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BrakesPart report

2011 Cadillac CTS Brakes Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
6%of 101 total for the year
Median mileage
28,980miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Cadillac CTS, 6% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,980 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“Driving to work went to stop and vehicle pull to the side and would not stop normal. I drove the vehicle to the dealer and the reported right rear hub not sensing speed signal and needed to replace and not covered under my warranty. I see GM and Cadillac has had a lot of problems with this wheel hud and have recalled on other model years. These are $600.00 per wheel to replace and think that they should last longer than 39,000 miles. Would not want to have been driving at highway speeds when this fails.I contacted Cadillac and they would not repair without charge.”

NHTSA complaint #10704972, filed 2015-04, 37,960 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 -35 mph, there was a rattling noise detected from the front end of the vehicle. The brake pedal was applied but, failed to respond and crashed into a 2018 Ford. There were no reported injuries or fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11450362, filed 2022-02, 45,000 miles

“Cadillac recall the brakes did not function properly on the vehicle. The brake light came on and at times the car did not immediately stop when brakes were pressed. As a result, I could no longer drive the vehicle and had to find other means of transportation. In addition, recalls and issue with this car have made the news.”

NHTSA complaint #11080285, filed 2018-03

“The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. While driving 35 MPH, the brakes malfunctioned. When the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop and rear ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. Bentley Cadillac in florence, alabama 35630 was made aware of the crash and stated that an inspector would inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall for the brakes or the air bags. …”

NHTSA complaint #11039819, filed 2017-10, 20,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, he applied the brakes and noticed a violent vibration in the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the brake drums would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The drums and brakes were replaced three different times but to no avail. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10515504, filed 2013-06, 6,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201613%
2015918%
201432%
2013710%
2012914%
201166%
201069%
2009148%
20082213%
20075927%
20065721%
20053412%
20043817%
20034715%

Other parts of the 2011 Cadillac CTS

Air bags
23 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
22 complaints
Electrical system
20 complaints
Engine
13 complaints
Steering
11 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Exterior lighting
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Seats
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Cadillac CTS

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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