2011 Cadillac CTS recalls and problems
The 2011 Cadillac CTS has 2 safety recalls and 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2011 Cadillac CTS recalls
Recall 14V-394: Electrical System
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 14V-341: Air Bags, Power Train
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured October 18, 2010, to June 2, 2011. In the affected vehicles, vibrations from the drive shaft may cause the vehicle's roll over sensor to command the roof rail air bags to deploy.
Risk: If the roof rail air bags deploy unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of crash and injury to the occupants.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear drive shaft assembly, free of charge. General Motors distributed an interim letter to owners on August 27, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14233.
2011 Cadillac CTS problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 23 | |
| Air Bags | 23 | |
| Electrical System | 20 | |
| Engine | 13 | |
| Steering | 11 | |
| Structure | 9 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | |
| Service Brakes | 6 | |
| Seats | 4 | |
| Tires | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 3
- Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 2
- Structure › Body › Door — 2
- Power Train › Driveline — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
- Tires › Sidewall — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,500 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 2011 Cadillac CTS complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Cadillac CTS years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2011 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Cadillac CTS: 14V-394 (electrical system), 14V-341 (air bags, power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Cadillac CTS?
Owners report power train problems most often (23 reports), followed by air bags (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,500 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.