The Lemon Index
200920112nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: doors, locks & latches
Fewest complaints of its generation (2nd generation).
11 owner complaints, first 3 years 14–22 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2010 BMW 3 Series 322010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 262010 Lexus IS 39
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
When problems show up
Only 8 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 14V394000 (electrical), 11V089000 (suspension) and 10V414000 (equipment) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Cadillac sent dealers 1447 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (mil)/check engine light on, reduced engine power message”?
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 11 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 21K to 44K miles (34K to 71K km) on the car (8 of all 11 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
2010 Cadillac CTS. Consumer states problem with brakes
2010 Cadillac CTS owner · NHTSA complaint 10434491
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 1447 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (mil)/check engine light on, reduced engine power message
- Engineering information-engine overheating, engine coolant temperature light on, gauge reads hot
- There may be an intermittent hard to shift into gear
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or s.
- Suspension · recall issued 2011
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES.
- Equipment · recall issued 2010
GM 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.".
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 $2,750–$5,350 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac CTS year. 2010 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 2010 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-cts/?y=2010" 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/2010/">Lemon Index</a> (2010 Cadillac CTS reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2010 Cadillac CTS reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a quarter as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 22; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2010 Cadillac CTS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are doors, locks & latches (18%), transmission & drivetrain (18%) and brakes (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2010 Cadillac CTS have?
3 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 2010 Cadillac CTS get?
14 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2010 Cadillac CTS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2010 Cadillac CTS cost in fuel a year?
About $2,750 to $5,350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2010 Cadillac CTS have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Is there a better Cadillac CTS year than the 2010?
Not nearby: the 2010 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Cadillac CTS years within 3 model years of it.
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