb 2009 16000 mi	Both rear windows were very slow to go up. One would go up an inch every pull of the window button. Finally the window problems were resolved. However, I now have a problem with the stability system light and ABS light coming on, as I brake.
Mar 2009 19000 mi	The rear windows were really slow to go up, so I took it in and as I demonstrated the problem they failed to go up. When I picked up the car, problem was fixed, but now a couple weeks later windows are slow to go up again. As I brake on a slight turn, the Stability light and ABS light come on, with Service Stability, and Service Brake Assist. Message will go away the next time you turn the car on, but come back as you drive. Happens everytime, but dealer cannot replicate.
Apr 2009 20000 mi	ABS and Stability light comes on every time. It finally got fixed. Dealer changed wiring and harness for brake system and a wheel speed sensor, as far as I recall. This car is finally problem free (knock on wood), and I can finally enjoy driving it.
Jul 2009 26000 mi	The Service Engine Light came on. I took it into the dealer, they found it was a timing belt that had stretched. Dealer replaced belt. Successful Repair.

Cadillac CTS in Virginia, United States Oct 2007 - Sep 2010
Nov 2007 1000 mi	Wind noise from roof - front glass had to be lowered to correct problem. First dealer tried unsuccessfully to fix roof.
Mar 2010 38000 mi	Car had several errors. Check engine light never worked. Car engine hesitated (noticed while on highway). Dealer replaced tensioners(?) which fixed problem. Dealer said problem was a result of not changing oil enough.

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Nov 2007 - Nov 2009
Jan 2008	Fixed wind noise problem with sunroof.
Nov 2009 21000 mi	Only unrepaired item when sold was an occasional creeping down of the passenger window - it would creep down by itself a fraction of an inch at a time, until you started hearing wind noise. Restarting the car usually cured the problem.

Cadillac CTS in Utah, United States Oct 2007 - Feb 2014
Jul 2008 4000 mi	Drivers door inside door panel was not aligned perfectly when installed and the weatherstrip had a small tear in it. Dealer re-installed the door panel and replaced the weatherstrip. Rumble in car(noise not vibration) between 45-60 mph. Dealer said they couldn't hear it. I'm not sure if it is in the suspension or something else. Suspect TSB for AWD dealing with transmission mount modification.
Apr 2009 8000 mi	Low booming noise begins at approx 45 mph and continues until 60 mph. After checking, dealer determined that problem is tire noise and the new ones exhibit the same noise.

Cadillac CTS in Delaware, United States Feb 2008 - Mar 2011
Mar 2008 2000 mi	Rear bumper & housing scratched at dealership. Had to refinish the bumper & replace the housing.
Aug 2010 30000 mi	Driver side door would not open. Had to replace the door handle.
Nov 2010 34000 mi	3 months later, the same thing happened to the passenger door and the dealership replaced the handle.

Cadillac CTS in Wisconsin, United States Feb 2008 - Jan 2022
May 2008 5000 mi	Lane change option not working in one direction. Needed to replace turn signal switch...backordered.
Jun 2008 6500 mi	Defective turn signal switch was replaced under warranty. Installed back ordered turn signal switch. Corrected the faulty lane change feature.
Apr 2011 52000 mi US $50	Differential fluid required replacement. Symptom was due to premature locking of the locking differential. Fluid replacement resolved the issue.
Jun 2015 93000 mi US $100	Loose connection to passenger side remote controlled mirror.
Jul 2015 95000 mi US $1200	Replaced both reluctors on rear axle.
Sep 2015 95000 mi US $500	Replaced a third failed reluctor, on a front wheel. One remains original.
Mar 2016 99000 mi US $1100	Replaced fourth and final hub reluctor. Other three had failed and been replaced in the past 9 months.
Jul 2016 99200 mi US $350	Fuel tank pressure sensor replaced.
Jan 2018 106000 mi US $152	Replaced original battery

Cadillac CTS in New Jersey, United States May 2008 - Jun 2018
Dec 2011 34000 mi US $25	Local oil change didnt use OEM Oil filter & it set off a code which needed to be looked at. Car ran great. Just found out the local tire store used cheap oil filters and it set off VVT variance code. Change to OEM Filter and all is well.
Oct 2015 64000 mi US $666	Water pump
Dec 2017 74000 mi US $200	Front pads

Cadillac CTS in Connecticut, United States Mar 2008 - Aug 2009
Jan 2009 11000 mi	Both rear windows did not work, replaced both regulators.

