This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Cadillac CTS steering problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Cadillac CTS have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 CTS | 16 |
| 2008 CTS | 13 |
| 2009 CTS | 12 |
| 2011 CTS (this page) | 11 |
| 2012 CTS | 4 |
| 2013 CTS | 10 |
| 2014 CTS | 13 |
| 2015 CTS | 3 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 11 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Cadillac CTS, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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 service bulletin provides information on Characteristics of Wide Low Aspect Ratio Tires, Vehicle Pulls Left or Right, Wanders, Follows Depressions in Road Surface, Tramlining.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a spectrum of steering failures in the 2011 CTS. Power steering loss is the most critical: multiple owners describe sudden, unpredictable loss of assist while driving, with one driver hit by a "SERVICE STABILITY TRACK CONTROL" warning at 75 mph that killed the engine and power steering simultaneously. Another owner's steering locked up completely on a mountain road turn, sending the car into an embankment.
A low-mileage owner (3 weeks, couple hundred miles) reports a front control arm snapped during a 15 mph right turn, snapping the wheel off. The dealer blamed an accident despite no collision.
Other recurring complaints: vibration and shuddering through the steering wheel tied to loose drive shaft bolts; a skip or 4WD-like engagement when backing up (which one dealer confirmed is a known GM design issue); steering thump when turning right in reverse (also acknowledged by GM as a design flaw); and a cracking noise when turning the wheel.
Rack and pinion seals leak, requiring $2,000 replacements just outside warranty. Rear wheel speed sensors fail early (one at 39,000 miles), costing $600 each. Owners report GM or dealers refusing repairs, citing design flaws or warranty expiration, despite the low mileage involved.
Same Cadillac CTS steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering intermittent failure
Power steering fluid loss or system malfunction causes sudden loss of assist. Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn, especially at low speeds, with 'SERVICE POWER STEERING' warning displayed. Condition is unpredictable and recurs.
When: Varies; one complaint at 75 mph, another intermittent at all speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes very stiff and hard to turn; Difficulty controlling vehicle at highway speeds; Loss of power steering assist while driving; SERVICE POWER STEERING warning light appears; Fluid levels and tire pressure in spec but problem persists
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer quote $2,000 for rack replacement due to seal leak; another case no repair found despite multiple dealer visits
Control arm failure (front suspension)
Front control arm snapped in half during a slow-speed right turn (15 mph), causing wheel to break off and frame to strike ground. Failure occurred within 3 weeks of purchase and a few hundred miles of ownership. Dealer claimed accident damage despite no collision history.
When: At 15 mph, after ownership of less than 3 weeks and a few hundred miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud snap or break; Wheel broke off; Frame struck ground; Complete loss of wheel control
Repairs/costs cited: $12,000 estimated repair; dealer refused warranty coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cadillac refused warranty claim, instructed owner to file insurance claim instead
Vibration and shudder through steering wheel (drive shaft related)
Loud ticking noises at startup, then mild vibration through steering wheel that escalates to rough shuddering, loud bangs, and heavy vibrations. Drive shaft bolts loosened/fell out. Bearing failure present. After repair, low-pitched whistle on acceleration and reduced rear-end stability.
When: May 2014 through June 2014; at least 1,000+ miles into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking noise at startup; Mild vibration through steering wheel; Rough ticking sound progressing to pronounced thumping; Loud bang with heavy shudder throughout car; Vehicle lurch; Low-pitched whistle during light to moderate acceleration after repair; Reduced rear-end stability and slight shift on uneven pavement
Repairs/costs cited: Drive shaft bolts fell out; bearing failure repaired; tear found in cloth shield of drive shaft area
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated bearing failure and drive shaft issues had been 'addressed several times before' at this vehicle
Steering skip in reverse (four-wheel drive feel)
Front steering feels like it skips or engages/disengages like a 4WD system when backing up. Dealer provided GM bulletin stating this is normal design behavior and no repair needed, but condition worsened after 15,000 miles of driving.
When: Present from early ownership; worsened after 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering seems to skip when in reverse; Feels like 4WD engagement when backing up; Condition steadily worsens with miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued bulletin stating this behavior is normal design; dealer twice told owner no repairs warranted
Steering lock-up (road hazard)
Steering wheel became completely rigid and would not turn further during a sharp left turn at 45 mph on a mountain road. Appeared as complete steering failure. Owner unable to steer and crashed into embankment.
When: During drive at 45 mph on windy mountain road
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel will not turn any further; Feels like complete steering failure; Loss of ability to change direction
Engine power loss with loss of power steering (electrical/engine control)
Engine suddenly dies while driving, causing simultaneous loss of power steering. 'SERVICE STABILITY TRACK CONTROL, ENGINE POWER WILL BE REDUCED' warning displayed at highway speed (75 mph). Engine restarts immediately when put in Park. Engine dies again on separate occasion during curvy road driving, again with loss of power steering.
When: One incident at 75 mph on Feb 21; another on curvy country road
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies suddenly while driving; Power steering lost when engine shuts down; SERVICE STABILITY TRACK CONTROL warning with ENGINE POWER REDUCED message; Engine restarts immediately; Risk of losing steering assist at highway speeds
Wheel speed sensor failure (rear hub)
Right rear wheel speed sensor (hub) stopped sensing speed signal, causing vehicle to pull to one side during braking and preventing normal stopping. Sensor failed at 39,000 miles, outside warranty period. Owner notes GM and Cadillac have recalled this part on other model years.
When: At 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls to one side when stopping; Does not stop normally; Right rear hub not sensing speed signal
Repairs/costs cited: $600 per wheel to replace; not covered under warranty at 39,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cadillac refused to repair at no charge; owner notes other model years have been recalled for this part
Steering thump in reverse (low-speed maneuvers)
Pronounced thump felt when backing out of driveway and turning steering wheel to the right. Dealer and GM both unable to find cause; GM stated it is a design flaw with no remedy. Thump persists and is severe enough to concern owner about potential damage.
When: When backing and turning right; persists long-term
Symptoms owners cite: Pronounced thump when turning right in reverse; Noticeable and worrisome vibration/impact; Thump great enough to raise concern about vehicle damage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated this is a design flaw and could not address it
Cracking noise when turning steering wheel
Car makes cracking noise when driving and turning steering wheel. Present at 37,000 miles on original owner vehicle in like-new condition. GM refuses to take action.
When: At 37,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cracking noise when turning steering wheel while driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refuses to repair or address the issue
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My husband was driving in our community, about 15 MPH. He made a right hand turn and the control arm snapped in half, the wheel broke off and the frame came crashing to the ground. We have owned the car for less than 3 weeks. Aaa towed the car to the nearest dealership. The dealership refuses to fix the car under the manufacturer's warranty claiming that the car had to have been in an…
Had steering trouble with your 2011 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 steering problem on the 2011 Cadillac CTS?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 51,009 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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/2011/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.