This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Cadillac CTS engine problems
moderate 41 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 41 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Cadillac CTS, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 8 model years of Cadillac CTS we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 41.
Owners have filed 41 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Cadillac CTS has a well-documented timing chain problem. Owners describe check engine lights appearing between 45,000 and 100,000 miles, often accompanied by P0008, P0017, or P0018 codes. Symptoms include rattling or clinking noises during acceleration, loss of power, stalling, and inability to accelerate when the pedal is pressed. In one case, the chain failed twice: first at 58,000 miles and again at 80,000 miles, just 22,000 miles after the replacement.
GM published Technical Service Bulletin 11340 and later extended it to 11340C, stating it would cover timing chain wear on 2007–2009 CTS models at no charge within 10 years or 120,000 miles. The catch: owners repeatedly report that when they took their vehicles to Cadillac dealers, they were told their specific VIN numbers were not included in the coverage—even though their cars matched the year, model, and symptoms described in the bulletin. Many owners paid $1,600 to $4,400 for timing chain replacement and later asked for reimbursement, only to be denied. Some owners believe the bulletin was published to mitigate GM's public image rather than with intent to honor the repairs. One owner described having the chain fixed under warranty once, then denied coverage when the same problem recurred. A few owners report other issues: multiple ignition coil failures (four of six cylinders), an oil gauge showing adequate level when the engine was bone dry, and recurring thermostat housing and coolant problems with botched dealer repairs.
Same Cadillac CTS engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Premature Timing Chain Wear / Stretching
Timing chain wears or stretches prematurely, causing check engine lights and loss of engine performance. Many owners report the chain failed well before typical service life. Owners allege GM knew of the defect and issued Technical Service Bulletin 11340/11340C to address it, but refused to honor the coverage for many VINs, claiming specific vehicles were or were not included in the bulletin despite matching the exact year/model and exhibiting the exact symptoms described in the TSB.
When: Typically 45,000–116,000 miles; one owner reported failure at 34,000 miles. Most commonly between 50,000–100,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; P0008 diagnostic code (camshaft position timing over-advanced); P0017 and P0018 codes (camshaft timing mismatch); Abnormal rattling or clinking noise during acceleration; Engine power loss or stalling; Vehicle unable to accelerate when pedal depressed; Stretched or worn chain visible on inspection
Codes mentioned: P0008, P0017, P0018
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement. Owners report costs ranging from approximately $1,600 to $4,400 including parts and labor (water pump often replaced concurrently). One owner paid $3,371.27 at 67k miles; another paid $2,281.83 at 66k miles; another reported $2,200 estimate at 83,800 miles; another paid $2,650 at 70k miles. One owner replaced the chain twice within 22,000 miles on the second installation (first at 58k miles, second at 80k miles).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Technical Service Bulletin 11340 and later extended it as 11340C (Special Coverage Adjustment). The bulletin states it covers 2007–2009 Cadillac CTS (and SRX, STS), 2008 Cadillac CTS, 2009 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook equipped with 2.8L or 3.6L V6 engines for timing chain wear within 10 years or 120,000 miles (whichever comes first) at no charge. However, owners report GM consistently denied coverage claiming their specific VIN numbers were not included in the bulletin, even though their vehicles matched the year/model and exhibited the identical symptoms. Some owners allege the bulletin was issued to NHTSA but never properly disclosed to owners at time of purchase. Owners claim GM refused to honor the warranty extension despite the TSB explicitly stating the repair would be free. One owner stated their vehicle was fixed under warranty once, then failed again and GM refused the second repair. Another owner had to pay out-of-pocket and later requested partial reimbursement, which was denied because the TSB had expired at 10 years.
Multiple Ignition Coil Failures
Four of six cylinders required coil replacements over a two-year period, described as unusual for this owner's experience with other GM vehicles and suspected as a hardware defect.
When: Over a two-year ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent loss of power; Loss of power particularly when accelerating uphill at 50–55 mph; Forced to slow or accelerate through narrow speed band to maintain power
Repairs/costs cited: Coil replacements on four cylinders (specific cost not stated)
Oil Level Gauge / Display Malfunction
Oil level display and gauge showed adequate oil (50% on gauge, 54% oil life remaining digitally) when the engine was completely out of oil, causing the engine to fail to start. Engine was towed to shop; resolution unknown.
When: Mileage at failure not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Engine would not turn over when starting; Oil gauge showing incorrect level (halfway mark when actually empty); Digital oil life display showing 54% life remaining when tank was dry
Repairs/costs cited: Engine towed to shop for evaluation; no resolution provided in complaint
Thermostat Housing / Coolant Leak (Recurring Repair Failure)
Water pump was replaced twice in consecutive years for engine running on after shutdown. When thermostat housing was replaced, the vehicle immediately produced burning smell, black smoke, and abnormal noise on highway. Dealership refused to diagnose the smoke issue properly. Days later, the same noise recurred, and subsequently a head gasket failure was diagnosed. Complaint suggests multiple repair failures and dealer negligence in diagnosis.
When: Complaint specifies 60,000 miles at time of report; issue recurred annually
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after key off (heard in garage); Burning smell with black smoke from exhaust; Abnormal noise (initially undiagnosed); Later development of head gasket leak; Engine noise from back passenger side area
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced twice in consecutive years (~$500–$800 estimate per replacement, but specific cost not stated). Thermostat housing replaced, then replaced again one month later (reason unclear—owner questioned manager). Presumed head gasket failure developing. Owner did not retain old parts to verify repairs.
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
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 needed replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 9-5682593376. The vehicle was…
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Cadillac cts. When the vehicle was started, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to pine belt Cadillac (732-797-3000, located at 71 new jersey ave 37, toms river, nj 08753) where it was determined that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and also stated that there was no recall. The contact was referred to NHTSA.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Cadillac cts. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Cadillac cts. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle would not accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The engine stalled. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Warning light came on.I brought the vehicle to my mechanic and he said that the timing chain was the problem. The car has only 61000 miles on it.
My engine would not turn on when leaving for work. I did a check under the hood and found I was completely out of oil. My oil gage display was at the halfway mark which means I am still good on my oil. Also, the digitial display in my car says that I have 54% of oil life remaining. Somwhere within the car, the system wasnt reading the oil level accurately which caused me to believe my oil…
Had engine trouble with your 2009 Cadillac CTS?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Cadillac CTS?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 41 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 66,010 and 100,839 miles, with the median around 83,797. A quarter of owners report trouble before 66,010; a quarter make it past 100,839. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Cadillac/CTS.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.