2010 Cadillac CTS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Sedan RWD, 4dr Sportwagon RWD/AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 191.3–191.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,860–4,118 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 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 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Cadillac CTS is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,118 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 1% worse than the 2010 midsize car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2010
- Engines added: 3.0L 6-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 CTS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 191.7 in | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 113.4 in | 61 / 62.2 in | 4,118 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD | 191.7 in | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 113.4 in | 61 / 62.2 in | 3,860 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr Sportwagon RWD/AWD | 191.3 in | 72.4 in | 59.1 in | 113.4 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,112 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 22 | -1% | $3,050 | 404 |
| CTS Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 22 | -9% | $3,050 | 404 |
| CTS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -5% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -5% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS Wagon | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -14% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS Wagon AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -14% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS Wagon AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -14% | $3,200 | 423 |
| CTS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -14% | $3,550 | 468 |
| CTS | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -14% | $3,550 | 468 |
| CTS-V | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -28% | $5,150 | 555 |
| CTS-V | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -37% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Cadillac CTS under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Cadillac CTS (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 BMW 5 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Audi A6 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Suspension › Rear · Feb 11, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V089000 · 44,147 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A WAX COATING ON THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK JAM NUTS MAY ALLOW THE NUT(S) TO LOOSEN. IF A NUT SUFFICIENTLY LOOSENS, THE TOE LINK COULD SEPARATE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN INBOARD OR OUTBOARD. OWNERS MAY HEAR A METALLIC CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT MAY WARN OF A LOOSENING NUT.
- Risk
- THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE SUDDEN CHANGES WITH VEHICLE HANDLING AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL CLEAN ALL WAX RESIDUE FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK AND INSTALL TWO NEW JAM NUTS. IF NECESSARY THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK MAY BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Equipment · Sep 13, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V414000 · 20,224 vehicles
- Problem
- GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CADILLAC CTS ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND CTS-V VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
- Risk
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE FRONT PASSENGER MAY BE AT AN INCREASED RISK OF LEG INJURY.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT ASSEMBLY AND, IN SOME VEHICLES MODIFY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STRUCTURE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
Not every 2010 Cadillac CTS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Cadillac CTS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 76,844 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Cadillac CTS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CTS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2018 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 8 |
| 2017 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2016 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 31 |
| 2015 CTS | 24 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 49 |
| 2014 CTS | 23 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 138 |
| 2013 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 48 |
| 2012 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2011 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 60 |
| 2009 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 4 | 104 |
| 2008 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 2 | 87 |
| 2007 CTS | 19 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 96 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →