2010 Cadillac CTS recalls and problems

The 2010 Cadillac CTS has 3 safety recalls and 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
67
Crashes / fires
2 / 1
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Cadillac CTS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Cadillac CTS recalls

Recall 14V-394: Electrical System

Reported Jul 2, 2014 · 554,328 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

Recall 11V-089: Suspension

Reported Feb 11, 2011 · 44,147 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 cadillac cts vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which a wax coating on the rear suspension toe link jam nuts may allow the nut(S) to loosen. If a nut sufficiently loosens, the toe link could separate and the rear wheel would be able to turn inboard or outboard. Owners may hear a metallic clanking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle that may warn of a loosening nut.

Risk: The driver may experience sudden changes with vehicle handling and may not be able to control the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will clean all wax residue from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts. If necessary the rear suspension toe link may be replaced. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before march 24, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall 10V-414: Equipment

Reported Sep 13, 2010 · 20,224 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Gm is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 cadillac cts all wheel drive and cts-V vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Risk: In the event of a crash, the front passenger may be at an increased risk of leg injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

2010 Cadillac CTS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags16
Electrical System16
Engine10
Power Train9
Structure8
Exterior Lighting7
Unknown or Other7
Service Brakes5
Steering5
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Tires2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Cadillac CTS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · reported Mar 20, 2025
All of a sudden when I started my car, the lights flickered constantly, the power steering failed, and it blew my starter and fairly new battery. I was so scared; I thought it was going to catch on fire because it smelled burnt. And I was on [XXX] in Hubbard Ohio, and I was trying to get to [XXX] and safety to which I did. THANK Goodness for AAA. I was told this happened because of a plug in wiring to heat or warm the washer fluid. It is available for inspection. My safety was impacted because, I had no power steering, flickering lights and smell of burnt stuff. My problem was fixed by an…
Air Bags · reported Sep 30, 2024
Airbag warning light and Service Air Bag on dash. Code B0087-00 Left Rear SIS. Replaced sensor, still getting warning. Sensor is in LR door. Research revealed possible known issue with bending fatigue from routine door open/close motion and subpar wire size/material causing wire failure. Opened wire harness at pillar and green/black wire was completely separated at typical bending point. Light blue wire was not visibly broken (insulation still intact) but the wire within was broken upon removal of insulation. These are the two wires (light blue and green/black) to the impact sensor. Please…
Air Bags · reported Nov 20, 2023
Passenger presence module malfunction is intermittent. When the malfunction occurs there is a warning light plus "Service Airbag" on the instrument panel. Sometimes the light and warning go off after several minutes, sometimes stays on for days. In Virginia presence of this warning during an annual safety inspection is considered a failure. The vehicle in question is a 2010 Cadillac CTS-V with heated/cooled Recaro seats. Dealership has confirmed that the issue is the module but says the module is not available or on backorder (for years). Issue was first reported to dealer in 2018 and again in…
Structure · reported Jun 14, 2023
Every time it rains, the inside of my vehicle floods through the ceiling and floors. This is a manufacture defect that is outside of my control. This is a safety issue because it causes mold and mildew in the vehicle which is a hazard to inhale. I'm also concerned that the possibility exist for an electrical hazard.
Air Bags · reported Jun 9, 2023
Diag: DIAGNOSIS c/s service air bag error message on display. Code DTC B0014- Driver side air bag deployment loop- high resistance. Could not get repaired. Per Dealership the part needed is "discontinued". Non- working airbags are a huge concern. I think that parts for airbags should have to be produced if a vehicle needs serviced for such a problem! The vehicle is in excellent condition overall and should last many more years but this very much needed part for safety isn't even available! That is not right!!! No accident or incident has occurred but this issue is very much a concern.

Other Cadillac CTS years

Compare all Cadillac CTS years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Cadillac CTS: 14V-394 (electrical system), 11V-089 (suspension), 10V-414 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Cadillac CTS?

Owners report air bags problems most often (16 reports), followed by electrical system (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,000 miles.

Are Cadillac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.