2011 Cadillac CTS Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 20%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Cadillac CTS, 20% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased a new 2011 Cadillac cts4 in august 2012 from herb chambers Cadillac in lynnfield ma. Since that time, I have driven the car approximately 60,000 miles. This problem affects virtually all (tens of thousands!) Cadillac CTS and srx vehicles built since 2008. After driving the car for a few months, I noticed that condensation appeared in the headlight assemblies after driving in or parking in the rain. The condensation would naturally evaporate during evaporate after the rain stopped. Over time, the low beams became dimmer and dimmer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11164973, filed 2019-01, 60,600 miles“After a 45 minute drive and returning home I parked my car on the street in front of my home. The car drove perfectly normal as always and there was no indication of anything wrong with the car. There were no warning lights or anything else to indicate a problem with the car. I entered my house and as I walked pasted my kitchen window I could see flames coming out from under the hood on the driver side of the vehicle it was only a couple of minutes since from the time I entered my house. Within 5 minutes the entire car was engulfed with flames. …”
NHTSA complaint #11287619, filed 2019-12, 45,000 miles“My CTS was in a non GM authorized mechanics shop having oil change and brakes done. While working in the car I asked to have them look at my rear assist camera. The camera and wiring to the camera were actually smoldering at this point. My mechanic also told me that the transfer case was leaking and that the central drive shaft was bad. My mechanic removed the smoldering rear assist camera, put the CTS back together and I drove it over to the Cadillac dealership to have the warranty work done on transfer case and drive shaft. …”
NHTSA complaint #10692562, filed 2015-03, 65,100 miles“Due to the recent GM problems with ignition switch I wanted to file this complaint on my 2011 Cadillac CTS as I am not hearing my car mentioned for recall. Twice within the first couple months of owning the CTS I started to accelerate into traffic from a stopped position and the car completely shut off like a light switch flipping. No sound was made but simply everything lost all power and forced me to coast into traffic...twice!! I threw the car into neutral to try and restart it with no luck. It wouldn't even turnover. …”
NHTSA complaint #10583019, filed 2014-04, 2,000 miles“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 registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 162,290.”
NHTSA complaint #11663380, filed 2025-05, 162,290 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
Related service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11010421Oct 3, 2024This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11007196Sep 6, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11006293Aug 13, 2024This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted and not start afterward. This is the result of hooking up…
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11002441Jun 14, 2024This service bulletin provides information for engine oil life monitor operation calculation.
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 2011 Cadillac CTS
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsElectronic 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 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