Skip to content
Sigma II · Sedan

2009 Cadillac CTS

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2009 Cadillac CTS.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2009 Cadillac CTS

Recall·14V394000

Electrical system: ignition

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system.

Recall·11V089000

Suspension: rear

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.

Recall·08V582000

Air bags: frontal

208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.

2 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 167 owners reported

Engine40
Power train28
Electrical system22
Steering12

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2009 Cadillac CTS at a glance

Trims
BaseCTS-V
Engine
3.6L 6-Cylinder, 6.2L 8-Cylinder Supercharged
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd, Manual 6-spd
Drivetrain
RWD, AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
Browse

Other Cadillac CTS years

Free Car Finder

Still deciding on the 2009 Cadillac CTS?

Answer a few quick questions and see your top 3 used cars, with the years to shop.

Find my car
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2009 Cadillac CTS?

Owners have filed 167 complaints about the 2009 Cadillac CTS with NHTSA, most often about the engine. There are 5 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2009 Cadillac CTS reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 5 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2009 Cadillac CTS?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2009 Cadillac CTS listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.