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2010 Cadillac Cts

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Cadillac Cts do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 101.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

41 reports with mileage · 26 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Structure complaints

8 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2023
StructureUnknown Or Other

Every time it rains, the inside of my vehicle floods through the ceiling and floors. This is a manufacture defect that is outside of my control. This is a safety issue because it causes mold and mildew in the vehicle which is a hazard to inhale. I'm also concerned that the possibility exist for an electrical hazard.

NHTSA ODI #11527117

110,100 miles · May 21, 2019
EngineExterior LightingStructure

MY REAR TAIL LIGHTS FOR MY WAGON HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE TOP OF THE CAR DUE TO POOR DESIGN. SPOKE WITH CADILLAC & GM, BOTH REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT'S A DESIGN FLAW ON THE WAGON MODELS. BOTH STATED CAR OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE/YEAR. ASKED IF THEY COULD TELL ME WHAT WAS USED TO ATTACH LAMPS TO VEHICLE, NEITHER HAS A CLUE. DEA…

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MY REAR TAIL LIGHTS FOR MY WAGON HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE TOP OF THE CAR DUE TO POOR DESIGN. SPOKE WITH CADILLAC & GM, BOTH REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT'S A DESIGN FLAW ON THE WAGON MODELS. BOTH STATED CAR OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE/YEAR. ASKED IF THEY COULD TELL ME WHAT WAS USED TO ATTACH LAMPS TO VEHICLE, NEITHER HAS A CLUE. DEALER WANTS $2100 TO REPLACE, BUT NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. SINCE JANUARY 2019, CAR HAS BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES FOR CAR NOT STARTING ON 1ST TRY. FIRST TIME, NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE TIGHTENED, 2ND TIME REPLACED POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE, 3RD TIME DEALER HAS NO IDEA AS TO WHAT IS CAUSING THE ISSUE. ALL LIGHTS ON DASH COME ON, ENGINE DOES NOT TURN OVER WHILE PARKED. IT WILL START ON THE 2ND TRY, SOMETIMES IT HESITATES. DEALER TOLD ME TO CONTINUE TO MONITOR UNTIL VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11208871

120,100 miles · May 4, 2017
Structure

DOOR LOCKS FREEZE UP. THE DRIVERS DOOR FROZE UP WHEN I STOPPED TO GET GAS (WHILE I WAS ON VACATION IN TN) COULD NOT OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUT. THAT WAS IN 9/2015 I WAS TOLD IT WAS A FLUKE! PAID OVER $600 FOR REPAIR. YESTERDAY I WENT TO GET IN MY VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN! SAME SCENIRO CANNOT OPEN FROM …

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DOOR LOCKS FREEZE UP. THE DRIVERS DOOR FROZE UP WHEN I STOPPED TO GET GAS (WHILE I WAS ON VACATION IN TN) COULD NOT OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUT. THAT WAS IN 9/2015 I WAS TOLD IT WAS A FLUKE! PAID OVER $600 FOR REPAIR. YESTERDAY I WENT TO GET IN MY VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN! SAME SCENIRO CANNOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUT!

NHTSA ODI #10983431

55,000 miles · Dec 20, 2016
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GAP BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE TAILGATE AND THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. OVER TIME, THE GAP COLLECTED WATER AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUST AND ALSO DAMAGED THE ELECTRICAL PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE GAP WAS A …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GAP BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE TAILGATE AND THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. OVER TIME, THE GAP COLLECTED WATER AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUST AND ALSO DAMAGED THE ELECTRICAL PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE GAP WAS A MAJOR MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #10936516

56,000 miles · Jul 8, 2016
Exterior LightingStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH TAIL LIGHTS WERE SEPARATED FROM THE MOLDING FRAME LINE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS CLIPS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH TAIL LIGHTS WERE SEPARATED FROM THE MOLDING FRAME LINE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS CLIPS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. UPDATED 10/18/17*LJ *TR

NHTSA ODI #10883539

70,000 miles · Dec 26, 2014
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THREE INCHES OF WATER ACCUMULATED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10668370

38,000 miles · Jul 20, 2012
StructureInjury

I USED THE REMOTE TO OPEN THE POWER LIFTGATE. I LEANED INTO THE BACK OF THE WAGON TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING, AND THE LIFTGATE CRASHED DOWN ONTO MY BACK. IT LIFTED BACK UP, AND THEN CRASHED DOWN AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, AND THE PROCESS WAS REPEATED UNTIL I MANUALLY SLAMMED THE LIFTGATE CLOSED. I OPENED IT AGAIN WI…

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I USED THE REMOTE TO OPEN THE POWER LIFTGATE. I LEANED INTO THE BACK OF THE WAGON TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING, AND THE LIFTGATE CRASHED DOWN ONTO MY BACK. IT LIFTED BACK UP, AND THEN CRASHED DOWN AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, AND THE PROCESS WAS REPEATED UNTIL I MANUALLY SLAMMED THE LIFTGATE CLOSED. I OPENED IT AGAIN WITH THE REMOTE, AND THE SAME PROCESS OCCURRED. I CHANGED THE SETTING OF THE LIFTGATE TO MANUAL AND LIFTED IT MYSELF, AND AGAIN IT CRASHED DOWN. IT BRUISED MY BACK AND SHOULDER, BUT COULD HAVE DONE GRIEVOUS HARM TO SOMEONE ELSE. I AM TAKING IT TO THE DEALER TOMORROW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10466697

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2011
Air BagsLatches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, Hydraulic

2010 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH BRAKES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE ALLEGEDLY REPLACED IN MARCH 2010. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG COMPARTMENT BECAME LOOSE AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES. IN JANUARY 2011, THE CONSUM…

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2010 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH BRAKES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE ALLEGEDLY REPLACED IN MARCH 2010. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG COMPARTMENT BECAME LOOSE AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES. IN JANUARY 2011, THE CONSUMER BECAME LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED IN MAY 2011. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10434491

Official recalls

3

14V394000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 2, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

11V089000 · Suspension:rear

Feb 11, 2011

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 THE NUT(S) TO LOOSEN. IF A NUT SUFFICIENTLY LOOSENS, THE TOE LINK COULD SEPARATE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN INBOARD OR OUTBOARD. OWNERS MAY HEAR A METALLIC CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT MAY WARN OF A LOOSENING NUT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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 OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

10V414000 · Equipment

Sep 13, 2010

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 CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.