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Aug 2007 - Mar 2010
Sep 2007	fuses to cig lighters were blown when delivered - diagnosis for power loss required

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Cadillac CTS in Alabama, United States Jul 2010 - Jan 2011
Jan 2011 28000 mi	continued vibration on 2008 CTS-304 HP direct injection-Rset the TCM-Back in shop did a MOD ON THE Exhaust Sys-did not fix the problem-it is now in the shop again for same problem-VIBRATION-I hope this time it is fixed. Dealer replaced the exhaust system. Still minor vibration. Rear brake noise.GMC/TSB recommended replace Pads and Bracket-was replaced-OK NOW.

Cadillac CTS in Ohio, United States Mar 2009 - Jan 2013
Jun 2009 15000 mi	Clunk noise from rear of vehicle on bumps-replace rear strut bushings per TSB08-03-09-002
Apr 2010 18000 mi	Squeak from Driver's Seat-R&R. Also damper failed on rear console ashtray assembly. Replaced same. All covered under new car warranty
May 2011 23000 mi	4 & 5th gear synchronizers and shift fork replaced in 6 speed manual transmission

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Apr 2009 - Mar 2010
May 2009 14000 mi	Chaffed wires in engine harness at engine cover stud bracket. Harness was repaired using extra insulation around entire engine harness.

Cadillac CTS in California, United States Sep 2007 - Jun 2011
Nov 2008 7000 mi US $25	Rattle in sunroof.
May 2009 10000 mi	Sunroof rattle returned.
Jun 2009 10000 mi	Continued rattle in sunroof

Cadillac CTS in Virginia, United States Oct 2007 - Mar 2010
Jan 2008 2000 mi	Limited slip differential does not operate correctly when cold. Sudden slips to the side accompanied with noise.
Feb 2008 3000 mi	Already described above. Old problem with differential. This time it was fixed.
Apr 2008 3000 mi	Car turned off, and ignition would not turn to restart.

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Cadillac CTS in Illinois, United States - Apr 2008
Mar 2008 950 mi	Sunroof not closing properly.
Apr 2008 970 mi	Sunroof not closing/opening properly; right rear window intermittently not working; heated wiper fluid intermitently does not work; climate control shut itself off once and had to press several times for start-up.

Cadillac CTS in California, United States Jan 2008 - Sep 2009
May 2008 6000 mi	Center stack loses power - radio, onstar, climate controls. Power was out when it was dropped off and technician confirmed loss of power, but came back on before they could test. Rear door lock actuator wasn't working. Exhaust rattle when in drive with brakes applied. Rear door lock actuator wasn't working properly. Exhaust rattle while in drive with brakes applied.
Jul 2009 36000 mi	Radio replaced, resolving issue with intermittent center console power loss. In shop about 2 weeks.

Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Dec 2007 - Mar 2018
Mar 2008 5000 mi	Sun Roof adjustment to cure wind noise.
Nov 2008 18000 mi	Rattle in the rear seat area
Feb 2010 43300 mi	Defective reveal moulding on passenger front door. Trim piece was replaced under warranty.
Apr 2010 46000 mi	Replaced broken gas cap
Jul 2010 52000 mi	Front hub bearings replaced
Apr 2012 85000 mi US $100	New trunk struts
Sep 2012 95000 mi	Replaced timing chain and component parts Daytime running lights
Nov 2012 99800 mi	Replaced front wheel hubs and bearings
Aug 2014 112600 mi US $400	Left rear wheel hub
Oct 2014 113200 mi US $300	Right rear hub

