NHTSA vehicle safety data
2011 Cadillac CTS Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2011 Cadillac CTS has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 101 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Cadillac dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 Cadillac CTS, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2011 Cadillac CTS owner complaints
Owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Cadillac CTS, describing incidents dated October 8, 2010 to May 27, 2025.
Most-cited components
- Air Bags 23 complaints
- Power Train 22 complaints
- Electrical System 20 complaints
- Engine 15 complaints
- Steering 11 complaints
- Structure 9 complaints
Of the 101 complaints on file, 11 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 101 complaints, owners report 6 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11663380 · Filed
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 86,140 and at the time of…
ODI #11661438 · Filed
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon inspection underneath the frame rail, the contact became aware that there was rust on both sides of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle…
ODI #11617805 · Filed
Water leaking in car like raining in car. The car radio and air conditioner panel wouldn’t turn off . It was draining batter after car would be turned off. Then after that water continues to leak. Took out fuse to stop from draining battery but had to buy new battery. Water continues to leak through…
Ignition Switch may Turn Off
NHTSA #14V394000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice
Reported July 2, 2014 · General Motors LLC
Potentially affected: 554,328 vehicles
Repair completion: 64.82% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 14172 · Owners notified September 15, 2014 · Vehicles built April 20, 2010 – June 2, 2011 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Safety consequence
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Unintended Roof Rail Air Bag Deployment
NHTSA #14V341000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice
Reported June 19, 2014 · General Motors LLC
Potentially affected: 16,932 vehicles
Repair completion: 84.69% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 14233 · Owners notified August 25, 2014 · Vehicles built October 18, 2010 – June 2, 2011 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured October 18, 2010, to June 2, 2011. In the affected vehicles, vibrations from the drive shaft may cause the vehicle's roll over sensor to command the roof rail air bags to deploy.
Safety consequence
If the roof rail air bags deploy unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of crash and injury to the occupants.
Manufacturer remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear drive shaft assembly, free of charge. General Motors distributed an interim letter to owners on August 27, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14233.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Cadillac CTS model years
Check your 2011 Cadillac CTS VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Cadillac CTS at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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