7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,400
Average Mileage:
95,050 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace timing chain (4 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
  3. replace timing chains (1 reports)
2009 Cadillac CTS engine problems

engine problem

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2009 Cadillac CTS Owner Comments

problem #7

Jan 292021

CTS AWD 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

So after I found out what the problem was with my Caddy, I researched and found out that these particular models and other GM Vehicles have timing chain issues... Why the hell isn't there a recall on this if this is a known issue? Car only has 72k on it - I'm the only owner of the car - its an 09 CTS its like brand new, now that the chains were all replaced - along with valve cover gaskets and water pump and all new fluids and oil change - it runs like brand new. But again I'm so pissed off - why isn't there a recall on this??

- Sondra L., Naugatuck, CT, US

problem #6

Mar 182019

CTS LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I bought this car off my grandmother, who took emasculate care of it and bought it new. I got the car at 85,000 miles and almost the exact moment the car hit 100k miles, the check engine light came on and I found out there was a problem with the timing chain. The car is only worth 5k and Ive already put about 3k into the vehicle, not worth it.

Unrelated, I also had a problem with water leaking into the front drivers side of the cabin, never figured out where that problem originated.

- nanya, Princeton, US

problem #5

Nov 012018

CTS 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

My 2009 CTS started showing code PO008 around 118000 miles. I read about the special coverage for 3.6 engine timing chains. I asked local dealerships about the special coverage. They said they didn't see coverage for that VIN number. I called Cadillac Customer Service and asked the service representative about document 11340C. The service representative told me that 11340C was a GM document and asked me did I work for GM. She told me 11340C was a TSB for the technician. She kept asking me where and who gave me the document. I told her I got it off the internet several times. I parked the car for about 2 months trying to decide what to do. Last week I took it the dealership and had them officially diagnose it. They said the timing chains need to be replaced and it would cost about $2750.00. I didn't want to go over the 10 year time limit. My car build date is 03/09. I told them to go ahead and fix it.

- Ronnel J., BATON ROUGE, LA, US

problem #4

Aug 082018

CTS 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,256 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I recently acquired a 2009 Cadillac CTS with 107250 miles on it. Got check engine light indicator and car pulling codes P0007, P0017, P0018 which are all related to timing chain failure on this particular car. I learned that there was a TBS bulletin 11340C – Special Coverage Adjustment —Timing Chain Wear that was extended to include 2009's under 120k miles (which my car is) I called GM/Cadillac toll free number from google and spoke to them. Gentleman I spoke with said you have coverage on this car.

Take it to a local dealer (and bring your bulletin) Made appointment with Faulkner Cadillac in Trevose. Service writer John informed me after running the VIN that this extended coverage only applied to certain VIN's for the model year so there is no coverage. Called Cadillac back (mind you I own 3 Cadillac) and was treated very rudely and condescending by Meredith (who refused to provide her last name) and ended the call by hanging up on me after I asked to be transferred to a manager.

It is amazing to me to read this same complaint for this model year and car over and over again on this board and yet Cadillac still refuses to provide coverage for a known defect. They state the reason is that on cars built later in the model year that the timing chains were "improved upon". Clearly given the amount of complaints for the same issue, this is NOT the case. Very disappointing since this is a $2000 repair and Cadillac knows the problem exists and does nothing about it.

To be fair, Faulkner is treating me very kindly. The GM offered to have his service manager dig into the issue a little further. Will update this as I reach an outcome.

- Mike K., Langhorne, US

problem #3

Jul 092018

CTS 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

I bought a 2009 Cadillac CTS from my friend in 2013. The car only had 18,000 miles when I bought it. In late 2015 I had drive chain failure at 41,000 miles. The local dealer said it was not covered because I was out of warranty and the recall for the CTS was by VIN# and mine was not included. At the time, my immediate family owned three Cadillacs, all purchased from the same dealer.

After further discussion with the General manager, I paid for the parts and the dealer paid for the labor. The car is back at the dealership today with three drive chain related codes. The car now has 71,415 miles on it. The service adviser was quick to tell me drive chain would not be covered on my car. I opened a case with Cadillac Customer Service prior to bringing the car in. I'm still waiting to hear from the dealership regarding the repair and associated cost. Hopefully they will step up and do the right thing. Two drive chains in 71,000 miles doesn't speak well for Cadillac. I'll post my results when I hear back from the Dealership and Cadillac customer service.

"Vision without execution is just hallucination" Henry Ford..

- Ed R., Las Vegas, NV, US

problem #2

May 012017

CTS 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

The recall for CTS 2007-2009 specifically states that all cars in that category up to 10 years or 120,000 miles would have the cost of the timing chain replacement covered. The total scam that GM/Cadilac has with the agency (government owned) is when we try to get it covered they ask for a VIN number and that's where the scam takes place. All press releases and on the web sites it shows complete coverage, never does it mention VIN specific. Once you try to get coverage they pull the scam and don't cover it. What bullshit! I spoke to Cadillac direct (supervisor) and they could care less. They know of this problem but only offered the recall on these years for better public relations and not to really cover the problem.

I have mentioned and I mean it I will never buy a Cadillac again. To have a car where it needs a timing chain less than 100,000 miles is ridiculous in this day. Especially a luxury car!! I had a similar problem with an Audi and it was over the miles covered and they replaced the timing chain to make me happy. With the scammers at Cadillac they specifically say they will cover it and then when you go it check your VIN and don't.

I hope Cadillac goes out of business and nobody trusts their cars, they know they have a problem (that's why my car is broken) but they will not under any condition live up to their recall agreement. That supervisor has a patented answer and the answer is always "Your VIN isn't included in this recall". $2550 is my cost to fix.

Hope this doesn't happen to you. I'm an American and Cadillac was always a competitive luxury car, buy Mercedes, BMW or Audi as this wouldn't happen with those manufacturers, not to mention their cars last longer. My 2005 E320 diesel has 353,000 miles and no problems!!!!

F*ck Cadillac and their customer service/lies!

- Craig J., Mount Clemens, MI, US

problem #1

May 022016

CTS 3.6L V.6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,839 miles

Regarding tsb 11340 (NHTSA reference- 10043857), which states, "if premature wear of the timing chain occurs on your 2007 model year GMC acadia; Saturn outlook; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac Cts, srx, sts; 2009 model year Buick enclave; Chevrolet traverse; GMC acadia; or Saturn outlook vehicle, equipped with a 2.8L/3.6L V6 engine, within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge" our 2009 Cadillac Cts with ~100,463 miles has been diagnosed with this failure; however, General Motors refuses to make the repairs stated in the tsb at no charge in accordance with the tsb. My experience dealing with Cadillac over the past 2 days indicates that Cadillac had no intention of making the repairs that they have informed the NHTSA were appropriate. It is my observation that General Motors had no intention of honoring the bulletin and only submitted the information to the NHTSA as a means to mitigate the negative public image from this engineering failure. General Motors should not be permitted to manipulate public trust and abuse the resources of the NHTSA for their own marketing benefit. This is a deceptive practice and the government should require that the manufacturer abide by the stated resolution and not permit the manufacturer to abuse public resources.

- Brad S., Arnold, MO, US

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