Which Years Of Used Cadillac CTS Vehicles Are Most Reliable?
We explore the Cadillac CTS's multiple generations to see which years are most reliable. See which ones — and why they're great — so you can car shop confidently.
For decades, Cadillac, General Motors’ luxury division, has sought to take on Europe’s best. This effort included the Cadillac CTS, which battled the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The CTS meets the needs of those wanting a premium compact car from an American brand. And although the CTS was discontinued after the 2019 model, it’s still a compelling alternative for used car shoppers. Let’s expand on this by reviewing the most reliable years of the Cadillac CTS.
It’s also helpful to know the background of the CTS because the car didn’t just come as a plain-Jane sedan. Cadillac built the car in many forms (including a coupe and wagon) and under the high-performance V Series banner.
Cadillac CTS History
Debuting for the 2003 model year, the CTS enjoyed a three-generation run with the Cadillac brand. For most of this time, the CTS served as the automaker’s entry-level model. However, the car got elevated when Cadillac introduced the smaller and cheaper ATS for 2013.
First-Generation Cadillac CTS: 2003-2007
With the Cadillac Catera sedan getting stale, Cadillac decided to break the mold and launch the Cadillac CTS. Its chiseled lines and angular body served as the launching point for the company’s “Arts and Science” design language. This look later appeared in the sporty XLR convertible and the SRX, Cadillac’s first crossover.
Initially equipped with a 220-horsepower 3.2-liter V6, later CTS versions increased standard engine output to as much as 263 horsepower. In 2004, Cadillac introduced the performance-oriented CTS-V which featured a 400-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 that shared components with the Chevrolet Corvette. For the first time, an American luxury automaker presented an option for the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG.
OTHER CAR SHOPPING APPS ARE OUTDATED
You won’t realize how outdated other car searching apps are until you try the CoPilot car shopping app. CoPilot does the hard work for you by searching all of the listings in your area and intelligently creating a personalized list of the best buys in the area that match what you’re looking for.
Second-Generation Cadillac CTS: 2008-2013
Appearing for 2008, the all-new second-generation CTS was bigger than its predecessor, enabling the model to be cross-shopped against larger European rivals (the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class). The base V6 engine carried over, as did an optional 3.4-horsepower V6.
But that power paled in comparison to the CTS-V, which hit the scene in 2009. With a supercharged engine taken directly from the potent Corvette ZR1, this wolf in sheep’s clothing served up 556 horsepower. The automaker now had bragging rights as the fastest V8 production sedan in the world at that time.
As part of the second generation, Cadillac built a CTS wagon from 2010-2014 and a CTS coupe from 2011-2014.
Third-Generation Cadillac CTS: 2014-2019
A re-invented third-generation CTS offered a longer and lower body, giving this Cadillac a more aggressive stance. For the first time, standard power came from a four-cylinder engine, but this turbocharged unit delivered more output at 272 horsepower. Meanwhile, the optional V6 got a horsepower increase to 321.
And unsurprisingly, Cadillac turned the volume up on the CTS-V. Launching for 2015, this top-dog CTS now produced 640 horsepower and could hit a top speed of 200 mph.
THE CADILLAC CTS YEARS TO AVOID
If you’re planning to buy a Cadillac CTS, you’re mostly in good hands due to its reputation for reliability. We’ll walk you through the Cadillac CTS years to avoid and the good ones you can purchase worry-free.
Further interior refinements across the CTS lineup helped Cadillac stay on par with its European counterparts. But these efforts weren’t enough to keep the CTS sedan alive in a world starving for SUVs and crossovers. Cadillac axed the CTS after the 2019 model year.
Most Reliable Years of the Cadillac CTS
Our list of the most reliable Cadillac CTS models is separated by generation. This split helps budget-conscious shoppers compare the first and second generations to save money. Older cars are prone to numerous troubles, but we primarily look for fewer issues with the engine and transmission as an indicator of dependability.
