The 1st generation CTS runs from 2003 to 2007. Owners have made 140 complaints about those model years. Most of the complaints are about engine problems.
Considering those complaints, along with other data – such as average repair costs, age of the vehicle, and recall frequency – we've assigned this generation a PainRank™ score of 11.47.
It ranks 34th out of 35 eligible generations in overall reliability.
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…
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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.
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.
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.