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2008 Cadillac CTS: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generationOne of the weaker CTS years.
175 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 CTS?The 2008 Cadillac CTS has 175 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. Owners most often flag timing chain stretch/failure on 3.6l engines (especially 2008-2011 ly7).
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Cadillac CTS vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other CTS years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the CTS?
Across the 17 CTS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 334 (2009). With 175 complaints, the 2008 CTS sits above the model's median of 108.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 CTS
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 14V394000This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
electrical system
Campaign 10V240000GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
What owners report on the 2nd generation CTS
Owners of the 2008-2014 CTS generally describe it as a good, enjoyable car that rewards proper maintenance, with several noting high-mileage examples surpassing 140,000-180,000 miles on regular upkeep.
- Very frequentTiming chain stretch/failure on 3.6L engines (especially 2008-2011 LY7)
- Very frequentOil consumption and low oil level leading to timing chain damage
- RecurrentCatalytic converter failure (P0430 code)
- RecurrentO2 sensor failures
- RecurrentSunroof drain clogs causing water leaks into cabin
Owner insights for the 2nd generation CTS. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used CTS listings typically run $11,549–$18,393 across 2008 to 2019 model years.
Other CTS model years
Compare every CTS year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CTS against its rivals
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