Cadillac CTS in New Jersey, United States Nov 2010 - Mar 2021
May 2011 24000 mi	water leaking from center of map lght, by drivers sun visor and a-pillar. Lowered headliner found R/F sunroof drain disconnected & L/F drain clogged. Reattached right drain and cleared sunroof drains. Retested:OK.
Oct 2011 28800 mi US $32	Weatherstrip replaced where weatherstrip and pillar meet Trunk leaked from handle when opened.Resealed license plate grommets.
Jun 2012 41000 mi	Water was leaking from map light after rain. Replaced both front sunroof drains.
Nov 2012 44400 mi	Water leaking in trunk. Replaced the rubber around the license plate and the trunk.

Cadillac CTS in Pennsylvania, United States Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008 1000 mi	There was a defect in the paint on the hood of the car.

Cadillac CTS in New York, United States Oct 2007 - Dec 2010
Mar 2008 1000 mi	Vibration at highway speeds. Exhaust vibration. Repaired exhaust hanger/mounting as per factory bulletin.
Apr 2008 1000 mi	Driveshaft that was ordered was installed. Did not correct problem. They performed bulletins for vibration-reset transmission mount. The vehicle still has the same problem but now happens at a highter speed then before.
Oct 2008 3000 mi	I have been living with the vibration/drone issue since my car was new. Cadillac has bulletins that acknowledge the condition but offer no repair. The bulletin that was issued in July 08 says that they are working on a fix but has still not been resolved

Cadillac CTS in Illinois, United States Apr 2009 - Jun 2011
Apr 2009 14000 mi	Battery died. Replaced under warranty. Rear compartment ashtray fixed.
Apr 2010 25300 mi US $250	Adjusted sunroof
Jun 2010 26000 mi US $200	Replaced seat rails. Realigned moon roof.
Jan 2011 24000 mi US $330	Passenger seat rattle, broken brackets repaired under warranty; Battery dead 2nd time in a year, replaced under warranty; Bearing noise, solved with front end alignment; rest routine 30K maintenance.

Cadillac CTS in Indiana, United States Dec 2007 - Apr 2010
Jun 2009 28000 mi	Right rear LED taillight intermittent -- taillight assembly replaced.

Cadillac CTS in Georgia, United States Feb 2008 - Jul 2011
Jun 2008 13000 mi US $250	There is a defective thrust bearing in the engine causing a rattle that I could hear. They are replacing the thrust bearing, heads, and timing chains.

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Cadillac CTS in Florida, United States Nov 2016 - Jun 2018
May 2017 128000 mi US $1890	Needed new timing chain

Cadillac CTS in District of Columbia, United States Jul 2014 - Jun 2018
Jun 2015 48000 mi	Warranty replacement of timing chain and chain guides
Aug 2016 61000 mi US $150	Hit a bump, broke the magnetic ring off back of LF wheel bearing which turned off the ABS, AWD, Traction Control and lit up the dash. R&R wheel bearing solved problem.
Sep 2016 62000 mi US $125	Automatic door lock/unlock mechanism for right rear door failed. Replaced with GM part from the internet
Nov 2016 63000 mi US $45	Right Rear Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Failed. Replaced With One From Internet Sale.
Feb 2017 65000 mi US $100	Replaced a failing cool pack and spark plugs at the same time
Apr 2018 76000 mi US $250	Drivers side catalytic converter replacement

Cadillac CTS in Wisconsin, United States Mar 2014 - Aug 2021
Apr 2014 38000 mi US $105	speed sensor
Nov 2015 45300 mi	wheel bearing
Mar 2018 48000 mi US $1300	Fuel system cleaning, Two new tires, Oil change, Transmission cooler and transmission lines replaced.

Cadillac CTS in Wisconsin, United States May 2011 - May 2013
Jan 2012 43400 mi	Backseat right rubber window trim was torn. Key FOB broke open. Repair was to replace.

