Model year guide

2008 Cadillac CTS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Cadillac CTS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 259 on record.

2008 Cadillac CTS — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Cadillac CTS at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints175
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$10,093

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Cadillac CTS recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V394000 · 02/07/2014

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, 2…

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 14…

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #10V240000 · 04/06/2010

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS …

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. OW…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Cadillac CTS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2008 Cadillac CTS safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Cadillac CTS MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,138

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Cadillac CTS worth?

Low
$6,900
Typical price
$10,093
High
$13,400

From 258 comparable 2008 Cadillac CTS listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Cadillac CTS costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,690
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,150
Total$22,840
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($10,093) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,926), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Cadillac CTS trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl

2008 Cadillac CTS vehicles on record

Other Cadillac CTS model years

2008 Cadillac CTS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Cadillac CTS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2008 Cadillac CTS. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Cadillac CTS?

Based on 175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, air bags.

What is the 2008 Cadillac CTS safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Cadillac CTS crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Cadillac CTS get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Cadillac CTS at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2008 Cadillac CTS worth?

Comparable 2008 Cadillac CTS listings run roughly $6,900–$13,400, typically around $10,093 (from 258 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.