2011 Cadillac Cts: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Cadillac Cts? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 108 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2011 Cadillac Cts Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2011 Cadillac Cts trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2011 Cadillac Cts Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program6 variants tested — showing 2011 Cadillac CTS SW AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated10.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
10.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Cadillac Cts has 108 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Cts
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 108
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Cadillac Cts Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Cadillac Cts?
The 2011 Cadillac Cts shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2011 Cadillac Cts
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect electrical and engine systems before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect electrical and engine systems before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Cadillac Cts, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2011 Cadillac CTS has 108 NHTSA complaints, with airbag malfunctions and transmission/drivetrain issues being the most reported. There are 2 recalls and 11 crash-related complaints, but the data is limited by low confidence and consumer-submitted nature.
- Airbag malfunctions and transmission/drivetrain problems each account for 25 complaints, the highest counts.
- Electrical faults are reported in 20 complaints, followed by engine problems in 15.
- Steering defects and structural problems are noted in 11 and 9 complaints respectively.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
All 2011 Cadillac Cts Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Cadillac Cts. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 25 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 20 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 15 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Cadillac Cts. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
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…
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 conti…
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…
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 unsaf…
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 contac…
Airbag warning
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.
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 …
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 rec…
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 -35 mph, there was a rattling noise detected from the front end of the vehicle. The brake pedal was applied but, failed to respond and crashed into a 2018 Ford. There were no reported inj…
The air bag light comes on intermittently. It has been identified as a problem on several of the CTS and CTS-V forums.
IN 2014 GM ISSUED A RECALL ON THE SUPERSHARGER FOR THE 2010 TO 2015 CADILLAC CTS V AND THE CAMEO ZR1 I DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY NOTICE ABOUT IT. I AM REGISTERED ON THE GM RECALL SITE I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL NOW I AM HAVING THE ISSUE I CALLED GM AND THERE SAYING MY CAR IS OUT …
EVERY TIME THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS PUT IN REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE WHEELS TURNED SHARPLY TO RIGHT OR LEFT, SUCH AS IN BACKING- OUT OF A TIGHT PARKING SPACE, THE CAR LABORS TO MOVE BACKWARDS AND BINDING NOISES EMANATE FROM DIFFERENTIAL OR REAR AXLE AREA OF THE CAR. THIS CONDI…
WHILE DRIVING ON A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD AT APPROX 45 MPH, GOING INTO A SHARP LEFT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN ANY FURTHER. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE STEERING HAD GONE OUT COMPLETELY. THIS CAUSED ME TO TRAVEL STRAIGHT INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND LAUNCH INTO THE WOODS. NO IN…
WHEN TAKING TURNS MY 2011 CTS CADILLAC FLASHES THAT MY AIR BAG MUST BE SERVICED. ON THE PASSENGER SEAT.
I BOUGHT MY 2011 CADILLAC CTS-V BRAND NEW ON 04-12-11 ,MY SEALED REAR END WENT OUT AT 33,453 MILES WHICH I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 9 DAYS SO YOU GUYS MADE ME PAY $4690 FOR A 'NEW REAR END THAT HAD UPDATED PARTS THAT FAILED AND I WOULDN'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM EVER AGAIN ..... WELL HE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE…
ON 12-2-19 AT 730AM EASTERN TIME, I WAS INVOLVED IN A 55 MPH SIDE IMPACT CRASH TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BY A SEMI TRUCK ON INTERSTATE 475 NORTH IN TOLEDO, OHIO, MILE MARKER 10, NEAR HOLLAND, OHIO. NO SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE IS IN 100% EXCELLENT MAINTAINED …
AFTER A 45 MINUTE DRIVE AND RETURNING HOME I PARKED MY CAR ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOME. THE CAR DROVE PERFECTLY NORMAL AS ALWAYS AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANYTHING ELSE TO INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I E…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Cadillac Cts.
2011 Cadillac Cts Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Cadillac Cts. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2011 Cadillac Cts Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Cadillac Cts reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 108 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Cadillac Cts shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Cadillac Cts?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (25 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (25 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Cadillac Cts?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Cadillac Cts?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Cadillac Cts, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 108 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Cadillac Cts have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Cadillac Cts. A major recall area is AIR BAGS. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Cadillac Cts?▾
The 2011 Cadillac Cts shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Cts reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Cadillac Cts based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.