2008 Cadillac CTS Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 175 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Cadillac CTS, 4% of the 175 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2008 Cadillac CTS v6 di awd has a dangerous acceleration lag when you step on the gas to pass or get out of the way of a hazard in road. There is about a 1-2 sec lag between stepping on pedal and rpms moving, and about another second or so before any pick up happens. Doesn't sound like much, but no other car I have had, did this. At the speed of oncoming vehicles, a 1-2 second lag can mean a 30 - 60 yards of distance being traveled by an oncoming car or truck. That sight fills up rear view mirror fast. In my opinion, this is a serious design flaw and potentially death causing defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10234780, filed 2008-07, 5,000 miles“Engine service light came on - dealer diagnosed problem was caused by a stretched / loose timing chain. Dealer reported 1,000s of 2008 Cadillac ctss with the 3.6l dy engine experienced the same problem. Nhtsa should invest problem since how the timing chain fails could cause a serious accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10308784, filed 2010-02, 7,000 miles“Shortly after the purchase of the vehicle it started shutting off while in motion. This happens unexpectedly, and mostly when slowing down for a stop light or to reduce speed. This is an on going issue, which have been reported to general motors, who informed us to take it a number of dealerships on several occasions, but all services performed has proven futile. My family has had many close death experiences because of this problem, but general motors refuses to address the matter in depth. …”
NHTSA complaint #10596212, filed 2014-06, 32,000 miles“Check engine light appeared on my 2008 Cadillac CTS. Vehicle brought to dealership. Issue appears to be a cylinder head and cam failure. Still not repaired. Vehicle still in shop since 2/26,vehicle has 2600 miles on it. 4months old.”
NHTSA complaint #10220331, filed 2008-03, 2,645 miles“1. Car stalls/hesitates on right turn. Dealer service could not replicate. Problem started at ownership, and continues at 25k miles. Problem not corrected. 2. Check engine light: car vibrates/shakes standing at idle. 21 days out of service. 3 dealers; four visits. One dealer could not extinguish check engine light. Dealer disassembled engine and made repairs. (exhaust is noticeably louder (not repaired) and the fm radio will not work when the rear defroster is switched on--I suspect a ground wire was broken during the repair (not repaired).”
NHTSA complaint #10339794, filed 2010-06, 9,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10247768Sep 1, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. The concern is present when coasting at…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 14 | 5% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
| 2003 | 38 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2008 Cadillac CTS
39 complaintsFuel system
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 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 27, 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