2008 Cadillac CTS Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 22%of 175 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Cadillac CTS, 22% of the 175 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving maybe 6 minutes my center console display would no longer function preventing me from being able to control the radio or air, which both remained functioning and the air bag light came on at the same time. The radio no longer plays but the air still blows. At the time this happened I was driving on a paved road at night going approx. 50 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #11217490, filed 2019-06, 92,000 miles“Randomly when I go to start my vehicle it won't start but the battery is good,which leaves me stranded ....and also randomly while driving the traction control lights up saying traction control off along with every light in the dash displayed and making the chiming sound.it reduces the engine power suddenly while at a high speed causing me to swerve in freeway traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10966434, filed 2017-03, 82,000 miles“The vehicle will stall while cruising to a stop light, while at idle and sometime while accelerating. I've read a lot of posts online about this issue but no one has a solution. I got stranded on the highway in the middle lane once too. Gm will not do anything about it. The vehicle is in the shop right now and my diagnosis fee its over $750 and there is still no resolution for this issue!!! This issue is an ongoing issue for years now!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11015632, filed 2017-08, 122,600 miles“The problem started with the timing chain, which LED to coil issues and catalytic converters issues which LED to low head beams constantly burning out. Everytime work is done it causes a chain reaction to other parts in the car that requires more and more money. Now the engine light is still on and I am told that since the first catalytic converter was repaired, the second one now needs replacing and the low head beam on the passenger side has wiring issues that will not allow the new bulb to burn, I am told that the wiring appears to be spliced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10788613, filed 2015-11, 174,000 miles“I was driving in a parking garage so my speed was about 5-10mph when the whole system shut down. The car stopped moving and all of the system warnings popped off (ABS, stabiltrack,engine). The car would not turn back on. I had it towed to the shop where I was told that it was an electrical problem. The PCM was replaced and I was told that the problem was fixed. Cost was approx $200. After the original system shut down, I was driving on an exit ramp to the interstate when once again the whole system shut down. All of the system warnings popped up and the car would not turn back on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10712327, filed 2015-04, 74,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V394000Jul 2, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Cadillac CTS 2003–2014, SRX 2004–2006
- 10V240000Jun 4, 2010Gm is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 buick, lucerne; cadillac dts; hummer h2; model year 2008-2009 buick enclave; cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009…Covers: Cadillac CTS 2008–2009, Buick Lucerne 2006–2009, Cadillac DTS 2006–2009 +15 more
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- 10249535Jan 8, 2024This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 3 | 38% |
| 2017 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 10 | 32% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 13 | 9% |
| 2013 | 26 | 36% |
| 2012 | 10 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 20% |
| 2010 | 16 | 24% |
| 2009 | 26 | 16% |
| 2008 | 39 | 22% |
| 2007 | 41 | 19% |
| 2006 | 43 | 16% |
| 2005 | 39 | 14% |
| 2004 | 34 | 15% |
| 2003 | 56 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2008 Cadillac CTS
28 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Cadillac CTS
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology