The Lemon Index
2007
20092nd generation
Better than average · most complaints: brakes
42 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2008 BMW 3 Series 1442008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 402008 Lexus IS 59
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2008 Cadillac CTS
- Engine stalling12 complaintsmostly at 38,000–100,000 miles (62,000–161,000 km)
- Timing chain11 complaintsmostly at 34,000–130,000 miles (55,000–209,000 km)
- Sunroof leak or shatter11 complaintsmostly at 38,000–97,000 miles (61,000–156,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Cadillac CTS (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 2,600 and 25,000 miles (4,300–40,000 km) (the middle half of the 35 complaints, of all 42 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 14V394000 (electrical) and 10V240000 (electrical) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1139 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Rear axle seal leak”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 42 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 25K miles (4K to 40K km) on the car (35 of all 42 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Brakes squealing. Technician says it's defective brake pads and gm is aware. No get well date. Right front strut had to be replaced, still makes the same creaking noise.
2008 Cadillac CTS owner · NHTSA complaint 10234882
More owner reports
I took the car in and they let me go with the abs light on and the stability track light on. If I knew the that this car was undrivable with these safety fixtures out I would have never picked up the car.
NHTSA complaint 10232458
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1139 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Rear axle seal leak
- Dtc p0756, p0796, p2714, p2723, tcc shudder or harsh engagement, harsh shifts, water in…
- Low tire pressure, leaking cast aluminum wheels (repair with adhesive sealant)
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or s.
- Electrical · recall issued 2010
GM 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 AVALAN…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$3,150 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Cadillac CTS year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2008 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-cts/?y=2008" title="Cadillac CTS reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-cts/2008/">Lemon Index</a> (2008 Cadillac CTS reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2008 Cadillac CTS reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 72; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac CTS year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2008 Cadillac CTS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (21%), engine (14%) and body structure (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac CTS have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Cadillac CTS get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2008 Cadillac CTS problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 2,600 and 25,000 miles (4,300–40,000 km) (the middle half of the 35 complaints, of all 42 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2008 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2008 Cadillac CTS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2008 Cadillac CTS cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Cadillac CTS have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What Cadillac CTS year is better than the 2008?
Nearby, the 2010 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a quarter as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works