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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-CADILLAC-CTS
2009 · Cadillac

Cadillac CTS problems

1 safety recall. 167 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
41 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
28 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
22 reports · avg $850
moderate
steering
12 reports · avg $700
critical
suspension
10 reports · avg $900
severe
airbags
9 reports · avg $1,100
critical
body
6 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
brakes
6 reports · avg $450
moderate

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…
12/23/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557071.0
2009 CTS · suspension
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…
12/21/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10811357.0
2009 CTS · engine
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…
12/20/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11290370.0
2009 CTS · other
2009 CADILLAC CTS-V. CONSUMER REQUESTS VEHICLE BUY BACK PER LEMON LAW. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A NOISE SIMILAR TO DRIVING OVER A BED OF LARGE ROCKS WHILE BACKING UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED.
12/20/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10489821.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 08V582000 05/11/2008

GM IS RECALLING 12,662 MY 2009 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

IN A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED, INCREASED PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Common questions

Is the 2009 Cadillac CTS reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Cadillac CTS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

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. 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. 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Cadillac. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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