What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2003–2007) CTS?

CTS owners have made 140 complaints about the 2003–2007 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it second to last in overall reliaibility, with significant engine and body concerns.

Compare With Other CTS Generations

Common 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation CTS owners have to deal with.

  1. CTS Rear Bezel Falls Off

    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…

    Continue reading article "CTS Rear Bezel Falls Off" The back of a CTS with the license plate spelling WTF GM

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

    Continue The back of a CTS with the license plate spelling WTF GM

What Owners Complain About

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.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2003–2007) CTS Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 140 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 34th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 35 eligible generations.

What CTS Owners Say About This Generation

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.

2003 CTS Owner in NY

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.

2003 CTS Owner in VA