2010 CADILLAC CTS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
101
Owner Complaints
3
Recalls
39
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2010 CADILLAC CTS
The 2010 CADILLAC CTS has received a total of 101 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, SUSPENSION:REAR, EQUIPMENT. 39 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (16 complaints), Electrical System (15 complaints), and Engine (10 complaints).
Recalls for the 2010 CADILLAC CTS
NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2010 CADILLAC CTS, potentially affecting up to 618,699 vehicles.
Recall 14V394000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
| 554,328 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 11V089000 — SUSPENSION:REAR
| 44,147 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE SUDDEN CHANGES WITH VEHICLE HANDLING AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 10V414000 — EQUIPMENT
| 20,224 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE FRONT PASSENGER MAY BE AT AN INCREASED RISK OF LEG INJURY.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2010 CADILLAC CTS
101 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 CADILLAC CTS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 16 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 15 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignitionswitch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lightingtail Lights | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkages | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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 independent shop. My vehicle was not inspected by a GM dealer or my insurance. Was inspected by an independent shop that it was towed to. Warnings prior to incident: I would turn the ignition and nothing. But that would only happen several weeks apart. I thought maybe the starter was going, but it was odd because it was so many weeks far apart that it would happen. It might have been a total of 4 times since October of 2024. During the incident, power steering warning came on, charging system came on and the car sounded like it was barely running. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 independent shop. My vehicle was not inspected by a GM dealer or my insurance. Was inspected by an independent shop that it was towed to. Warnings prior to incident: I would turn the ignition and nothing. But that would only happen several weeks apart. I thought maybe the starter was going, but it was odd because it was so many weeks far apart that it would happen. It might have been a total of 4 times since October of 2024. During the incident, power steering warning came on, charging system came on and the car sounded like it was barely running. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 independent shop. My vehicle was not inspected by a GM dealer or my insurance. Was inspected by an independent shop that it was towed to. Warnings prior to incident: I would turn the ignition and nothing. But that would only happen several weeks apart. I thought maybe the starter was going, but it was odd because it was so many weeks far apart that it would happen. It might have been a total of 4 times since October of 2024. During the incident, power steering warning came on, charging system came on and the car sounded like it was barely running. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 investigate GM use of substandard or undersize wiring in entire SRS system especially at bending fatigue potential failure points. Three pictures attached - one picture showing initial finding of green/black broken wire but light blue still visibly intact (insulation only), one picture showing same in close up, one picture showing both wires are not intact (light blue wire was inspected further and determined insulation intact but wire within was not intact) and insulated separated with fingernail pressure only. Wires should not fail within typical lifetime of a vehicle. Uncertain on operation of system, but could short between two wires and/or grounding cause airbag to deploy without accident/at random causing personal injury to occupants and/or an accident because of random deployment? Date of incident is when wiring issue was discovered and pictures taken upon discovery.
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 investigate GM use of substandard or undersize wiring in entire SRS system especially at bending fatigue potential failure points. Three pictures attached - one picture showing initial finding of green/black broken wire but light blue still visibly intact (insulation only), one picture showing same in close up, one picture showing both wires are not intact (light blue wire was inspected further and determined insulation intact but wire within was not intact) and insulated separated with fingernail pressure only. Wires should not fail within typical lifetime of a vehicle. Uncertain on operation of system, but could short between two wires and/or grounding cause airbag to deploy without accident/at random causing personal injury to occupants and/or an accident because of random deployment? Date of incident is when wiring issue was discovered and pictures taken upon discovery.
Safety Rating for the 2010 CADILLAC CTS
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2010 CADILLAC CTS in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2010 CADILLAC CTS
General Motors, LLC has issued 39 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2010 CADILLAC CTS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
20NA016 — EQUIPMENT
This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on customer vehicles concern results in a manufacturer repurchase from the customer, GM depends on the dealership to host and administer the repurchase closing and intake of the returning vehicle.
PIC4986F — STEERING
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THAT THE CONDITION IS A NORMAL OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC OF THEIR VEHICLE. A CUSTOMER MAY COMMENT THAT THEY FEEL A STEERING BIND CONDITION WHEN THE CAR IS IN REVERSE, OR DRIVING FORWARD AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED AT OR NEAR THE FULL-LOCK POSITION.
PIP4554L — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the steps on repairing a clunk noise after shifting from reverse to drive or drive to reverse and then accelerating. The concern is only with rear wheel drive 6L45 or 6L50 automatic transmissions with Regular Production Option Code MYA or MYB apply....
PIC5261B — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have the tail lamp assembly sticks out from the body at the upper portion of the lens. Technician will replace the tail lamp with the revised part to correct this concern.
PI0734A — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
This preliminary bulletin provides a procedure to inspect and/or repair the rear door trim panel and install a sealing patch to correct the customers concern of the rear door glass lowers without activation especially after it gets wet.
PI0734A — STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
PI0734A — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Rear Door Glass Lowers without Window Switch Activation, Especially after Car Wash or Rain.
PIP4690G — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an oil pressure gauge is indicating that the engine appears to be operating with very high oil pressure. Under various engine operating conditions up to 110 pressure per square inch of oil pressure may be displayed...
PIC5514D — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have the decklid will unexpectedly pop open intermittently. Technician will need to update the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver latest software calibration available in the Service Programming System.
14172B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
Showing 10 of 39 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2010 CADILLAC CTS
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the CADILLAC CTS
- 2005 CADILLAC CTS — 396 complaints
- 2006 CADILLAC CTS — 366 complaints
- 2007 CADILLAC CTS — 311 complaints
- 2008 CADILLAC CTS — 251 complaints
- 2009 CADILLAC CTS — 222 complaints
- 2010 CADILLAC CTS (current)
- 2011 CADILLAC CTS — 148 complaints
- 2012 CADILLAC CTS — 81 complaints
- 2013 CADILLAC CTS — 106 complaints
- 2014 CADILLAC CTS — 192 complaints
- 2015 CADILLAC CTS — 65 complaints
Other CADILLAC Models
- CADILLAC SRX — 4,131 total complaints
- CADILLAC DEVILLE — 3,659 total complaints
- CADILLAC ESCALADE — 2,120 total complaints
- CADILLAC SEVILLE — 1,049 total complaints
- CADILLAC CATERA — 826 total complaints
- CADILLAC DTS — 725 total complaints
- CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV — 633 total complaints
- CADILLAC STS — 609 total complaints