This page covers 3 recalls, 67 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Cadillac CTS.
19–22 mpg combined
10.7–12.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 10 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2010 Cadillac CTS, airbag warning lights are the most consistently reported issue. Owners describe the "Service Airbag" message appearing on the instrument cluster, often tied to the passenger seat sensor or side-impact sensors, with wiring failures, particularly broken wires at flex points in door pillars, showing up as a recurring cause. Powertrain complaints center on timing chain problems, with owners reporting the check engine light illuminating and shops diagnosing cam chain faults serious enough to prompt advice against driving. The electrical system draws a similar complaint volume, with owners describing flickering lights, power steering loss, and burning smells pointing to broader electrical failures. A smaller number of owners report water intrusion through the roof and floor, raising concerns about moisture reaching electrical components.
67
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Cadillac CTS has 3 recalls, the most serious involving rear suspension toe links that can loosen and separate, allowing the rear wheel to pivot freely and causing sudden, uncontrollable handling changes.
The remaining two recalls both affect crash protection. On certain all-wheel-drive and CTS-V models, the front passenger seat does not meet federal occupant protection standards, and a front passenger faces a higher risk of leg injury in a crash. There is also an ignition-related issue: if the weight of items on the key ring pulls the ignition key out of the fully-on position while driving, the airbags may not deploy in a crash. Until this recall is repaired, owners are advised to remove everything from the key ring and drive with the ignition key alone.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch may move out of the run position and turn off the engine if the key ring is too heavy, or due to road conditions or sudden jolts.
What the fix does
Dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on your ignition key at no cost.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Wax coating on the rear suspension toe link jam nuts may cause them to loosen. If a nut loosens enough, the toe link can separate and the rear wheel may turn inward or outward. You may hear metallic clanking from the rear.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove wax residue from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts. The toe link may be replaced if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The glove compartment assembly may not meet crash protection standards, potentially allowing it to separate or fail during a collision.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and modify the instrument panel structure on some vehicles at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
