Own a Cadillac CTS in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Cadillac CTS for model years 2005 to 2019. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help CTS owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,636 owner complaints on file for the CTS and 22 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (379), air bags (303), electrical system (281).
Most-Reported Cadillac CTS Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the CTS (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 379 | 23% | |
| Air Bags | 303 | 18% | |
| Electrical System | 281 | 17% | |
| Engine | 192 | 11% | |
| Service Brakes | 151 | 9% | |
| Steering | 115 | 7% | |
| Suspension | 94 | 5% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 68 | 4% |
Power Train
379 of the 1,636 complaints (23%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Air Bags
303 of the 1,636 complaints (18%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
281 of the 1,636 complaints (17%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Cadillac CTS Complaints by Model Year
The CTS model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 284 | |
| 2006 | 272 | |
| 2007 | 218 | |
| 2008 | 175 | |
| 2009 | 167 | |
| 2011 | 108 | |
| 2012 | 67 | |
| 2013 | 73 | |
| 2014 | 146 | |
| 2015 | 50 | |
| 2016 | 31 | |
| 2017 | 27 | |
| 2018 | 8 | |
| 2019 | 10 |
Most Common Cadillac CTS Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the CTS. The most-cited is P0008 (powertrain code), mentioned in 10 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0008 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 10 |
| P0017 | Crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor B) Similar to P0016: timing chain, sensor or timing component trouble. | 4 |
| B0092 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| U0101 | Lost communication with transmission control module Wiring, battery or module power fault. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Cadillac CTS Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for the CTS in these model years, most often involving air bags, electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Air Bags (campaign 26V329000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
- 2025 recall, Steering (campaign 25V175000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
- 2019 recall, Steering (campaign 19V086000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
- 2018 recall, Seats (campaign 18V595000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats may be damaged over time, resulting in the seat heaters producing excessive heat.
- 2015 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 15V358000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake...
- 2014 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 14V542000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the CTS, 131 involved a crash, 21 involved a fire, 103 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Cadillac CTS Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Cadillac will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a CTS that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for CTS owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Cadillac CTS, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Cadillac CTS Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Cadillac CTS repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Cadillac CTS FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Cadillac CTS?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Cadillac CTS are power train (379), air bags (303), electrical system (281). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which CTS model years have the most complaints?
The CTS model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Cadillac CTS?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Cadillac CTS, the codes cited most often are P0008 (powertrain code), P0017 (crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor b)), B0092 (manufacturer-specific body code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Cadillac CTS have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for the Cadillac CTS across model years 2005 to 2019. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Cadillac CTS in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Cadillac vehicles including the CTS, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Cadillac CTS?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Cadillac CTS in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Cadillac Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.