Here’s an overview of the most reliable years of the Cadillac CTS.
Cadillac CTS (first generation)
- 2005
Cadillac CTS (second generation)
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
Cadillac CTS (third generation)
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
Most Reliable Years of the Cadillac CTS: The Breakdown
Here are the details on why we’ve added these Cadillac CTS model years to our most reliable list. These recommendations are based on available data from carcomplaints.com, Consumer Reports, repairpal.com, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
THE BEST CARS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Whether you’re squeezing into a tight campus parking spot or hauling ten loads of laundry back home, these best cars for college students will get you, your friends, and your stuff where you’re going.
2005 Cadillac CTS (first generation)
There are few problems with the 2005 Cadillac, the only first-generation CTS to make the list. A handful of reports cite engine issues (no car is perfect), which means that a pre-purchase inspection is advisable if you’re buying a 2005 CTS (or any used car).
2010 Cadillac CTS (second generation)
It took Cadillac a couple of years to work out the kinks of the second-generation CTS. These improvements started with the 2010 model year. The most reported problem involves an airbag sensor, an important but not critical issue.
2011 Cadillac CTS
The 2011 Cadillac CTS carries on from its predecessor with few reports of engine and transmission troubles. Most complaints center on interior accessories and steering wheel sensors.
2012 Cadillac CTS
There’s a slight uptick in reports about the engine and transmission in the 2012 CTS, but we’re talking about a few dozen incidents. And this takes into account that Cadillac sold almost 47,000 examples. Consumer Reports also gives the 2012 CTS a thumbs up for reliability.
2013 Cadillac CTS
Cadillac closes out the second-generation CTS with a strong finish. There’s an increase in electric system troubles, but this is outweighed by very few engine and transmission problems. At the same time, the steering wheel sensor issue surfaces again for some owners.
2015 Cadillac CTS (third generation)
We’ve bypassed the first year of the third generation (2014) in favor of the 2015 CTS. Overall complaints are down significantly from 2014, but you’ll want to have the rear differential checked out (it’s a known issue for the 2015 model year).
2016 Cadillac CTS
2016 was another winning year for the CTS (in terms of reliability). Sales are modest (about 16,000 units), but complaints about the engine and transmission are practically non-existent. That makes for a strong case for this model year’s dependability.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BRAKES?
Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last? How often should you replace your brakes? We’ve got answers
2017 Cadillac CTS
Sales continue to decline for the 2017 Cadillac CTS as the number of problems follows the same direction. There are a grand total of three owner reports about the transmission, which represents a tiny fraction of all the CTS units built this year.
A Note About The 2018-2019 Cadillac CTS: Sales of the CTS fell significantly in its final two years. As a result, there’s scarce available data about reliability. So, we can’t pass judgment (either way) on the 2018-2019 Cadillac CTS.
Best Year of Cadillac CTS: FAQs
Q: Which years are considered the most reliable for the Cadillac CTS?
A: The most reliable years vary by generation. For the first generation, 2005 is considered reliable. In the second generation, 2010-2013 models are regarded as dependable. For the third generation, 2015-2017 models are noted for their reliability.
Q: Are there any Cadillac CTS years that should be avoided?
A: While the article doesn’t specify years to avoid, it suggests caution with the 2014 model (first year of the third generation) due to a higher number of reported issues compared to subsequent years.
Q: What are common issues in the less reliable CTS models?
A: Some reported issues include problems with the engine, transmission, electrical systems, and in the 2015 model, a known issue with the rear differential.
Q: How does the reliability of the CTS compare across its three generations?
A: Generally, reliability improved with each generation. The third generation (2014-2019) seems to have the most reliable models, particularly from 2015 onwards.
Q: What should potential buyers consider when looking at a used CTS?
A: Potential buyers should consider the model year, known issues for that particular year (like the rear differential in 2015 models), and always get a pre-purchase inspection, especially for older models.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