Cadillac CTS in Minnesota, United States Apr 2012 - Apr 2013
Jun 2012 38000 mi	Knock/Ping, Items replaced: The Timing Chain, Cam Shaft Actuators, Lifters, O2 Sensors, Top Engine Cleaning done, Oil O ring Replacement, Retarded Timing, Field Engineer Visit, and problem still is not fixed, GM wash their hands of it.
Oct 2012 41300 mi US $7100	Camshaft bearings, cylinder scouring, Engine was replaced
Apr 2013 48000 mi US $55	New motor with 5K miles & Engine again is making a knocking noise when under load also excessive vibration at idle, tech duplicated noise suggested premium fuel, conclusion it still knocks. Returned techs do not recognize any knocking now??

Cadillac CTS in Pennsylvania, United States Mar 2008 - Feb 2012
Dec 2008 4000 mi
Aug 2010 11000 mi	engine stumbling at start up
Nov 2011 14000 mi	center stack went dead no radio,hvac, etc first repair they reattached a ground wire everything worked for about a week then stack went dead they did some updates and things have been ok since

Cadillac CTS in Maryland, United States Jan 2008 - Sep 2015
Feb 2008 4000 mi	Brakes fade intermittently ,shop could not replicate. Zone was of little help. Problem is very sporadic, will probably sell this car as soon as I can. Driver door does not always open with remote. Have to open all doors and reach around to open or climb over console to open. Again a sporadic problem.
Mar 2008 5000 mi	Installed parts to fix RKE problem. (MK)
Jan 2009 13000 mi	Vibration in drivetrain over 45 mph.
Jun 2011 38000 mi	power seat locked up left door handle jams
Oct 2011 46000 mi	leaking moonroof
Apr 2013 76000 mi US $1000	Intermittent air cond.

Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada May 2010 - Nov 2012
Nov 2012 54560 mi C $100	Rattling noise in drivetrain and right rear tire area. Replaced drive train, differential. Replaced steering knuckle.

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Cadillac CTS in British Columbia, Canada Jul 2011 - Nov 2011
Sep 2011 28520 mi	reprogram transmission
Oct 2011 28520 mi	sunroof reprogram, sometimes required multple tries to open sunroof leak repair, about $500 in warranty work sunroof wind noise repair trunk emblem and hi mount brakelight replaced and resealed due to leak, about $750 in warranty work

Cadillac CTS in Missouri, United States May 2014 - Sep 2017
Aug 2014 68400 mi US $200	Both Rear Door Lock Actuators Receiving Power But Failed To Unlock Doors 90% of Attempts. New Actuators Installed Corrected The Problem
Oct 2016 95500 mi US $25	Manual Shift Bushings needed to be replaced

Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada Feb 2013 - Apr 2014
Nov 2013 46120 mi	Trunk latch failed and had to be replaced
Feb 2014 49460 mi C $355	Passenger door latch not working all the time

Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada Jan 2011 - Feb 2013
Feb 2011 29760 mi	Rust on fender repaired in January came back. Waiting for GM District service manager to access as it looks like the metal may be defective. The car also has 1 recall notice outstanding for a module that affects the timing chain
Oct 2012 34400 mi	Relay switch in door that sends message to radio to shut off whan key is removed was not working, radio ran out the battery...battery died. Switch was repaired no charge

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Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada Oct 2007 - Mar 2010
Feb 2008 4340 mi	Mounting of exhaust too close to underbody. Required the brackets to be lowered 1/4".

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Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States Oct 2007 - Mar 2010

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Cadillac CTS in Arizona, United States Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008 7000 mi	Harmonic vibration in drive train while driving between 50 and 65 miles per hour.

Cadillac CTS in Arizona, United States Nov 2007 - Jan 2011
Apr 2008 10000 mi	Weird hazy film in windshield. Factory defect. Replaced windshield.
Dec 2010 59000 mi	Check engine light came on. Had to replace Timing Chains. Actually, this entire ordeal took two months. Long story. Bottom line, The repair was done with no cost to me.

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2008 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan

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2008 Cadillac CTS 4-door

2008 Cadillac CTS Repair Histories