Pictured: the 2nd gen CTS-V (2011).
CTS-V (5.7 LS6) 1st gen · 2004–2005
400 hp V8 (LS6, then LS2 from 2006), six-speed manual only.
CTS-V Sedan 2nd gen · 2009–2014
Supercharged 556 hp LSA. Coupe and wagon join for 2011.
CTS-V 3rd gen · 2016–2019
640 hp supercharged LT4, 8-speed automatic, 200 mph claimed.
1st gen CTS-V · 2004–2007
Sedan, 2004–2007. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
400 hpat 6,000 rpm (Wikipedia)
400 hpat 6,000 rpm (Wikipedia)
Bigger 6.0-liter LS2 with the same ratings but peak torque 400 rpm sooner; stronger rear differential and half-shafts.
5.7-liter (LS6) or 6.0-liter (LS2) V-8, pushrod
Engine's YouTube owner tone 46/100 · #3 of 3 CTS-V engines (videos about the GM LS6 / LS2 in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)
GM LS6 / LS2 engine page →Why the engine page shows fewer: it counts only the 1,380 owner complaints and 1 recall for 2004–2007 that name this engine or a version that only had it. This page counts all 987 complaints and 10 recall campaigns NHTSA files under "Cts" for those years, other engines included.
On 2004–2007 CTS-Vs the fuel pump module's electrical terminals can overheat and melt the flange. Fuel can then leak, and the car can stall.
Fix: Dealers replace the fuel module and tank jumper harness free (NHTSA 14V-542).
65 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2004–2007)The sources used here document no recurring LS6 or LS2 mechanical failure in the CTS-V. For 2006 GM did fit a stronger rear differential and half-shafts.
Share of the 180 most-watched 1st gen CTS-V videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).
2nd gen CTS-V · 2009–2015
Sedan, coupe, wagon, 2009–2015. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
556 hpat 6,100 rpm, SAE certified
556 hpat 6,100 rpm, SAE certified
556 hpat 6,100 rpm, SAE certified
556 hp
500 cars: Ebony interior with red stitching, Recaro seats, dark V grille, satin graphite wheels, red calipers.
6.2-liter V-8, supercharged
Engine's YouTube owner tone 52/100 · #1 of 3 CTS-V engines (videos about the GM LSA in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)
GM LSA engine page →Why the engine page shows fewer: it counts only the 19 owner complaints and 1 recall for 2009–2015 that name this engine or a version that only had it. This page counts all 667 complaints and 14 recall campaigns NHTSA files under "Cts" for those years, other engines included.
GM found the supercharger on 2009–2013 CTS-Vs (and 2012–2013 Camaro ZL1s) can rattle at idle. Left alone, it can ruin the bearing grease and, in the worst case, stop the engine.
Fix: Dealers replace the supercharger free under a special coverage of 10 years or 120,000 miles.
1 owner complaint to NHTSA mentions it (2009–2015)On manual 2014 CTS-Vs, and earlier ones with a replacement supercharger (solid coupling), a buzz at 800–900 rpm in second or third gear under load is normal, GM told dealers.
Fix: No repair; GM said not to replace parts for this noise.
Share of the 180 most-watched 2nd gen CTS-V videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).
3rd gen CTS-V · 2016–2019
Sedan, 2016–2019. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
640 hpat 6,400 rpm, SAE certified
640 hpSAE certified
Appearance package: Black Chrome grille, dark wheels, carbon fiber splitter, hood vent, diffuser and taller spoiler.
6.2-liter V-8, supercharged
Engine's YouTube owner tone 52/100 · #2 of 3 CTS-V engines (videos about the GM LT4 in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)
GM LT4 engine page →Why the engine page shows fewer: it counts only the 68 owner complaints and 0 recalls for 2016–2019 that name this engine or a version that only had it. This page counts all 76 complaints and 4 recall campaigns NHTSA files under "Cts" for those years, other engines included.
A class action says GM 8L90 and 8L45 automatics built 2015–2019 can shudder when the fluid absorbs moisture and can shift harshly. GM disputes it; in 2025 an appeals court vacated the class certification.
Fix: No recall; the court record says dealer workarounds improved drive quality on some cars.
3 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2016–2019)Share of the 180 most-watched 3rd gen CTS-V videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).
CTS-V vs Mercedes-AMG E63Coming soon
CTS-V vs Cadillac CT5-V BlackwingSee it →
CTS-V vs Dodge Charger SRT HellcatSee it →
CTS-V vs Chevrolet Camaro ZL1See it →Showing the years only ().Showing every year.
NHTSA files the CTS-V under CTS, so these counts are every CTS of these years.
No Lemon Index for the CTS-V: the index is complaints per car sold, and sales by trim aren't published. These are raw counts.
1st gen: 987 complaints for 2004–2007.
2nd gen: 667 complaints for 2009–2015.
3rd gen: 76 complaints for 2016–2019.
1st gen · 2004–2007
2nd gen · 2009–2015
3rd gen · 2016–2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system.
GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INTERACTION BETWEEN THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE AND VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG AND/OR ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED TO THE "ON" POSITIO
CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL STUD NUT/WASHER ASSEMBLIES WITH WASHERS WERE MADE OF THE WRONG MATERIAL.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE FUEL IS NO LONGER SUPPLIED TO THE ENGINE.
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES.
GM IS RECALLING 12,662 MY 2009 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.
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 AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACA
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured October 18, 2010, to June 2, 2011.
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 21, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierr
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles.
Source: NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov). Check a VIN for open recalls on one car.
The 3rd gen CTS-V makes 640 hp and 630 lb-ft. Car and Driver measured 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Top speed: 200 mph (Cadillac claim).
The 3rd gen CTS-V (2016–2019) uses the GM LT4, a 6.2-liter V-8, supercharged. Older generations: 1st gen: GM LS6 / LS2; 2nd gen: GM LSA.
GM LSA 52/100, GM LT4 52/100, GM LS6 / LS2 46/100. That's the tone of the most-watched videos about each engine, praise words against trouble words.
Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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