This page covers 3 recalls, 101 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Cadillac CTS.
14–21 mpg combined
11.2–16.8 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 14 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2011 CTS centers on the powertrain, airbag system, and electrical system, with all three drawing similar complaint volumes. On the powertrain side, owners describe transmission concerns including rough shifting and engagement issues. The airbag complaints are notably centered on the passenger seat occupant sensor, multiple owners report the airbag warning light staying on, with some finding that replacement parts are no longer available from the manufacturer, leaving the system in a non-functional state. Electrical complaints frequently tie back to water intrusion: owners describe leaks entering the cabin from the driver and passenger sides, which then trigger persistent battery drain, radio and climate control malfunctions, and ignition switch problems. A smaller number of owners also mention underbody rust discovered during inspection.
101
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Cadillac CTS has 3 recalls, the most serious being an unexpected roof rail airbag deployment triggered by driveshaft vibrations, which can startle the driver and raise the risk of a crash.
This issue affects all-wheel-drive models, where the center CV joint can lose grease over time, causing the propeller shaft to vibrate. Those vibrations travel to the rollover sensor mounted in the floor directly above, and the sensor misreads them as a rollover event, commanding the roof rail airbags to fire without warning. The third recall involves the ignition switch and key ring weight: if a heavy keychain pulls the ignition key out of the full run position while driving, the airbag system can go into a low-power or off state, meaning the airbags may not deploy in a crash when the occupants need them. GM advised owners to remove everything from the key ring except the ignition key itself, and to leave any key fob detached, until the repair is completed.
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.
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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
On all-wheel-drive vehicles, the center CV joint can lose grease, causing the propeller shaft to vibrate. These vibrations may trigger the rollover sensor above it, causing curtain airbags to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Replace the rear propeller shaft assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Driveshaft vibrations may incorrectly trigger the rollover sensor, causing the roof rail airbags to deploy when they shouldn't.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear driveshaft assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
