MotorDeets

2008 Cadillac Cts: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 Cadillac Cts: 2 recalls, 175 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
175owner complaints
12mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2008 Cadillac Cts
Photo: Reedhawk · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #10V240000 · 2010 · 1,365,070 vehicles

What's wrong: A recall was implemented in 2008 to add a fuse to the control circuit harness to address the potential consequences of a printed circuit board (pcb) electrical short. However, there have been new reports of thermal incidents on hwfs modules after this improvement was installed. These incidents resulted from a new failure mode attributed to the device's thermal protection feature. The significance varies from minor…

Why it matters: It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire May occur.

The fix: Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently disabled and removed from the vehicle. The safety recall began on June 11, 2010.

Electrical Vehicle recall #14V394000 · 2014 · 554,328 vehicles

What's wrong: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General motors LLC (gm) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac cts vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001,…

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical39
Fuel & propulsion23
Engine22
Transmission & drivetrain21
Other / unknown17
Body & structure14
Speed control / throttle14
Brakes (hydraulic)13

What owners describe

The 2008 Cadillac Cts has 175 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 17 Cts model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 130). Complaints peaked in 2014 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 58,260 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (217 complaints, 6 recalls), 2009 (167 complaints, 5 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.6 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive182621Regular
3.6 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive172620Regular
3.6 L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive162519Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Cadillac Cts.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 2008 Cadillac Cts have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Cadillac Cts. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2008 Cadillac Cts problems?

Owners have filed 175 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (39), fuel & propulsion (23), engine (22).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Cadillac Cts get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic (S6)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2008 Cadillac Cts repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Cts years

20032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019