2009 Cadillac Cts
The Verdict
The 2009 Cadillac Cts has 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (59 complaints) and body (40 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 61/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Cadillac Cts, consider the 2018 model year which has 95% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2018 has 95% fewer complaints
View the 2018 Cadillac Cts dashboard →
Klunk Score: Solid Pick
Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 3
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND CTS-V VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT ...
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE FRONT PASSENGER MAY BE AT AN INCREASED RISK OF LEG INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT ASSEMBLY AND, IN SOME VEHICLES MODIFY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STRUCTURE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER ...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A WAX COATING ON THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK JAM NUTS MAY ALLOW TH...
Risk
THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE SUDDEN CHANGES WITH VEHICLE HANDLING AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL CLEAN ALL WAX RESIDUE FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK AND INSTALL TWO NEW JAM NUTS. IF NECESSARY THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK MAY BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE O...
Reported Nov 2, 2011
GM IS RECALLING 12,662 MY 2009 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' UNDER CERTAIN CONDITI...
Risk
IN A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED, INCREASED PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF...
Reported May 11, 2008
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
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Worst Problems
Complaints
To whom it may concern, My name is [XXX] . I am writing this correspondence with regard to a purchase of a 2009 Cadillac CTS . I purchased the vehicle for my mother in Missouri December 2022. I reside in California and had the vehicle shipped to California when my mother relocated to California. The vehicle had not been driven frequently. In September of 2024, my mother was driving on the freeway when she heard what sounded like metal hitting the underside of the car. My mother stopped twice on the freeway and contacted me to inform of the sound. I asked my mom if she was close to our residence, and she stated that she was close. I advised that she attempt to drive slowly home. My mom made her way to the residence, pulled into the driveway, and the vehicle accelerated with no prompting on the gas through my residence. I contacted General Motors to inform of the concern. GM sent out a representative who has determined the accident was intentional citing my mother hit the gas pedal. This incident has caused medical concerns with my mother. She has had to seek medical care on an ongoing basis (with her legs swelling, constant headaches, back concerns, and etc.). I am writing because I was not made aware by GM there had been a recall, and other individuals were experiencing the same concerns with this particular vehicle. GM claimed the issue with the recall of this vehicle had been rectified, but failed to give a date of the repair. I am writing this with concerns to prevent other individuals experiencing the same mishap with this vehicle, to prevent others from harm or worse. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was swaying to the left or the far right without the contact moving the steering wheel. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle was easier to control. The contact stated the traction control, TPMS, service brake assist, air bags, and service stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V089000 (Suspension) and called the NHTSA Hotline to see if the VIN was included. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Gas leaking from above gas tank took car in for service 5/6/24. they could not duplicate issue on 5/24 engine light comes on. On 5/26/24 code indicated fuel pump issue. Several months before all of this, I would notice a strong gas smell after driving
Severe and sudden malfunction of the ABS/Stabilitrak system at 45MPH causing loss of directional control of the vehicle. Failure caused by disintegration/cracking of ABS/HUB RELUCTOR RINGS, feeding incorrect wheel speeds to stability system. This failure caused a total loss of power, vehicle veering right despite full left steering input, ABS activation continuously (increasing stopping distance). Vehicle exited road due to loss of control.
The all wheel drive link is not working. This causes the stabilitrac and abs to go out leaving only rear wheel drive. With very little weight in the rear of the car, it is very difficult to drive in snow or rain conditions as the car slides very easily. This is the 2nd time it's happened.
The fuel pump is leaking gas on top of the fuel tank. I just bought the car and didn’t know about the consistent problem with second generation CTS. The problem is stated to ba a plastic elbow attached to the fuel pump that ruptures.There is a fuel smell inside while I’m driving and around the car when the car is motionless. This a fire and explosion hazmats that is common to this model year. I can see some fuel on the side of the fuel tank. From reading , I can see that GM has recalled other vehicles for the same problem. I believe that the first generation CTS was recalled and the second generation was not included. Replacing the fuel pump is a very expensive a labor intensive process and I would like to have 2009 CTS included in the recall.
The car constantly makes a noise. Even when it's parked you can still smell gas. It jerks all the time. Been having problem with it since day one I got it.
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about Technical Service Bulletin:10-07-30-005a (Transmission output shaft and transfer case input shearing). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
May car just stopped working come to find out water was leaking from my sunroof which I always keep my closed. Found out water in leaking from sunroof to my mom board now mechanic is saying to take to dealership I no its gonna be a lot of money to fix electric issue smh.
