CarModelProblems.com

2008 Cadillac CTS Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

Elevated complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
175Complaints
2Recalls
12Crashes
3Fires
7Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electrical System (21.7% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Electrical System complaints here are 2.0× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electrical System38 · 21.7%RecalledRecall 14V394000 · Recall 10V240000
Fuel/propulsion System23 · 13.1%not available
Engine22 · 12.6%not available
Power Train16 · 9.1%not available
Vehicle Speed Control13 · 7.4%not available
Steering13 · 7.4%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE22 · 12.6%
Unspecified / other17 · 9.7%
POWER TRAIN16 · 9.1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13 · 7.4%
STEERING13 · 7.4%
AIR BAGS12 · 6.9%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC11 · 6.3%
SERVICE BRAKES11 · 6.3%

Percentages are the share of the 175 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Electrical System:ignition

NHTSA campaign 14V394000 · 2014 · reported 07/02/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System

NHTSA campaign 10V240000 · 2010 · reported 06/04/2010

IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE D/S DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON SAME ISSUE AND NO RECALL ISSUED”NHTSA complaint 10871446 — filed 05/30/2016 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“INTERMITTENTLY, THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT LOCK/UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS INGRESS/EGRESS FROM THE VEHICLE.”NHTSA complaint 10745719 — filed 08/03/2015 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“THERE IS A WATER LEAK OCCURRING FROM THE SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF DRAINS CONTINUOUSLY GET CLOGGED. IN RESULT, THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR GETS EXTREMELY WET…”NHTSA complaint 10714712 — filed 05/05/2015 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

132012133620142517201629212018892020642022842024512026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Cadillac CTS?

Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 38 of 175 NHTSA complaints (21.7%), followed by fuel/propulsion system (23), engine (22), unspecified/other issues (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2008 Cadillac CTS have?

175 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 12 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2008 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V394000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Cadillac CTS's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.