2008 Cadillac CTS
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 313 |
| 2004 | 224 |
| 2005 | 277 |
| 2006 | 269 |
| 2007 | 217 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 67 |
| 2011 | 101 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 72 |
| 2014 | 144 |
| 2015 | 46 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: electrical system — 38 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle Purchase Statement â Top Tier Auto I, [XXX] , purchased a vehicle from Top Tier Auto on [XXX].
NHTSA ODI report, 20250128
13% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 23 distinct reports on file.
FIRE13% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle Purchase Statement â Top Tier Auto I, [XXX] , purchased a vehicle from Top Tier Auto on [XXX].
NHTSA ODI report, 20250128
9% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
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
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
WORST YEARS
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.