2008 Cadillac CTS

● Typical for this model
2008 Cadillac CTS
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:40:00.818Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Cadillac CTS Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 2003: 313 complaints 2003 2004: 224 complaints 2005: 277 complaints 2006: 269 complaints 2006 2007: 217 complaints 2008: 175 complaints 2008 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 67 complaints 2011: 101 complaints 2012: 65 complaints 2012 2013: 72 complaints 2014: 144 complaints 2015: 46 complaints 2015 2016: 31 complaints 2017: 26 complaints 2018: 8 complaints 2018 2019: 10 complaints 2019
2008: 175 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2003313
2004224
2005277
2006269
2007217
2008175
2009167
201067
2011101
201265
201372
2014144
201546
201631
201726
20188
201910

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22%

22% of complaints: electrical system — 38 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle Purchase Statement – Top Tier Auto I, [XXX] , purchased a vehicle from Top Tier Auto on [XXX].

NHTSA ODI report, 20250128

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 23 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE 13%

13% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle Purchase Statement – Top Tier Auto I, [XXX] , purchased a vehicle from Top Tier Auto on [XXX].

NHTSA ODI report, 20250128

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER A CURVE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND NECK INJURIES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130531

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20100611 — electrical system

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE E

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEE

Campaign 10V240000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140915 — electrical system

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.

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.

Campaign 14V394000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Cadillac CTS — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (38 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10V240000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V394000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2016 ▲ 2015 ▲ 2012

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ◆ 2005 ◆ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Cadillac CTS reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Cadillac CTS is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Cadillac CTS?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac CTS have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.