My airbag sensor on my passenger seat does not work. It cannot detect the passenger and therefore would not go off if there was an accident. I tried purchasing the item from GM by going to my local service location and was told the part is not made anymore and I cannot buy it. There is none made for my car online. I need a module to detect if a passenger is present not only for safety but to pass inspection in NJ. They offered no solution and simply told me after ten years they don’t have to make parts for a car. My problem with that is this car body style and parts is for years 2009-2014 so they should still make it for the 2014 and I could use that. During my research I have come across approximately 30 other ctsv owners that have the same issue and it’s not just a part that can be replaced with an aftermarket one because there is none being made that fit these seats. GM has an issue with lots of their cars including the ctsv generation before mine and there is recalls for that one too. How can a company sell a 500hp car to someone and not make the parts for the car anymore which could result in a serious injury or death? I cannot inspect my car and could be ticketed in my state for not having an inspection. An airbag sensor not working or not detecting a passenger is a major concern and they will not address this issue. There’s forums dedicated to this issue. I even said it’s fine I would buy it if it’s not recalled and they simply said we don’t or won’t make them anymore. I don’t know what I’m suppose to do? Not drive my car? I have tried everything and even purchasing a whole new seat and have not gotten anywhere. Part number#20903436
My 2009 has 112,000 miles on it. Over a period of time we started to smell gasoline . Thought it may be simply from putting gas in the car. The smell got stronger. Fortunately we had to have a tire replaced. The tire service owner advised we had a major gas leak and advised us not to drive it far. End result was we had a fuel feed pipe that was leaking. Please know we had been driving our 4 year old nephew and 1 year old niece in the car. Final bill was over $2300. Leaking gas !! How can that not warrant a safety recall? Searching the web for information about others having the same problem I discovered others did. Please go to Cadillac Forums for starters. Please review and advise. More safety issues for the CTS involved a seat belt that was worn down and a passenger front door that would not open from either the inside or outside. Cell [XXX] Email [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle was not able to start immediately. The accelerator pedal was pumped to start the vehicle. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact related the failure to a faulty purge solenoid; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested filing a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
My 2009 CTS has 67k miles; however, on 02/24/2022 it was serviced at Les Stanford Cadillac for "Timing Chain Failure" which cost me $3,371,27. GM published service bulletin #11340C: Special Coverage Adjustment-Timing Chain Wear on 11/5/2012 that was sent to the dealerships explaining that the timing chain could wear prematurely but the document was not shared with the car owners. The make and models listed on the document includes: 2007 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, 2007-2009 Cadillac CTS, SRX, and STS, 2009 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn. The special coverage adjustment covers the condition described for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. I sent a letter to the Cadillac Customer Service Complaint Department asking GM to pay for half of the repair bill ($1,685) but was denied stating that the special coverage had expired and that my vin number was not included in the special coverage adjustment document. At that time, I told the reviewing agent that according to my written document all service maintenance has been completed timely by the same dealership, my average car mileage is 5,600 per year so retirees will surpass the 10 years before the 120,000 miles, and GM did not capture all VIN#'s since my car has such low mileage. Therefore, the time period should be waived, and all vehicles indicated on the 11340C document should be considered for reimbursement due to GM's knowledge of the premature timing chain failure even if the vin numbers are not listed on the bulletin.
JUST LIKE MANY OTHER GM'S THE STEERING WHEEL WILL STICK WHILE DRIVING AND RELEASE IN ONE DIRECTION OF THE OTHER. IT HAS CAUSED US ALMOST TO HAVE A HEAD ON COLLISION. I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 2 AND THEY HAVE NO REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY SAID THEY COULD CHANGE THE STEERING COLUMN BUT CAN'T GUARANTEE IT WILL FIX THE ISSUE. THEY HAVE TEST DRIVE AND HAVE DUPLICATED THE SAME LOCKING AND STICKING WHILE DRIVING. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND THE GM DEALER HAS NO DIAGNOSIS TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND VIOLENTLY TAKE A SHARP TURN WHEN IT UNLOCKS.
REPLACED TIMING CHAINS AT CERTIFIED DEALER, INCLUDING WATER PUMP. PARTS AND LABOR ABOUT $4,400.00. VEHICLE IS FINE IS THERE ANY REIMBURSABLE COST ON THIS FROM CADILLAC, VEHICLE MILEAGE IS 140,104??
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A STOP SIGN ON A STREET ROAD IN BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP AT 59,000 MILES. *JS
SECOND TIME TIMING CHAIN FAILED CADILLAC SAYS 2007-2009 CADILLAC TIMING CHAINS HAVE A RECALL 11340C EXCEPT MY VIN # CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS I HAD TO PAY FOR BOTH REPAIR $1600 AND $2900 CADILLAC SHOULD REIMBURSE ME. *TR
I JUST GOT A OIL CHANGE, A WEEK LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I THOUGHT IT NEEDS A TUNE UP SO I TOOK IT TO GET ONE AND THEY SAID IT DOES NOT NEED A TUNE UP, THEY HAVE A CODE( P0008) THEY SAID IS THE ENGINE POSITION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, SOMETHING ABOUT A BELT THAT'S LOSE N IT NEEDS TO BE FIX SOON OR IT CAN BE DANGEROUS IF I DON'T FIX IT SO I LOOK AROUND AND SAW A RECALL ON THAT CODE, SO I WAS READING ABOUT IT, PEOPLE BEING HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS BUT THEY ALL SAID THAT THE DEALER REFUSE TO FIX. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE IF IS A RECALL. *TR
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 NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CMA'S COLONIAL AUTO CENTER (LOCATED AT 100 MYERS DR, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22901, (434) 951-1000), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
167 total