repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. 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.
2008 Cadillac CTSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 175 owner complaints about the 2008 Cadillac CTS, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-394 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Cadillac CTS has problems
175 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
39Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
23Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
22Engine2 crash/fire/injury
21Power train
14Vehicle speed control
14Structure
13Service brakes, hydraulic
13Steering
12Air bags
6316 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 39 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 23 | 1 |
| Engine | 22 | 2 |
| Power train | 21 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 4 |
| Structure | 14 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 13 | 3 |
| Steering | 13 | 0 |
| Air bags | 12 | 2 |
| 16 other systems | 63 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 Cadillac CTS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
74kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 21 electrical system complaints. 71% were reported before 100,000 miles.
5under 30k miles15under 100k miles6100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other CTS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CTS median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Cadillac CTS safety ratings
2008 Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What CTS owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The recall performed on this vehicle were not performed. They played a [XXX] man made him get aThe recall performed on this vehicle we’re not performed. They played a [XXX] man made him get a timing chain for Morris Cadillac. I have several receipts from the vehicle being serviced because of the…
Vehicle Purchase Statement – Top Tier Auto I, [XXX], purchased a vehicle from Top Tier Auto on [XXX]. The vehicle details are as follows: VIN: [XXX] Warranty: 30-day coverage for the transmission and engine After owning the vehicle for only 15 minutes, I entered the freeway, and the car began to…
Ever since I purchased this 2008 CTS vehicle, I have dumped thousands of dollars to repair the vehicle even after the "recall repairs". Problems persist and the car has become more dangerous than ever. The vehicle had inspected by the dealership a number of times the first 5 years of ownership the…
Own a 2008 CTS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.