Summary
The Cadillac CTS has 35 recalls spanning the 2003–2018 production run, with the most serious recent issue being a brake pedal bracket that can fracture on 2015 models, leaving the driver with no service brakes and only the parking brake to slow the vehicle.
The latest production years, 2016–2018, share a recall where the electric power steering assist can fail without warning, requiring noticeably higher steering effort, particularly at low speeds. The 2014–2016 models with heated front seats have a recall where the flexible heating mats can degrade over time and produce excessive heat; on vehicles with remote start, the seats can activate automatically and overheat to the point of melting, creating a fire risk. The 2014 model year also has a windshield wiper issue where a dead battery followed by a jump start can leave the wipers inoperative if they were on and frozen when the car shut down.
Moving into the middle of the production run, 2012 models have a brake booster pushrod nut that may not have been tightened enough during assembly, allowing it to loosen and the pushrod to separate, resulting in complete brake failure. On 2011 all-wheel-drive models, driveshaft vibrations can trigger the rollover sensor and deploy the roof rail airbags unexpectedly while driving. The 2009–2010 models have a rear suspension toe link jam nut that can loosen and eventually let the rear wheel pivot inward or outward, causing sudden handling changes. Those same years also have a front passenger airbag sensor software issue where the system can suppress the airbag when it should fire, or fire it when it should not. Also on 2009–2010 vehicles in all-wheel-drive and CTS-V configurations, a front passenger crash protection compliance issue raises the risk of leg injury in a crash.
Earlier production covers a range of issues. On 2004 models, a fault in the airbag control module can cause the driver's frontal airbag or roof rail airbag to deploy the moment the ignition is turned on. That same year has a front seat anchor tab that may not fully engage the floor pan, allowing the seat to pivot rearward in a crash. The 2005–2007 models have a passenger seat sensor mat that can crack from repeated flexing and disable the front passenger airbag. The 2004–2007 CTS-V models have a fuel pump electrical terminal that can overheat, melt the surrounding flange, and leak fuel, potentially stalling the vehicle. The 2005 V6 models can experience fuel starvation below a quarter tank without any low-fuel warning light or chime, and the rear axle pinion seal on that year can leak differential fluid and cause loss of drive power. The 2003–2007 models, particularly those registered in heavy salt states, can develop corroded brake hose fittings that rupture and extend stopping distances. The 2003 model has an intermediate steering shaft bolt that can loosen and cause complete separation of the upper and lower steering shafts, and a separate ignition key switch that a driver's knee can nudge out of the run position, potentially disabling the airbags. That ignition key issue spans the 2003–2014 model years broadly, and owners are advised to use the ignition key alone without other items on the key ring until the repair is performed. The 2007 model has a sunroof that can close after the ignition is off and the doors are open, creating a pinch risk for occupants.
