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2010 Cadillac CTS: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generationOne of the best CTS years.
1 owner complaint, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2010 CTS?The 2010 Cadillac CTS has 1 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags. Owners most often flag timing chain stretch/failure on 3.6l engines (especially 2008-2011 ly7).
Safety record for the 2010 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2010 Cadillac CTS vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other CTS years only. How we score it
Is 2010 a good year for the CTS?
Across the 17 CTS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 334 (2009). With 1 complaints, the 2010 CTS sits below 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 2010 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.
suspension:rear
Campaign 11V089000GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A WAX COATING ON THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK JAM NUTS MAY ALLOW THE NUT(S) TO LOOSEN. IF A NUT SUFFICIENTLY LOOSENS, THE TOE LINK COULD SEPARATE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN INBOARD OR OUTBOARD. OWNERS MAY HEAR A METALLIC CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT MAY WARN OF A LOOSENING NUT.
equipment
Campaign 10V414000GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND CTS-V VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
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 2010 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CTS against its rivals
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