2011 Cadillac Cts Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Cadillac Cts.

20102012
Complaints
148
Crashes
14
Fires
6
Injuries
8
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2011 Cadillac Cts Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#123 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:71,786 mi
Crash-related:5
#220 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:60,557 mi
Crash-related:1
#318 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:41,827 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:3
Considering a 2011 Cadillac Cts?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Cadillac Cts.

Airbags
23
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
71,786
Transmission / Drivetrain
20
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
60,557
Electrical Faults
18
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Avg Miles
41,827
Engine Problems
13
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
37,062
Steering Defects
11
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
39,784
Headlight/Taillight Failures
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
47,517
Brakes
6
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
27,240
Unintended Acceleration
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
29,089
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention:Warnings:External/Pedestrian Alert
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Instrument Cluster
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Driveline
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Sidewall
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Cadillac Cts. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2011 Cadillac Cts

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~571,260 vehicles.

14V394000Electrical System:ignition
~554,328 affected

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.

14V341000Power Train:driveline:driveshaft · Airbags
~16,932 affected

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.

Other Cadillac Cts Years

2011 Cadillac Cts — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2011 Cadillac Cts reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2011 Cadillac Cts has 148 NHTSA complaints, 14 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Airbags with 23 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2011 Cadillac Cts?
Top reported problems: Airbags (23 complaints, avg 71,786 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (20 complaints, avg 60,557 mi); Electrical Faults (18 complaints, avg 41,827 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Cadillac Cts?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 50,049 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2011 Cadillac Cts?
NHTSA complaints for the 2011 Cadillac Cts include 14 crash-related reports, 6 fire reports, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2011 Cadillac Cts have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 571,260 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2011 Cadillac Cts?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Cadillac Cts reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2011 Cadillac Cts

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99