Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 11:08 am
The Cadillac CTS, also known as CTS-V, is an executive compact 4-door luxury sedan marketed by Cadillac and manufactured by the General Motors Technical Centre.
The Cadillac CTS was introduced in 2003 and was in the market up to 2019. It offers a sleek design with a comfortable cabin.
Before purchasing a CTS, knowing about Cadillac Cts reliability, how long Cts last and other factors are crucial.
How Long Do Cadillac Cts Last?
The Cadillac CTS is expected to last about 200,000 miles on average and exceed that with proper maintenance.
From a CarGurus forum, several owners shared their experiences of having a Cadillac CTS with over 200,000 miles and still running in good condition.
To maximize the longevity of your CTS, owners suggest staying on top of oil changes, tires, brakes, etc.
Cadillac Cts Reliability: Is the Cadillac CTS Reliable?
The Cadillac CTS received mediocre reliability ratings from popular publications like the U.S. News.
According to Kelly Blue Book, models launched in 2014 received a glowing review, which stayed consistent until 2019.
The CTS also received a 4.7 out of 5 reliability rating, which surpassed many of the CTS’s German rivals.
Reliability Rankings of the Cadillac CTS and Similar Car Models
Car Models | Reliability Rankings |
Lincoln Continental | 85/100 |
Volvo S90 | 80/100 |
BMW 5 Series | 80/100 |
Genesis G80 | 84/100 |
Cadillac CTS | 82/100 |
Lexus GS | 80/100 |
Toyota Camry | 82/100 |
Subaru Legacy | 77/100 |
Chevrolet Malibu | 80/100 |
Hyundai Sonata | 82/100 |
Related Post – How Long Do Volkswagen Jettas Last?- Solved & Explained
Comparing the Cadillac CTS with Similar Car Models
This section will compare the Cadillac CTS with other car models of the same category.
Cadillac CTS vs. Toyota Camry
The Camry is a compact, mid-size sedan produced by Toyota since 1982.
The Toyota Camry is expected to last for about 200,000 to 250,000 miles on average, almost like miles expected from CTS.
The annual maintenance cost for the Camry is cheaper than most cars, $388, and the cost for the CTS is $663.
CTS scores a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, and Camry gets 4 out of 5, as stated by RepairPal.
For quality and reliability, J.D. Power scores the Toyota Camry and Cadillac CTS 82 out of 100.
The Cadillac CTS has two more cylinders than the Camry, increasing engine efficiency.
Cadillac CTS vs. Audi A6
The A6 is a luxury executive car produced by the German automaker Audi since 1994.
With proper maintenance and service, Audi A6 has an expected mileage of about 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
The average maintenance and service cost for the Audi A6 is $913 annually and for the CTS is $663.
Reliability ratings for the Audi A6 are 3.5 out of 5, the same as for the Cadillac CTS, according to RepairPal.
As per J.D. Power, if judged for quality and reliability, Audi A6 scores 74 out of 100 while Cadillac CTS gets 82 out of 100.
Even though both cars have similar specifications, the Cadillac CTS offers more horsepower than the Audi A6.
Cadillac CTS vs. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a series of automobiles in production since 1976 and manufactured by Honda.
Expected miles from a Honda Accord are up to 200,000 miles, similar to the expected mileage from the Cadillac CTS.
Annual maintenance and service cost for the Honda Accord is $400 on average, and for the Cadillac CTS is $663.
According to RepairPal, Accord receives a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, while the CTS gets 3.5 out of 5.
J.D. Power scores the Honda Accord 83 out of 100, similar to the score received by the CTS.
Cargo volume for the Honda Accord is much more than the Cadillac CTS.
Comparison Chart
Car Models | Cadillac CTS | Toyota Camry | Audi A6 | Honda Accord |
Expected Mileage | Average 200,000 miles | 200,000 to 250,000 miles | 150,000 to 200,000 miles | Average 200,000 miles |
Annual Maintenance Cost | $663 | $388 | $913 | $400 |
RepairPal Ratings | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
J.D. Power Scores | 82/100 | 82/100 | 74/100 | 83/100 |
Price Range | Starts from $34,754 | Starts from $25,395 | Starts from $55,900 | Starts from $26,120 |
You might also like – Buick Enclave Reliability: Are Buick Enclaves Good Cars?
