2011 Cadillac CTS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 22%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Cadillac CTS, 22% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought my 2011 Cadillac CTS-v brand new on 04-12-11 ,my sealed rear end went out at 33,453 miles which I was out of warranty by 9 days so you guys made me pay $4690 for a 'new rear end that had updated parts that failed and I wouldn't have this problem ever again ..... Well here I am at 54,569 miles and I need another new rear ended replaced me and the dealer both agreed . …”
NHTSA complaint #11337403, filed 2020-07, 53,000 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“I just returned from my local Cadillac dealer and had to replace the left rear wheel hub and sensor. This is the third time I have had top replace the wheel hubs as the last 2 were the right rear and left front ones. I am curious to know if this is an ongoing problem related to any specific disclosed or non disclosure by Cadillac. I questioned the service advisor at Cadillac and he suggested that I hang onto the damaged parts and invoices for the repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10722659, filed 2015-06, 95,796 miles“Every time the automatic transmission is put in reverse and the vehicle wheels turned sharply to right or left, such as in backing- out of a tight parking space, the car labors to move backwards and binding noises emanate from differential or rear axle area of the car. This condition lessens and completely disappears as the steering wheel is returned to the straight forward or straight back position. I believe this condition has existed in earlier models of my vehicle and has been the subject of a recall. This malfunction has existed ever since I purchased the used car in june of 2016. …”
NHTSA complaint #11353953, filed 2020-09, 64,000 miles“Had just accelerated after stopping at red light, reaching approx 25mph when we heard a very loud grating metal grinding sound. Alarmed we immediately started to pull over when the side airbags deployed. We were able to get out of the flow of traffic and onto the side of the road. We were dazed trying to make sense of what had happened. My husband was the driver and had received a large cut on his left forearm . We had owned this CTS for 10 weeks and had not as yet signed up for onstar . …”
NHTSA complaint #10622018, filed 2014-08, 30,922 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 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…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 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.
- 10248721Dec 18, 2023This bulletin advises the technician that the 6L50 (MYB), 6L80 (MYC) and 6L90 (MYD) Transmission Oil Filter and Seal Kit part number 24236933 is currently transitioning from a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 3 | 38% |
| 2017 | 9 | 33% |
| 2016 | 9 | 29% |
| 2015 | 20 | 41% |
| 2014 | 84 | 58% |
| 2013 | 13 | 18% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 22 | 22% |
| 2010 | 9 | 13% |
| 2009 | 28 | 17% |
| 2008 | 21 | 12% |
| 2007 | 33 | 15% |
| 2006 | 45 | 17% |
| 2005 | 82 | 30% |
| 2004 | 52 | 23% |
| 2003 | 25 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2011 Cadillac CTS
23 complaintsElectrical system
20 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 30, 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