AI Damage2011 Cadillac CTS-V: common problems
Owners of the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 7
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 43% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 29% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel/propulsion system 14% of all complaints
- 4 Seat belts 14% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (43% of all).
- Air bags: 2 complaints (29% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (14% of all).
- Seat belts: 1 complaints (14% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 7 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac cts-v. While operating the vehicle, the passenger side air bag indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to rick hendrick city chevrolet ([address], charlotte, nc) where it was diagnosed that the passenger side air bag sensor located inside the seat was faulty and…
Both times the differential has started to make whining and/or growling noises that progressively get worse. My dealership replaced the first one and has had the second one back ordered now for 2 months (none in inventory & no estimated shipment).
My cts-v currently has 56,000 miles and very well cared for. My problem started at 25,xxx miles with a rear seal leak, it was replaced by dealer and 9 months later started leaking again.
While driving the vehicle the passenger seatbelt light comes on with or without a passenger being present. I took vehicle to the dealer and was told the passenger detection module was going out and when the seat belt light comes on the passenger side air bags are disabled meaning the airbags will not function if I…
Rear differential whines or howls between 40-70mpg when under light load (like cruising or using cruise control) in 4th, 5th, and 6th gear.
Gasoline leak from the fuel pump assembly, on top of the gas tank. I noticed a strong odor of gasoline and upon looking under my car, near the passenger rear tire, I found a small puddle of gasoline on the ground. I could see gasoline on the bottom of the tank.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 12,538 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 34% most complained about).
On average one model year of the CTS-V has 3 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 7, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, air bags, fuel/propulsion system. Total complaints: 7. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: knocking, grinding or other noise (29%), fuel system, fuel smell (14%), seat belts (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2011 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.