Thoughts on High-Mileage Cadillac CTS
The Cadillac CTS is expected to last for up to 200,000 miles and surpass that with proper maintenance and service.
A Cadillac CTS with 150,000 miles on the odometer is considered high mileage and can be seen as a tricky investment.
Most CTS purchases are not brand new but from other owners, so it is wise to ask for service and maintenance records and accident history.
Have a mechanic look at the car’s interior and exterior to notice any signs of damage.
Best and Worst Years for the Cadillac CTS
Like any other vehicle, the Cadillac CTS has its fair share of good and bad years.
Worst Years
Cadillac CTS models to stay away from are the models produced from 2003 to 2007 as reported by Consumer Reports.
Models from 2003 to 2007 had a significant engine failure, license plate issues, and tire issues.
2009 model of the CTS had issues with transmission where the transmission failed as early as 10,000 miles.
Best Years
As reported by Consumer Reports, the 2016 Cadillac CTS models are the most reliable.
After the 2014 redesign, any model is expected to have excellent reliability.
The 2019 model of CTS received a 4.9 out of 5 consumer scores, much like the 2015 model, and has impressive specifications.
Cadillac CTS Model Years and Reliability Ratings
Cadillac CTS Model Years | Reliability Ratings |
2003 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.5/5 |
2004 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.8/5 |
2005 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.5/5 |
2006 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.7/5 |
2007 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.4/5 |
2008 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.6/5 |
2009 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.4/5 |
2010 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.5/5 |
2011 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.5/5 |
2012 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.4/5 |
2013 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.3/5 |
2014 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.5/5 |
2015 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 4.5/5 |
2016 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 3.9/5 |
2017 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 3.7/5 |
2018 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 5/5 |
2019 Cadillac CTS Reliability | 3.2/5 |
Read this to learn – Range Rover Sport Reliability | How Long Do Range Rovers Last?
Is the Cadillac CTS Expensive to Maintain?
The Cadillac CTS is not as costly to maintain compared to other mid-size vehicles.
The maintenance cost for the CTS is $663 annually on average, as reported by RepairPal, which is slightly below the average service cost of $739 for any usual mid-size luxury car.
Below is listed some replacement and repair costs for the Cadillac CTS.
Replacement/Repair | Cost |
AC Compressor Replacement | $769-$956 |
AC Evaporator Replacement | $1035-$1432 |
ABS Control Module Replacement | $566-$142 |
AC Recharge | $123-$155 |
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Line Replacement | $452-$479 |
Serpentine Belt Replacement | $128-$142 |
Air Conditioning Receiver Drier Assembly Replacement | $110-$134 |
AC Condenser Replacement | $497-$558 |
More to explore – How Long Do Tesla Model S Last? – Solved & Explained
How Long Does the Cadillac CTS Tires Last?
The CTS tires are expected to last for about 30,000 to 40,000 miles on average but vary depending on driving conditions and other factors.
Drivers who drive in mild-weather conditions can expect the tires to last for about ten years or sometimes more.
The longevity of the tires depends mainly on driving style, region, weather type and severity, and where you drive.
How Long Does the Cadillac CTS Engines Last?
A Cadillac CTS engine can last up to 150,000 miles or even more with proper maintenance.
Several CTS owners have shared tips such as performing scheduled maintenance and proper driving will maximize the engine’s life on a vehicle history forum.
One CTS owner reported that a CTS could go over 100,000 miles without changing the oil every 5,000 miles.
How Long Do the Cadillac CTS Brakes Last?
The Cadillac CTS’s brake life is about 60,000 miles, and it is typically about when the rotors and brakes should be replaced.
Investing in high-quality brake pads will last longer and perform better in challenging braking moments.
If the driver performs more hard stops or sudden turns, the brakes will have to be replaced much sooner than 60,000 miles.
Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Cadillac CTS
- Use good quality parts and fluids.
- Sore your vehicle inside a garage to protect it from the weather’s elements.
- Avoid short trips which do not let the battery cool down.
- Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles.
- Protect the engine from harmful debris.
- Clean your car every often to avoid the formation of rust.
- Check the engine, coolant, transmission fluid levels and top them up when required.
- Avoid missing maintenance schedules.
- Fix any issues with the car as soon as possible instead of delaying it.
We hope this article has helped you with information regarding a Cadillac CTS.
Read this to next – Chevrolet Camaro Reliability: How Long Do Camaros Last?