1st Generation (2003—2007) CTS Problems

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This generations ranks 41st out of 42 Cadillac generations in reliability and is generally a good bet. Owners have the most complaints about the engine (30%), exterior (14%), and the brakes (13%). We've listed some of the most recent complaints below, see them all on CarComplaints.com.

  1. Plastic Cover for License Plate Light Fell Off 12 complaints at an average of 87,611 miles in the 2003 Cadillac CTS.
  2. Timing Chain Broke 3 complaints at an average of 82,000 miles in the 2007 Cadillac CTS.
  3. Excessive Tire Wear 3 complaints at an average of 15,667 miles in the 2003 Cadillac CTS.

What CTS Year is Most Reliable?

Generations are a good baseline for prediciting reliability, but there will almost always be year-to-year differences. We've calculated a reliability score for each model year within this generation, but we've based that score on how the model year compares to all Cadillac model years.

Watch out for the 2003 model year which has the highest PainRank™ score in this generation.

Year Complaints Recalls TSBs PainRank (?)
2007 26 6 576 12.62
2006 23 6 474 10.23
2005 11 6 423 5.65
2004 30 6 414 12.2
2003 44 4 364 15.46

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