Cadillac CTS-V Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Cadillac CTS-V (2004–2011) that have at least 5 complaints. 2011 has the most, with 7. Across all years, the part named most often is suspension (4 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All CTS-V model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 7 | 43,450 | 0 | 253 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 7 | 83,000 | 1 | 110 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 5 | 80,000 | 1 | 79 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Suspension4 17%
- Brakes4 17%
- Transmission and drivetrain3 13%
- Other or unknown3 13%
- Electrical system3 13%
- Air bags3 13%
- Wheels2 8.3%
- Steering2 8.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2005: “The clutch on the Cadillac cts v went after 40,000 miles. When it gets cold outside the it can become sticky and not fully usable. I think it might be the hydralic fluid in the clutch. It should not go bad every 40,000 miles can lead to possible crash if the clutch does not engage. I am lucky have not been in a crash due to the problems I am having with it.”
NHTSA complaint #10840434, filed 2016-03, 40,000 miles2011: “Please know the car is in mint condition and has never been in an accident. This is my dream car and stays well kept in my garage. It only has 19,500 miles on it. Rear differential whines or howls between 40-70mpg when under light load (like cruising or using cruise control) in 4th, 5th, and 6th gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11012469, filed 2017-08, 18,500 miles2004: “I have or had a 2004 Cadillac Cts-V. It had given me some problems with turning. Several times when I made turns onto another street or even when I took an on ramp onto an interstate, I have lost control of my car. It seems to loose traction, like the traction control got turned off (which it hadn't) and began drifting/swerving on the road which has almost caused an accident several times, until finally it did. Thanksgiving of 2017 it finally did cause an accident and a death of one of my friends. …”
NHTSA complaint #11064222, filed 2018-01, 68,500 milesOther Cadillac models
3,265 complaintsCadillac Deville
2,708 complaintsCadillac CTS
2,219 complaintsCadillac Escalade
1,725 complaintsCadillac Seville
793 complaintsCadillac Escalade ESV
530 complaintsCadillac DTS
527 complaintsCadillac Catera
463 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology