2011 Cadillac CTS Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 13%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,674miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Cadillac CTS, 13% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,674 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“On 21 feb. While driving approximately 75 MPH, a warning light came on indicating service stability track control, engine power will be reduced. I suddenly lost power and luckily, the 18 wheeler that was behind me swerved to other lane to avoid rear end collision. I immediately put on my hazard indicator and was able to coast to the median. Luckily, I was not killed!. …”
NHTSA complaint #10689805, filed 2015-02, 61,000 miles“Driving on a curvy country road the engine suddenly died, I lost power steering and almost ran off the road. I was able to coast to a stop. I put the car in park and it started immediately. The car does not have an ignition key, only a fob. The engine is 3.6 CTS 4. I drove 2 miles back home and parked the car and will not drive it again until a resolution is obtained for the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10593880, filed 2014-05, 17,400 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“When getting onto the highway 2 miles from my home every morning, I accelarate from 45 miles an hour to about 65 and 70 miles an hour. Car starts shaking violently (feels like you are driving with 2 front flat tires) and engine light comes on. Most of the time it flashes for about 30 seconds and then goes off, and sometimes engine light comes on and stays on for about 30 seconds. Car loses power momentarily for about 30 seconds. I took car to the dealership the following day, and they found nothing wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10586247, filed 2014-05, 27,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The 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…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This 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…
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This 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.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 20% |
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2011 | 13 | 13% |
| 2010 | 10 | 15% |
| 2009 | 49 | 29% |
| 2008 | 22 | 13% |
| 2007 | 22 | 10% |
| 2006 | 28 | 10% |
| 2005 | 24 | 9% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 29 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2011 Cadillac CTS
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsElectrical system
20 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 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