Cadillac CTS Years To Avoid And Why 

Although quite reliable, there are a few Cadillac CTS years to avoid because of a number of reasons.

These vehicles may be practical and quite luxurious, yet there are some models that are better than the rest. 

With this in mind, you may consider avoiding these Cadillac CTS model years to get the best bang for your buck. Find out more about these model years and why you are better off avoiding them altogether.

By doing so, you can have a more hassle-free experience with your vehicle and expect a greater resale value over all.

cadillac cts years to avoid

Cadillac CTS Years To Avoid

In a nutshell, among the Cadillac CTS years to avoid include 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2014. 

2006 Cadillac CTS

2006 cadillac cts

Most commonly, the 2006 Cadillac CTS has garnered over 300 NHTSA complaints, as well as 6 recalls. Among the usual concerns are leaking coolants, which leaks right into the transmission, zero engine compression, and the internal engine oil cooler failure.

Moreover, the engine compression was lost and it takes about a month or so to replace the engine. Another issue is the coolant leaking right into the transmission. One of the hoses was seen to have cracked and this caused the liquid coolant to get into the transmission. This is quite an expensive repair because the entire transmission and the cooling system need to be replaced.

2007 Cadillac CTS

2007 cadillac cts

As for the 2007 Cadillac CTS, this also gained a number of recalls and complaints with this model. But the main issues are not quite the same as the ones commonly complained about the 2006 model.

For instance, the timing chain is frequently an issue with the 2007 Cadillac CTS. It appears to be a main safety concern with the 2007 CTS once the timing chain has broken. There is also the problem with the sensor failure with the steering wheel position. Thus, the car displays a service stability notification. The vehicle then acts up unexpectedly such as jerking from one side to the next, cruise control is engaged and braking issues. 

2008 Cadillac CTS

2008 cadillac cts

As for the 2008 Cadillac CTS, some problems tend to arise. There are issues but not as bad as the other concerns with the rest of the model years. 

Faulty steering wheel position sensor is a common concern, and this leads to a service stability message to get activated. This also activates the cruise control or brakes, and the vehicle tends to swerve from one side to another. The best way to deal with this issue is to replace the steering wheel position sensor. This can cost about $100 but without labor included in this fee.

Other problems with the 2008 CTS include engine failure, stalling, and rough idling. Mostly, these problems with this model year are caused by a worn camshaft, seized motor, and in some cases, it can be due to a faulty ECM (Engine Control Module) sensor.

2009 Cadillac CTS

2009 cadillac cts

Based on complaints by owners, among the worst of all the Cadillac CTS years to avoid would be the 2009 model year. This model is known to have the top three common concerns as mentioned in the previously mentioned models. 

But as for the worst of all the problems, it would be the dead transfer case. This is one of the most dangerous issues particularly when your case files in transit. In the case of one owner, the transfer case ended up failing while along the highway, which also crashed his Cadillac CTS. To make things even worse than it should, it happens early on in the life of the CTS. In fact, it can plague these vehicles even with only 60,000 miles on average.

Aside from these problems, there is also the issue with transmission failures. Generally, this may occur as a result of normal wear and tear. Yet, it can even be observed in the earlier years in the life of the vehicle even with as little as 10,000 miles.

2014 Cadillac CTS

2014 cadillac cts

Although it has just a few problems as compared to the other model years, there are still some concerns with the 2014 Cadillac CTS. For instance, the interior accessories are not very satisfactory in terms of the quality. The touchscreen may break for no evident reason, while the Bluetooth connection and infotainment system can be quite spotty. 

There are also some issues with the suspension of the vehicle. Leaking steering fluid and failure of the front suspension to absorb bump well can be observed, as well.

Best Cadillac CTS Years To Buy

best cadillac cts years to buy

With all these things in mind, you may be wondering – what then should be a good and safe model year of the Cadillac CTS to buy?

One of the best ones would be the 2010 model. When it comes to premium quality, this model does not disappoint. Reliability, style and performance are just some of the selling points of this vehicle.

Thus, you can purchase this vehicle model year with confidence – even if you buy one secondhand.

The 2011 is another good option to buy when you are looking for a Cadillac CTS that boasts of refinement and performance. This luxury sedan is most definitely one that can compete with the best ones out there.

And lastly, the 2019 Cadillac CTS is a fine investment. It is a newer model and absolutely an outstanding bet. The reputation for reliability and performance are solid. Balanced suspension, rear-wheel drive layout and an edgy exterior styling are indeed excellent.

Read More: Typical Cadillac ATS Problems And Some Common Solutions

Last Word

When it comes to dependability and value for your money, the Cadillac CTS has some bragging rights. But there are just some model years that may not be as great as the other ones such as those made from 2006 – 2009. However, you can find great model years in terms of performance and reliability, making them truly worthy of your investment.

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