Makes›Cadillac›CTS›2011

2011 Cadillac CTS

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Cadillac CTS
Pictured: 2nd Cadillac CTS. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
2 Dr Coupe AWD 3.6 4, 2 Dr Coupe RWD 3.6, 4dr Sedan AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4, 4dr Sedan RWD 3.0/3.6
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
Length
188.6–191.7 in
Curb weight
3,860–4,222 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Cadillac CTS is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,132 lb (2 Dr Coupe AWD 3.6 4).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 9% worse than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2011

  • New body dimensions: 3.1 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 CTS →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2 Dr Coupe AWD 3.6 4188.6 in74 in55.9 in113.4 in62.2 / 63 in4,132 lb54/46
2 Dr Coupe RWD 3.6188.6 in74 in55.9 in113.4 in62.2 / 63 in3,909 lb53/47
4dr Sedan AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4191.7 in72.4 in57.9 in113.4 in61 / 62.2 in4,118 lb51/49
4dr Sedan RWD 3.0/3.6191.7 in72.4 in57.9 in113.4 in61 / 62.2 in3,860 lb52/48
4dr Sportwagon AWD 3.0 4/3.6 4191.3 in72.4 in59.1 in113.4 in61.8 / 61.8 in4,222 lb51/49
4dr Sportwagon RWD 3.0/3.6191.3 in72.4 in59.1 in113.4 in61.8 / 61.8 in4,030 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CTS3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-9%$3,200423
CTS AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-9%$3,200423
CTS3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-9%$3,200423
CTS AWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-9%$3,200423
CTS Wagon3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-14%$3,200423
CTS Wagon AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-14%$3,200423
CTS Wagon3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-14%$3,200423
CTS Wagon AWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-14%$3,200423
CTS3.6L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19-18%$3,550468
CTS3.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 26 / 19-18%$3,550468
CTS6.2L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-31%$5,150555
CTS Wagon6.2L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-34%$5,150555
CTS6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-40%$5,850635
CTS Wagon6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-43%$5,850635
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2011 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Cadillac CTS.

Similar 2011 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Cadillac CTS (this car)21 MPGNot rated2
2011 BMW 5 Series25 MPGNot rated5
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class20 MPGNot rated0
2011 Lexus IS24 MPGNot rated7
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class21 MPGNot rated0
2011 Audi A624 MPGNot rated3
2011 Lexus LS20 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (2)

Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V394000 · 554,328 vehicles

Problem
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, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk
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.
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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
Air Bags · Jun 19, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V341000 · 16,932 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured October 18, 2010, to June 2, 2011. In the affected vehicles, vibrations from the drive shaft may cause the vehicle's roll over sensor to command the roof rail air bags to deploy.
Risk
If the roof rail air bags deploy unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of crash and injury to the occupants.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear drive shaft assembly, free of charge. General Motors distributed an interim letter to owners on August 27, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14233.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Cadillac CTS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

60Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
60,600 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags20
Power Train12
Electrical System8
Steering6
Engine5
Service Brakes4
Exterior Lighting4
Seats3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/09: 218/10: 219/01: 119/02: 119/04: 119/06: 219/07: 119/10: 119/12: 220/02: 120/07: 120/08: 220/09: 120/11: 121/12: 122/02: 122/04: 122/08: 122/10: 123/08: 123/09: 123/11: 124/10: 225/05: 218/0919/0219/0720/0220/0922/0222/1023/11max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Cadillac CTS buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 20 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Cadillac CTS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other CTS years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 CTS25195.7 in★★★★★010
2018 CTS25195.7 in★★★★★28
2017 CTS25195.7 in★★★★★227
2016 CTS25195.7 inNot rated431
2015 CTS24195.7 inNot rated349
2014 CTS23188.6 inNot rated6138
2013 CTS21188.6 inNot rated248
2012 CTS21188.6 inNot rated247
2010 CTS22191.7 inNot rated338
2009 CTS21–Not rated4104
2008 CTS21–Not rated287
2007 CTS19190.2 inNot rated496

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →