The 1st generation CTS (2003—2007) has 140 owner complaints, mostly about engine problems. Overall it ranks second to last in reliaibility out of 35 eligible Cadillac generations.
Reliability rankings are based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average score for a Cadillac generation is 2.26, while this generation comes in at 11.47.
The earliest CTS sedans have a terrible time holding onto their rear bezels. The large plastic piece surrounds the license plate and covers the reverse lights. Chances are you've seen a CTS that's missing one. It's not a battle scar so much…
We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.
Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.
Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.
Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.
Overall reliability rank out of 35 eligible generations.
I have never been so frustrated over a problem such as the back light panel falling away from my car. I took such great care of my CTS, Kept it in garage, only has 66,000 miles on it. Who would think a Cadillac would have had such a cheap panel. You pay for quality and you get a cheap plastic glued on part.
We were told we could no longer get the plastic replacement, but would have to have a new module installed with new back-up lights and a matching paint job on the module. We realized then that this was the correction for a design flaw and that instead of Cadillac paying for this change, as in a recall, we the car owners were stuck with this expense.
