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ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-CADILLAC-CTSNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Cadillac
2009 Cadillac CTS problems
The 2009 Cadillac CTS has 167 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2009 Cadillac CTS has 167 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 41 complaints, typically surfacing around 81,802 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 CTS?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
5 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Cadillac CTS? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 41 owner reports
· tends to show around 81,802 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 28 owner reports
· tends to show around 74,495 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 22 owner reports
· tends to show around 62,449 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 46,725 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
critical on this model
, showing up around 46,725 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 5 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2009 CTS· brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac cts. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the brakes failed when engaged. The contact added brake fluid and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for inspection. The contact was informed that there was a leak in the front brake…
Severe tire damage due to movement of lower control arm anchor points on 2009 cts-v resulting in contact of tire (sidewall) with lower control arm while turning, merging and/or entering the flow of traffic. In addition to contact damage, the movement of lower control arm anchor…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Cadillac cts. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator had been illuminated for approximately two months. The vehicle was taken to heritage Cadillac (303 roosevelt rd, lombard, il 60148,) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain…
P0008 warning light on when driving mechanic says need timing change replaced dealer says that 11340crepair for 2009 cadillacs does not apply to my VIN number car car was running when engine light came on
Had a problem with your 2009 Cadillac CTS?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system
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.
Fix: 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.
General motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Cadillac cts vehicles
The driver may experience sudden changes with vehicle handling and may not be able to control the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will clean all wax residue from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts. If necessary the rear suspension toe link may be replaced. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before march 24, 2011. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Gm is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Cadillac cts all wheel drive and cts-v vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no
In the event of a crash, the front passenger may be at an increased risk of leg injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Cadillac CTS has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2009 Cadillac CTS?
The 2009 Cadillac CTS is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 5 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Cadillac CTS?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 41 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 81,802 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Cadillac CTS a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 167 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 81,802 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Cadillac CTS?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 41 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 81,802 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 46,725 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Cadillac CTS has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Cadillac CTS?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 167 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Cadillac/CTS.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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