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2011 Cadillac CTS problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Cadillac CTS is airbags, typically around 75,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical CTS model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
101
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
1,513
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
14-21mpg

The worst 2011 Cadillac CTS problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Recalls 2

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 2, 2014 · 554,328 vehicles affected
What is wrong
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

Recall number 14V394000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported June 19, 2014 · 16,932 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured October 18, 2010, to June 2, 2011. In the affected vehicles, vibrations from the drive shaft may cause the vehicle's roll over sensor to command the roof rail air bags to deploy.
Risk
If the roof rail air bags deploy unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of crash and injury to the occupants.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear drive shaft assembly, free of charge. General Motors distributed an interim letter to owners on August 27, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 14233.

Recall number 14V341000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2011 Cadillac CTS

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Cadillac CTS 1,513

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,513 bulletins for the 2011 Cadillac CTS

2011 Cadillac CTS crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWDPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.4
Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWDPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.4
Cadillac CTS SW AWDPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.4
Cadillac CTS SW RWDPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.4

2011 Cadillac CTS fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.6L 6‑cylRWD16-1825-2719-21
3.6L 6‑cylAWD182621
3.0L 6‑cylRWD16-1826-2719-21
3.0L 6‑cylAWD182621
6.2L 8‑cylRWD12-1418-1914-16

What 2011 Cadillac CTS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 28, 2025 · Electrical · 162,290 miles · CA

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 86,140 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 162,290.

Filed May 16, 2025 · Body · 153,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon inspection underneath the frame rail, the contact became aware that there was rust on both sides of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Electrical · IL

Water leaking in car like raining in car. The car radio and air conditioner panel wouldn’t turn off . It was draining batter after car would be turned off. Then after that water continues to leak. Took out fuse to stop from draining battery but had to buy new battery. Water continues to leak through car. Now ignition switch unable to turn off car . Unhooking the battery and fuse only way to turn off car. Take car to good year for diagnostics and was told water in car ( this I know cause I see raining in car.) This problem has been on going for a few years with the raining. I being unknowing that this would happen. Unable to give Goodyear 4000 dollars to fix problem with no guarantee it would fix problem. My friend that owns shop had to take seats and to find the water in bottom of car and wiring harness and BCM AND FUSE BOX AS WELL PROGRAMMING NEED TO BE DONE THIS AS WELL IS INFO FROM DIAGNOSIS FROM GOODYEAR. Everytime I get out of car just to turn off I would have to lift hood disconnect fuse and then disconnect battery cable . This in it self is unsafe to have to do. Cadillac was a dream car for me. It has become a nightmare. Cause this had been on going in other Cadillac made between 2008 and 2011 . I as well have videos of water in bottom of car and I have had to have car sealed to stop leaking only solution for now. Car is paid for. I NEED GMC TO JUST KNOW HOW UNFAIR IT IS FIR THEM TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM AND PUT THE PUBLIC AT RISK OF DANGER. Hopefully after 2011 GMC fixed this problem in on going CADILLAC CARS . I am JUST DISAPPOINTED IN THE CORPORATIONS DISREGARDED FOR PUBLIC SAFTEY. Once again I always loved CADILLAC. Had an opportunity to have one and it has been a nightmare . Causing anxieties and depression. Cause I didn’t understand what was happening. Thank you .AS WELL I HAVE VIDEOS AND UNABLE TO UPLOAD

Filed Oct 1, 2024 · Body, Electrical · 100,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a water leak. The contact noticed that the front driver's side seat, door arm rest and floor were significantly wet after rainfall. The contact stated that the failure later occurred on the front passenger's side of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the infotainment system, the heating system, the A/C, and the engine failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuse box and wiring needed to be replaced due to the electrical failure. The contact stated that upon disconnecting the battery and removing the fuse, the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that water was leaking onto the wiring on the floor. The sunroof drain was unclogged; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle remained with the mechanic, where it was undergoing additional water entry tests. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Nov 22, 2023 · Airbags · CT

My air bag light is on. I brought it to the dealer for repair. The dealer told me the airbag is unfixable due to the fact that the "Passenger seat presence sensor is broken and no longer manufactured". I now have a car that is fully functional aside from this issue and it's unsafe to drive. The dealer also refused to buy the car back from me for fair market value.

Filed Sep 12, 2023 · Airbags, Transmission · 165,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to make an abnormal sound and the vehicle was inadvertently vibrating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V341000 (Air Bags, Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Filed Aug 29, 2023 · Airbags · NE

Airbag warning

Filed Oct 3, 2022 · Electrical, Seats · MI · fire · 1 injury

Heated seat when turned on caught on fire, burned me & the seat has burned leather. No warnings or lamps came on. It is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Aug 18, 2022 · Airbags · 95,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. Additionally, the "Service Air Bags" warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the failure could be related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V341000 (Air Bags, Power Train). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2022 · Transmission · AK

Under previous GM Safety Recall Bulletin 14233, loss of grease from the center constant velocity (CV) joint over time results in vibrations of the propeller shaft that are transferred to the roll over sensor located on the floor above it. The condition was repaired under this recall in 2014, three years after the vehicle was manufactured. It is now 2022, and the same issue has happened again. Now, GM claims that there are no open recalls on the vehicle, yet the manufacturer defect remains and the issue has resurfaced. Being a safety recall, the repair should be covered by GM as stated in the bulletin (14233) regardless if the repair has been completed in the past, as the defect remains a safety issue. The vehicle in reference has 5 bolts sheared and the last remaining bolt fixing the center CV joint to the transmission was about to fall out, caused by the vibration of the CV joint that lost its grease.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2011 Cadillac CTS before you buy

Compare the 2011 Cadillac CTS

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2011 Cadillac CTS

Is the 2011 Cadillac CTS reliable?

Owners have filed 101 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac CTS, close to a typical CTS model year.

What is the 2011 Cadillac CTS year score?

The 2011 Cadillac CTS scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac CTS: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Cadillac CTS?

Airbags, with 23 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles. Next is transmission (22).

How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac CTS have?

2 recalls, covering electrical system and air bags.

Is the 2011 Cadillac CTS safe in a crash?

The 2011 Cadillac CTS was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 4 out of 5.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Cadillac CTS airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V341000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Cadillac CTS have bad airbags?

The Cadillac CTS model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (87 complaints), 2005 (74 complaints) and 2007 (64 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Cadillac CTS get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Cadillac CTS range from 14 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.6L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16-18 city and 25-27 highway.

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